The United Nations Office for Project Services ( UNOPS), Ghana Operational Hub based in Accra – Ghana with Country Offices in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. UNOPS GHOH has developed a compelling solid reputation across the globe in the delivery of its core mandates in the areas of Project Management, Infrastructure and Procurement. What drives us is a passion to fight inequalities and to provide opportunities to those most vulnerable. This means we often work in the most challenging environments, building foundations for communities to function and people to live with dignity and respect. To succeed here, you’ll need to be able to combine creativity with the organizational skills to manage numerous different projects to tight deadlines simultaneously, as well as working with the different units to meet their expectations. We are therefore, looking for intellectually curious talented qualified Ghanaians with solid Financial Management acumen with stakeholder focus to join the team as Finance Associate for the Ghana Office. Things happen quickly at UNOPS- Ghana Operational Hub and the work culture encourages you to be an enthusiastic team player – a self-starter who can work cross-functionally and isn’t frightened to take risks or try out new ways of doing things within UNOPS.
Under the direct supervision of the functional supervisor(s) who report to the Head of Support Services, the Finance Associate will provide financial and administrative support to the timely processing, recording, monitoring, and maintaining if financial transactions and accounts relating to payments and receipts in accordance with UNOPS’ financial rules, regulations, policies, and processes.
Functions/ Key Results Expected Summary of Key Functions: 1. Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system 2. Accounting. Payments, Payroll 3. CO cash management 4. Knowledge building and Knowledge sharing
- Administration of budgets and cost-recovery system
Ensures administration of budgets and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Preparation and modifications of budgets for projects,
- Presentation of researched information for planning and status of office’s financial resources
- Provision of inputs for implementation of cost-saving and reduction strategies in consultation with the office management.
- Preparation of cost sharing and trust fund agreements, follow up on contributions within the office’s resource mobilization efforts
- Accounting. Payments, Payroll
Accounting, Payments, Payroll functions focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports for projects; preparation of all types of vouchers; Pay Cycle and payments execution.
- Proper receipting of goods, services, and establishment of accruals.
- Approval of vendors in Enterprise system (if a senior member of the Finance team).
- Global payrolls processing in Enterprise system.
- Maintenance of the internal expenditures control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, timely corrective actions on unposted voucher taken, including those with budget check errors, match exceptions and unapproved vouchers; transactions are correctly recorded and posted; payrolls are duly prepared and processed; travel claims, MPOs and other entitlements are duly processed
- Review of payment requests including supporting documents against the annual work plan.
- Timely accounts closure
- Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues.
- Timely corrective actions on erroneous data in. Enterprise system. Preparation of financial reports as required.
- Maintenance of the Accounts Receivables for projects and follow-up with partners on contributions, deposits creation in Enterprise system and their application to pending items.
- Timely reimbursements, payments of costs by the Government
- Preparation of vouchers for projects
For Roving Positions outside ERP systems:
- Administer project advances, reconciliations, and replenishments, under authorized approvals as follows
- Liaise with programme officers and conduct necessary project visits to obtain all certified documents evidencing the completion of an activity, incurring of expenditure and identity of the party/vendor;
- Verify and monitor the accuracy of the statements and work plan compliance to provide replenishment of seed funds
- Collect all certified supporting documents, signatures, names and other particulars of the beneficiaries in receipt claims / reimbursements;
- Undertake required recording of transactions
- Reconcile the available balance of funds with the balance shown in the register;
- Where authorized, replenish funds upon receipt of relevant original documents and other evidence, and performing a reconciliation of the figures, beneficiaries, work plan and budget;
- Ensure settlement of the balance of cash in hand.
- CO cash management
Ensures proper CO cash management functioning focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate for timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds on hand for disbursements. Timely identification and recording of receipts for income application.
- Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate for daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Enterprise system to monitor imprest level; identification and recording of contributions.
- Timely and accurate preparation of bank reconciliations.
- Alternate to the supervising Finance Associate for timely preparation of monthly cash flow forecast for use by Operations Manager/ Finance Analyst. Liaison with clients to obtain estimate of their cash requirement.
- Initiation of bank transfers and deals in Enterprise system.
- Creation of bank transfers (replenishment), deals and bank reconciliation processing .
- Effecting of operational Advances after submission of the reconciliation and settlement of the previous advances.
- Knowledge building and knowledge sharing
- Organize, facilitate and/or deliver training and learning initiatives for personnel on finance-related topics.
- Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice by synthesizing of lessons learnt and dissemination of best practices in human resources.
- Contribute feedback, ideas, and internal knowledge about processes and best practices and utilize productively.
- As Key Business User provide financial management support in the financial management module of Enterprise system to internal clients.
Impact of Results The effective and successful achievement of results by the Finance Associate directly impacts the efficient and effective management of financial resources in projects and programmes, demonstrating UNOPS’ effective stewardship of donor and partner funds. These promote the credibility of the organization as an effective service provider in project services and management.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education: Secondary School certification in Accounting or related discipline/ field is required . Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics or related field with 2 years of relevant professional experience in Finance or related field is desirable and will be considered. Applicants with Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics is desirable and will also be considered . Professional Finance/ Accounting Certification in such as CPA, CA or ACCA etc would be an added advantage. Experience: Minimum of six (6) years of relevant working experience within the areas of finance, accounting, business administration or related field is required.
Knowledge of UNOPS financial rules and regulations; working knowledge of ERP is desirable.
Experience with MS Office 2003/or newer versions, and financial management, using electronic systems, environment and are desired. Some experience in UN system organizations is desirable.
Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of second UN working language desirable.
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.
Contract type: Local Individual Contract Agreement (LICA) Contract level: LICA 6 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
- This is a local position, therefore only Nationals of the duty station or applicants who are legally entitled to be employed in the duty station will be considered.
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such check
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