Finance Specialist (Payroll Finance Oversight)

Organizational context: The Bureau for Management Services' Office of Financial Resources Management (BMS/OFRM) supports UNDP's implementation of the 2030 agenda by enhancing financial and administrative performance. It ensures financial integrity through policy development, oversight, and resource management. Within OFRM, the Financial Performance Management & Reporting (FPMR) unit oversees financial reporting and statement integrity. The Payroll Finance Oversight (PFO) function, within FPMR, provides financial oversight for global payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

Job purpose: The Finance Specialist (Payroll Finance Oversight) provides specialized technical expertise and serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in payroll accounting. This role is crucial for the Payroll Finance Oversight (PFO) function, which governs UNDP's global payroll operations. The specialist will offer technical oversight, monitoring, and analysis of payroll expenses and related balance sheet accounts.

Key contributions include strengthening payroll finance processes, advising on system configurations and accounting treatments to mitigate risk, and reviewing high-risk transactions. The ultimate goal is to ensure IPSAS-compliant financial recording and reporting, thereby reducing audit risk and safeguarding the organization against financial, compliance, and reputational risks associated with payroll activities. This role supports management through analysis, issue resolution, and coordination with service providers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

The Finance Specialist is responsible for establishing effective payroll finance oversight and policy implementation, including reviewing and maintaining financial policies, procedures, and accounting treatments related to payroll. This involves assessing and strengthening the payroll control environment, reviewing accounting mappings, and developing oversight tools and reports. The role contributes to IPSAS-compliant financial statements by researching reporting requirements, performing analytical reviews, and preparing financial notes.

Additionally, the specialist establishes payroll controls for the Statement of Internal Control over Financial Reporting (SICFR), including developing risk matrices, leading control testing, and liaising with auditors. The position also involves performing payroll finance oversight and analytical functions, monitoring GL accounts, reviewing transactions, overseeing staff advances, troubleshooting accounting issues, and conducting complex analyses of employee benefit liabilities. Finally, the role establishes risk-informed financial policies and procedures, supports audit processes, and facilitates knowledge sharing.

Education:

An advanced university degree (master's or equivalent) in Finance or Accounting, or a professional accounting qualification, is required. A first-level university degree with additional qualifying experience is also considered. Professional accounting qualifications are advantageous. Candidates without a qualification may need to pass the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT) or complete the UNDP Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP).

Work experience:

A minimum of 5 years (with a master's degree) or 7 years (with a bachelor's degree) of experience in financial management, accounting, or auditing is required. Proven experience with IPSAS/IFRS and ERP financial systems (preferably Oracle) is essential. Demonstrated experience in AI, digital transformation, process automation, and exploring new technologies is also required. Audit experience, project costing, and experience with actuaries or the UN system are desirable.

Skills:

Core Competencies:

Achieve Results, Think Innovatively, Learn Continuously, Adapt with Agility, Act with Determination, Engage and Partner, Enable Diversity and Inclusion.

Accounting (general)Financial risk managementFinancial & Process InnovationFinance Business PartneringAudit Risk Managementportfolio a the ...Required languages: English