Accountant, P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Operations Section of the Investment Management Division (IMD) of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF). IMD is responsible for the day-to-day management of the investments of the Fund. The incumbent reports to the Chief Operations Section, under the general guidance of the Chief Financial Officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the overall supervision of the Chief Operations Section, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

  Manages and oversees complete accounting functions, encompassing a wide variety of investment/asset classes, a large volume of transactions, and extensive number of corporate actions.

  Approves/Confirms accounting adjusting entries for investment transactions in the Fund’s general ledger system throughout the year.

   Analyses and reviews Fund’s investments reports, including real assets and alternative investments. Proposes/implements solutions with respect to problem transactions and irregularities.

   Ensures that accurate and complete IFRS/IPSAS accounting, reporting and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant reports from record keeper are maintained and reviewed.

   Prepares IMD financial statements information for inclusion in the UNJSPF Audited Financial Statements to be audited. Responds to internal/external audit observations. Assist Chief Operations Section to review the financial statements of UNJSPF for which the CFO has certification authority.

  Produces major/complex financial reports for management.

   Provides substantive support to the development and implementation of new accounting policies and treatment of new investment instruments/asset classes in accordance with IPSAS. Takes initiative to improve accounting processes and approaches.

   Provides data for the preparation of year-end closing process, including annual impairment review and withholding taxes receivables.

   Guides, trains and supervises general service and professional staff in the function.

   Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM:

Knowledge of investment accounting principles, procedures and standards; Ability to apply conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills in accounting operations; Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING & ORGANIZING:

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business administration, finance, accounting or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is required.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in investment accounting or accounting for financial instruments based on international accounting standards or related field is required. Experience in accounting for private investment funds is desirable. Experience in financial or accounting system implementation is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

The United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) is an independent inter-agency body established by the United Nations General Assembly. The applicable human resources procedures are governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Fund and the UN Secretariat.

Any candidate from a member organization of the UNJSPF applying for this post is considered as an internal candidate provided he/she has been appointed through the appointment and promotion procedures applicable in his/her respective organization. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Appointment at the United Nations is subject to mandatory adherence to the United Nations Financial Disclosure Programme.

An appointment to the Investment Management Division (IMD) of the UNJSPF additionally requires compliance with the rules and regulations pertaining to IMD's Code of Ethics, Personal Securities, Gift and Hospitality policies.

The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.