Finance and Budget Officer - P3

With delegated authority from the Executive Director and under the supervision of the Chief, Finance and Budget Section, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Budget Management:

   Assist the Chief of Finance and Budget Section, in the implementation of the Institute’s budgetary functions to ensure the effective management of financial resources and the successful delivery of UNITAR’s programmes and activities, by:

   • Preparing and maintaining the budget tool used for the formulation of the initial and revised biennium budgets.
   • Supporting the Chief of Section in the timely preparation, consolidation, and submission of the Institute’s biennium budget.
   • Reviewing budget proposals and providing recommendations for budget finalization, including the analysis of variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
   • Administering and monitoring General Fund resources, cost plans, and cost recovery mechanisms, while ensuring compliance with the full cost recovery policy, the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules, and established policies and procedures.
   • Providing information on budget balances, commitments, expenditures, and unliquidated obligations to support effective financial management and decision-making.
   • Preparing regular management reports and variance analyses for the Chief of Section to support financial planning, monitoring, and fund utilization decisions.
   • Providing ongoing advice and guidance to programme staff on budget availability, future obligations, expenditure management, and the financial implications of operational decisions.

2. Revenue and Expenditure Management:

   Support the Chief of Finance and Budget Section, in ensuring compliance with the IPSAS accounting standards and the UN Financial Regulations and Rules, by:

   • Developing and maintaining forecasting mechanisms to support expenditure projections and cash planning for the Institute.
   • Monitoring actual expenditures against the General Fund budget, ensuring that spending remains within authorized limits and reporting variances for appropriate corrective action.
   • Monitoring grant agreements, ensuring the accurate recording of revenue in accordance with agreement terms, and reviewing and approving related accounts receivable transactions.
   • Monitoring cash balances, budget utilization, and allocation balances, and advising managers on corrective actions where necessary to ensure sound financial management.
   • Backstopping the Chief of Section in the review of grants-in and grants-out agreements to ensure compliance with financial policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.

3. Account Analysis and Monitoring:

   Ensure the Integrity of financial systems and the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of financial information by:

   • Reviewing and reconciling accounts on a timely and periodic basis to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of transactions recorded across the various financial modules of the ERP system.
   • Assisting the Chief of Section in the preparation of management accounts and financial analyses to support performance monitoring and provide financial advice to Programmes and Senior Management.
   • Assisting the Chief of Section in reviewing financial reports from various sources, identifying irregularities, discrepancies, and problem transactions, and ensuring their timely resolution.
   • Assisting the Chief of Section in ensuring that accounting, reporting, and internal control systems operate effectively and that all relevant financial records are accurately maintained.
   • Providing support to the Chief of Section by responding to queries, troubleshooting, and recommending appropriate solutions to financial and accounting issues.
   • Researching and analyzing financial and operational information required to respond to management inquiries, programmes requests, donor queries, and audit observations and recommendations.

4. Financial Reporting:

   Support the Chief of the Finance and Budget Section in the preparation and delivery of timely and accurate financial reports to stakeholders by:

   • Preparing and reviewing financial reports for donors on the utilization of funds, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirements and agreements.
   • Participating in the monthly and year-end closing of accounts, including contributions to the preparation of UNITAR’s IPSAS-compliant corporate financial statements.
   • Assisting the Chief of Section in analyzing financial data and providing account information required for the preparation of financial statements and management reports.
   • Coordinating with Programme Managers on fund utilization and project balances, and preparing financial reports for donors in accordance with agreed reporting requirement.

5. Transactional Support and Process Improvement:

   Support the implementation of programmes by exercising delegated authority for the review, processing, and approval of financial transactions by:

   • Ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial transactions processed in accordance with the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules, and maintaining accurate records of financial entries and supporting documentation.
   • Working closely with team members and other colleagues within the Section to ensure the accurate and timely processing of payments in an efficient manner and in compliance with established procedures.
   • Serving as a contact point for staff members across UNITAR, UN agencies, and external counterparts by providing advice and guidance to facilitate the processing of financial transactions.
   • Recommending and implementing improvements to financial transactional processes to enhance standardization, efficiency, and effectiveness.
   • Managing process improvement and digital development initiatives in line with the Finance and Budget Section’s work plan.
6. General:
   • Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Section and the nature of the job.