Budget Specialist (Decision Support) – New York

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    $115,738 - $155,087 / YEAR
  • Job type:
    FULL_TIME
  • Posted:
    2 days ago
  • Category:
    Budget and Accounting, Finance
  • Deadline:
    28/11/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary:

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Chief, DSU, the incumbent is primarily responsible for the management of Regular Resource Budget allocations and Discretionary funds such as 7% Set Aside, EPF, Thematic, etc. The incumbent will advise the Chief on improvements or innovative processes which will lead to increased efficiencies for the organization. The incumbent will coordinate and support all related activities, projects, and system alignments in area of his/her responsibility. The incumbent will also provide guidance on budget and funds management processes to country and regional offices and help to resolve reported issues.

Responsibilities: 

Under the supervision of the Chief, Resource Analysis and Decision Support:

1. Manages, coordinates & monitors budget issuance

-Creates and issues budget allotments.

-Posts budget adjustments to record additional contribution, increase/decrease due to revaluation, write-off, refund, rephase, etc.

-Ensures the information on Country Program Documents (CPD’s) approved by the Executive Board is correctly recorded.

2. Maintains Master Data

-Acts as primary liaison between teams, divisions, and offices on the maintenance of programme structures and programmatic coding.

-Creates/maintains Work Breakdown Structure in VISION globally.

-Backs up creation of other master data such as cost centers, fund centers, commitment items, and other associated structures.

3. Participates and leads in the development of budget and planning systems

-Contributes towards preparation of business requirements and solution design for the new planning and budgeting systems.

-Evaluates and recommends improvements in the existing business processes and systems.

-Tests and provides constructive feedback during the development phase and also during regular enhancements.

-Provides support to country, regional and headquarter divisions.

4. Supports the line manager with regards to reporting and financial analysis

-Provides analysis and inputs for the preparation of Executive Board documents.

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-Provides regular and ad-hoc reports and analysis for audit, presentations and decision-making processes.

-Provides analysis and regular reporting related to cost distribution mechanisms and trends.

5. Participates in the Year End closing processes

-Actively works with other members of the DSU team on the year end carry forward of budget and commitments exercise.

-Works with the team on the preparation of the B2A (Budget to Actual Statement) and all associated supporting documents.

-Assists Donor Reporting Unit in grants analysis for Financial and Technical grants closure.

6. Any other duties and tasks assigned by the supervisor including preparation of analyses, studies and other ad-hoc reporting requirements.

Qualifications:

Minimum requirements:

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s) in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration is required. Or alternatively, a university degree (Bachelor’s) with a minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in Finance, and/or Budget.

Work Experience:

  • A minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in Financial or Management Accounting, or a closely related discipline, at both national and international levels is required.
  • Proficient knowledge and practical expertise in the SAP Public Sector Management module, specifically in Funds and Grants Management, is mandatory.
  • Familiarity with the UNICEF Grantee Module, including its implementation and processes throughout the Grants lifecycle, is required.
  • Extensive understanding of the SAP Project System module.
  • Insight into the UNICEF Country Programme planning process and budgeting, alongside experience in managing UNICEF discretionary funds, will be considered an asset.
  • Previous professional experience within an international organization or a United Nations Agency is strongly preferred.
  • The candidate must demonstrate strong analytical and technical capabilities, alongside exceptional financial acumen. Proficient interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills are essential for effective collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is considered an asset.

Desirables:

  • Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60