Organizational Setting

The Finance Division (CSF) recommends and administers financial policies and procedures that meet the highest professional standards; keeps accounts that accurately record financial activities and meet the requirements of internal and external audits; prepares reports to accurately portray the financial status of the Organization and its activities; ensures that the Organization’s financial resources are securely kept and productively employed while in FAO’s custody; oversees financial operations wherever performed in the Organization; and ensures that all disbursements are timely and made in accordance with established policies and procedures.
The post is located in the FAO Credit Union (CSFU) within the Finance Division (CSF) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Finance Officer (Credit Union) reports to the Credit Union Manager (CSFU).

Technical Focus

Collection and analysis of financial information to support the delivery of various financial services/activities.

Key Results

Financial services and related assistance in accordance with internal policies, UN financial guidelines, International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and US General Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP).

Key Functions

•    Provides financial reporting, general accounting, project accounting and/or investment related services in accordance with FAO policies and regulatory framework.
•    Collects and analyses financial information for inclusion in statutory and/or management reports, financial statements and/or reports to the Board of Directors.
•    Contributes to updating financial policies and related tools, systems, technologies and related procedures.
•    Responds to requests for assistance from managers and staff at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
•    Exchanges and/or provides information to banks, other financial institutions and provides information/clarification to auditors.
•    Participates in the development of training and related training materials and promotes best practices and capacity development at headquarters and Decentralized Offices.
•    Participates in Finance Division teams, leads working groups and/or collaborates with other offices on short-term assignments.

Specific Functions

•    Monitors and ensures front office daily operations when required.
•    Contributes and takes responsibility for all monthly, quarterly and yearly batch processes.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field and five years of relevant experience in similar fields; OR a first level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration or related field and seven years of relevant experience in similar fields and completion of a professional qualification in accountancy (Chartered Accountant [CA], Certified Public Accountant [CPA], Association of Chartered Certified Accountants [ACCA]) or the investment profession (Chartered Financial Analyst [CFA]).
•    Working knowledge (full proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency – level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

•    Extent and relevance of experience in accounting and in managing accounting functions.
•    Excellent computer skills and ability to analyze problems and develop effective, practical solutions.
•    Extent and relevance of experience in the system development of accounting and financial applications, particularly Oracle Financials.
•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions.