IPSAS Specialist

*** Applicants that already applied to VA/2023/B0004/25421 - IPSAS Specialist - do not need to re-apply again.

The Finance Group (FG) is a critical and strategic business function in UNOPS and serves as an authoritative and integrated partner in the organization on strategic financial planning and budgeting, financial policy, practices, analysis,  management services and reporting, organisational treasury and investments.  As the steward of resources of a self-financing UN entity, FG is accountable for processes to ensure timely cost recovery and reporting to partners, maintaining the integrity and transparency of financial management of resources in accordance with the highest standards of ethics and organisational/international accountability framework and the accurate and transparent financial reporting to governing bodies, clients, partners and stakeholders.

The IPSAS Specialist  reports to the Head of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations who provides broad supervision and guidance.  The IPSAS Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting  and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial policies compliant to accounting standards and support  for preparation of the financial statement.  He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and the applicable accounting standards (IPSAS) and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues including financial investments. 

• Update and maintain policy  documents on financial reporting and recording of corporate financial investments

• Exercise periodic monitoring over transactions and account balances to ensure recording and reporting in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and IPSAS policies on  financial instruments and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.

• Review and assess agreements for financial instruments and equity deals and devise accounting treatments in compliance to IPSAS and UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations

• Provide specialist support in establishing necessary processes for derivatives valuations, hedge accounting and application of impairment models

• Take a proactive approach in identifying issues related to data quality and liaise with related parties in the organization to ensure timely and necessary corrections.

• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned.

• Contribute to developing and maintaining a strong control environment around financial reporting and the integrity of data used for preparation of corporate financial statements

       3. CAPACITY BUILDING / SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT 

• Develop training materials and guidance on relevant IPSAS standards

• Conduct, webex and virtual trainings to relevant personnel and business community 

• Develop IPSAS awareness informative contents for internal communication

• Support business process owners in the development of training materials through a review of the contents for technical IPSAS accuracy for topics assigned

• Collaborate and communicate with UNOPS departments in HQ and field on regular basis

• A Master's Degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Financial Management or a related field is required.

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of a Master's degree.

• Professional certification in accounting (CA, CPA, ACCA, ACA, etc.) or equivalent is required

• Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience within an international environment in the areas of financial reporting,  audit and accounting

• A thorough knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is required.

• Experience in areas of Financial Instruments and specialized knowledge in financial instruments (IPSAS 41, IFRS 9) and their practical application is considered as a strong asset

• Excellent computer skills and ability to use software tools to present data clearly and concisely is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated experience in interpretation of international accounting standards and preparation of financial statements is required.

• Full working knowledge of English.  

• Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.

Contract type: ICA
Contract level: IICA 2
Contract duration: Ongoing, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.