JOBS IN NIGERIA: FINANCE ANALYST AT UNDP(ABUJA)

FINANCE ANALYST
Location :	Abuja, NIGERIA
Application Deadline :	04-May-10
Type of Contract :	FTA Local
Languages Required :	English
Starting Date : (date when the selected canditate is expected to start)	31-May-2010
Duration of Initial Contract :	1 year
Expected Duration of Assignment :	with possibility of yearly renewal
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Background
Under the guidance and supervision of the Finance Specialist, the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective delivery of financial services, transparent utilization of financial resources and management of the CO Finance Unit. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Finance Analyst supervises and leads the staff of the Finance Unit. The Finance Analyst works in close collaboration with the operations, programme and project teams in the CO, UNDP HQs staff and Government officials ensuring successful CO performance in Finance.
Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions: Implementation of operational strategies Projects’ budgets management and organization of the cost-recovery system Control of CO accounts Control of CO cash management Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing 1. Ensures implementation of operational strategies focusing on achievement of the following results: Full compliance of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system and audit follow up with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, policies and strategies; implementation of the effective internal control, proper design and functioning of the financial resources management system. CO Finance business processes mapping and elaboration/establishment of internal Standard Operating Procedures in Finance, control of the workflows in the Finance Unit. Continuous analysis and monitoring of the financial situation, presentation of forecasts for development and management projects. Elaboration of the framework and conditions of contributions within the CO resources mobilization efforts. Elaboration and implementation of cost saving and reduction strategies. Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Informs supervisors and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained. 2. Manages the budget of development and management projects and organizes an optimal cost-recovery system focusing on achievement of the following results: Financial resources management through planning, guiding, controlling of the resources in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. Preparation and monitoring of budgets of management projects. Establishment of the development projects’ budgets preparation/modification monitoring system, control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budgets delivery levels. Sending project budget to KK if authorized by the Senior Management (can be done only on the basis of signed prodocs and project budgets). Elaboration of proper mechanisms to eliminate deficiencies in budget management. Preparation of cost-recovery bills in Atlas for the services provided by UNDP. 3. Ensures proper control of CO accounts focusing on achievement of the following results: Elaboration of the internal expenditures’ control system which ensures that vouchers processed are matched and completed, transactions are correctly recorded and posted in Atlas; payrolls are duly prepared; MPOs, travel claims and other entitlements are duly processed. Manager level 1 in Atlas if authorized by Senior Management. Control of accounts closure. Approval of vendors in Atlas. Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers. Timely response to HQ requests to resolve financial data issues. Control of the Accounts Receivables for UNDP projects and follow up with partners on contributions, maintenance of the General Ledger. 4. Ensures proper CO cash management  focusing on achievement of the following results: 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. Monitoring of financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions and investigation of anomalies or unusual transactions. Provision of information to supervisors and other UNDP staff at HQ on the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained. Daily review of zero-balance account bank statements in Atlas to monitor imprest level; identification and record of contributions. Primary contact with local bank management on routine operational matters including negotiation of exchange rate on replenishments. Member of bank signatory panel. Transaction and stop payment approval on internet banking systems. Approval and submission of monthly UN exchange rate reports to Treasury. Timely and accurate approval of bank reconciliation, including documented review of exceptions. Initiation of bank transfers and deals, selecting bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement. Performing Paycycle manager role in Atlas. Timely preparation of monthly cashflow forecast for use by Operations Manager. Liaison with UN Agencies to obtain estimate of their cash requirements. Role as cashier for cash disbursements made on site. 5. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO focusing on achievement of the following results: Organization of trainings for the operations/ projects staff on Finance. Synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices in Finance. Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice. Impact of Results The key results have an impact on the overall CO efficiency in financial resources management and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies.  Accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, timely and appropriate delivery of services ensure client satisfaction and enhance UNDP credibility in use of financial resources.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies: Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards. Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning. Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example. Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills. Development and Operational Effectiveness Good knowledge of accounting. Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery. Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change. Excellent IT skills, knowledge of Atlas Management and Leadership Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback. Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude. Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills. Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities UNDP Accounting and Finance Training and certification
Required Skills and Experience
Education: Master’s Degree, ACA or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field. Experience: 3-5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in providing management advisory services and/or managing staff and operational systems. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web based management systems. Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. Apply now!