Position Overview
The Chief, Accounts position is part of the Finance Branch of the Division for Management Services. The Finance Branch leads global finance, overseeing financial operations management, accounting policies and processes, and treasury services. It implements ERP and related financial systems to monitor and report on key financial processes, prepares Financial Statements based on the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), and manages the custody and distribution of financial resources. The branch also monitors expenditures, liabilities, fund balances and produces statutory, financial management and donor reporting.
Job Purpose
The Chief, Accounts will oversee the Data Management Unit (DMU), the Statutory Reporting Unit (SRU), and the Revenue and Donor Reporting Unit (RDRU). Working in partnership with units such as the Global Monitoring and Advisory Team, Accounting and Payments Unit, IT Solutions Office, Resource Mobilization Branch, Supply Chain Management Unit and field offices, the role reports directly to the Chief, Finance Branch.
Responsibilities include strategic management, providing high‑priority technical advice, participating in senior management teams, contributing to the strategic direction of the Finance Branch, overseeing and managing teams, maintaining partnerships, and ensuring policy and procedural compliance. The role also focuses on innovation, policy, process, and system efficiencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic and HR management of staff and unit operations
- Provide timely strategy and technical advice to the Chief, Finance Branch and deputize as needed
- Participate as part of the Branch Senior Management Team and the broader DMS Management Team
- Contribute to the strategic direction and annual workplan aligned with the UNFPA Strategic Plan
- Oversee DMU, SRU, and RDRU teams, managing performance, career progression and professional growth
- Build and maintain active relationships with key partners (ITSO, DER, SCMU, and UNFPA operations community)
- Guide field offices and HQ units and supervise branch service desk responsiveness
- Support communications, training and knowledge transfer on accounting topics
- Drive innovation and efficiency improvements, especially in management‑by‑exception and technology solutions
- Ensure ERP and related systems support new IPSAS standards
- Update and maintain accounting policies, financial accounting, period‑end closure activities and statutory reporting
- Represent the Finance Branch in forums such as the UN Task Force on Accounting Standards
- Own UNFPA General Ledger, perform general ledger account analysis, and implement second‑line controls
- Monitor synchronized financial closures across all ERP modules and lead organization‑wide closure processes
- Quality‑assure Financial Statement preparation according to IPSAS, meet statutory deadlines, and produce executive board reports
- Manage and certify external reporting for the UN Chief Executive Board, OECD, and donor reporting obligations
- Collaborate with external auditors, responding to queries and recommendations
- Handle treasury management including cash flow, banking, foreign currency and investment
- Oversee relationship with UN Agency providing treasury services under the Service Level Agreement
- Execute banking operations, resolve cash and banking issues in complex contexts
- Explore and innovate digital payment technologies and other solutions
- Manage business continuity in treasury operations
- Oversee timely management of contributions receivables, cash deposits, and treasury investments
- Oversee financial master data setup and ERP administration
- Provide quality assured data and global data sets as required
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief, Finance Branch or UNFPA Leadership
Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Advanced university degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field, or a fully qualified professional accounting qualification from a recognised international institute (e.g., ACA, ACCA)
Knowledge and Experience
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in financial accounting and statutory reporting in multinational organisations, with a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory role
- Experience supervising staff and engaging positively with field‑based colleagues and headquarters focal points
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement practical, risk‑based financial policies and procedures, with IPSAS emphasis, and manage change, including communication and training
- Experience interpreting accounting standards and developing compliant and practical accounting policies
- Proficiency in accounting and statutory reporting in accordance with IPSAS or IFRS for a global, complex organisation
- Experience maintaining and managing ERP systems, preferably Oracle, including data reporting and analytics tools
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to listen to client feedback, design balanced business processes and translate requirements into systems specifications
- In‑depth understanding of UN financial management operations in complex development and humanitarian contexts (desirable)
Languages
- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other UN official languages, especially French, is highly desirable
Required Competencies
Values
- Exemplifying integrity
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
- Embracing cultural diversity
- Embracing change
Core Competencies
- Achieving results
- Being accountable
- Developing and applying professional expertise and business acumen
- Thinking analytically and strategically
- Working in teams and managing relationships
- Communicating for impact
Functional Competencies
- Technical accounting policy and implementation
- Statutory financial reporting
- Developing ICT applications
- Managing teams for performance
- Implementing change for impact
Managerial Competencies
- Providing strategic vision and focus
- Engaging internal and external partners and stakeholders
- Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance
- Making decisions and exercising judgment
Compensation and Benefits
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
Equal Opportunities and Inclusive Work Environment
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work‑life balance. We encourage women, LGBTQIA+ community members, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics.
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