VN 2021 163 Chief of Global Accounting (P5) Geneva, Switzerland

Job content

Context:
The Accounting and Financial Reporting Division (ACO) of the Department of Resources

Management of IOM is responsible for monitoring, analysing and reporting on the financial

position, financial performance, financial risks and financial compliance of the Organization and

manages the related financial control framework and processes of IOM. The Division develops

and regular updates IOM’s financial management rules and procedures; provides financial

advisory and support services to IOM’s management, field and regional offices; integrates the

applicable financial principles to IOM’s non-financial policies; develops new financial and

accounting approaches in response to emerging operational needs; and facilitates knowledge

management, policy interpretations; change management and communication in the related

areas. ACO also manages the global financial controlling and financial oversight framework of

the Organization; prepares key financial statements and reports on the financial position and

performance of the Organization in compliance with the International Public Sector Accounting

Standards (IPSAS); ensures integrity of accounting data; controls the financial master data

structures, data flows and financial processes within IOM’s SAP based Enterprise Resource

Planning (ERP) system (PRISM); and liaises with external and internal auditors and other

stakeholders on accounting and finance related issues and matters.

Under the overall supervision of the Comptroller/Director of the Department of Resources

Management (DRM) and direct supervision of the Deputy Comptroller/Director of the Accounting

and Financial Reporting Division, the Chief of Global Accounting is responsible for overseeing

the preparation of the of IOM’s statutory financial statements ensuring IPSAS compliance,

providing regular reports to management on IOM’s financial performance and position and

overseeing the project financial report certification processes of IOM.

Within the overall guidance of the Comptroller/Director of the Department of Resources

Management and direct guidance of the Deputy Comptroller, the Chief of Global Accounting has

independence to use professional judgement to interpret financial rules and regulations (with a

pragmatic approach) in the application of accrual accounting principles under IPSAS; and, to

provide direction and guidance to IOM’s accounting functions worldwide.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Ensure timely and quality preparation of IOM’s annual financial statements in compliance with

the IOM Financial Regulation and IPSAS.

2. Update IOM’s accounting protocols and procedures in response to emerging operational and

accounting requirements in compliance with IPSAS. Seek opportunities to harmonize with the

UN accounting practices where applicable and feasible within IOM’s financial context.

3. Supervise the preparation of regular and ad-hoc internal reports on IOM’s financial

performance and position as well as undertake analysis of the financial results to draw attention

to key issues and concerns in a timely manner.

4. Ensure regular update to the structure and content of both the annual statutory reports and

the financial management reports of IOM to best reflect on the evolving business context and

stakeholder requirements.

5. Manage the project financial report certification process of IOM.

6. Manage the accounts consolidation and periodic accounts closure functions and processes of

IOM; as well as the related accounts review and controls mechanisms to facilitate prevention

and timely detection of financial risks and any concerns to accounts quality. Provide functional

oversight and supervision to the related central functions located at IOM Headquarters, and

within the Manila Administrative Centre (MAC) and the Panama Administrative Centre (PAC).

7. Ensure timely and accurate assets, liability, revenue and expense management and

recognition by IOM and its offices worldwide. Recommend and implement actions to improve

the integrity of IOM’s accounts.

8. Manage and regularly update the Chart of Accounts of IOM with the aim of increasing the

efficiency and accuracy of IOM’s financial reporting to its Member States, management and

other stakeholders, while ensuring no overlap and full integrity with other financial and

controlling master data structures managed by the Division.

9. Ensure IOM’s preparedness to the timely adoption of new accounting standards, including

new IPSASs, and manage their implementation.

10. Provide substantive inputs and support to the development and improvement of IOM’s ERP

system and accounting related tools and solutions. Propose improvements to accounting

processes and approaches and facilitate their implementation in full integration interlinked

functions of IOM.

11. Undertake and contribute to initiatives aiming to facilitate the continued professional

development of IOM’s finance community in the area of accounting and financial reporting.

12. Facilitate the implementation of the annual work plan of the IOM’s External Auditors

appointed by the Council with regards to the annual financial statements of IOM.

13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field from an accredited academic

institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience;

and,

• Professional certification as chartered accountant (CA) or certified public accountant (CPA) or

membership at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) or another

recognized professional accountancy body is required.

Experience

• A minimum of ten years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial

management with responsibilities for accounting, financial reporting and financial analysis,

including at corporate level, in a multinational / international organization environment;

• Experience in implementing and/or improving computerized accounting/ERP systems is

desired; and,

• Experience with internal control assessments, financial risk management and/or audit.

Skills

• Extensive professional knowledge of financial accounting as applied to international public

organizations with experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)

and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS);

• Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures and practices is

desired;

• Successful track record in a lead role played in the consolidation and production of corporate

accounts and statutory financial statements under internationally recognized accounting

standards for external audit;

• Successful track record in remotely managing teams and functions, including highly

decentralized financial and accounting practices;

• High level of computer literacy, in particular advance experience in the use of the ERP

systems.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in

English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French,

Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French

and/or Spanish is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,

which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database

(https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural

differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner

consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed

manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve

shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely

manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and

innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes

responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains

complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the

ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling

environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and

communicates a clear strategic direction. Develops and implements sustainable strategies,

thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the Organization. Anticipates and

perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the

Organization.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p

df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding

confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations.

Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain

eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in

the Professional Category of staff members.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,

accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No

late applications will be accepted.

How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment

system, by 05 August 2021 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment

system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment

Posting period:
From 16.07.2021 to 05.08.2021

No Fees:
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview,

processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank

accounts.

Job Type: Contract