Finance Analyst

Under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Advisor, the Finance Analyst is responsible for effective and transparent utilization of financial resources, and integrity of financial services. The Financial Analyst analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues. The Finance Analyst promotes a collaborative, client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.
The Finance Analyst works closely with the Operations, Programme, and Project teams in the CO, UNDP HQ, and GSSC staff, as well as UN agencies and Government officials, to ensure the CO's successful financial performance.
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration
Ensure implementation of operational and financial management strategies and adapt processes and procedures.

• Ensure CO financial activities, financial recording/reporting system, and follow-up on audit recommendations comply with UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP) and strategies. Provide support in closure of audit gaps. Contribute to implementation of effective internal controls and proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system.
• Support office management in preparing and reviewing CO finance business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal standard operating procedures in the Finance Unit under the supervision of the Finance Specialist.
• Provide continuous analysis, monitoring and reporting on the CO financial situation and potential risks; and prepare forecasts for allocated development and management projects, transactions, and activities.
• Analyze and elaborate proposals on cost saving and reduction strategies.
• Routinely monitor financial exception reports for unusual activities and transactions; and investigate anomalies or unusual transactions. Inform senior CO management and other UNDP staff at Headquarters of the results of the investigation when satisfactory answers are not obtained.

Clear the budget of development projects, manage budgets of management projects and DPC, and ensure the organization and functioning of an optimal cost-recovery system.

• Provide input to the elaboration of proposals for planning of financial resources of the CO.
• Prepare and monitor budgets. Provide regular analysis and reporting on the budget approvals and the delivery situation of management projects.
• Establish development projects' budget preparation/modification monitoring system; and monitor and report on control of budgetary status versus authorized spending limits (ASL) and budget delivery levels.
• Ensure administration of control mechanism for management projects by monitoring budgets, preparing and modifying budgetary status versus ASL, and follow up with HQ on ASL for projects.
• Organize cost-recovery and DPC mechanisms for services provided by UNDP ensuring the preparation of pro-forma invoices for UN agencies in ERP and monitor through the ERP tracking system. Ensure cost-sharing financing contributions are properly transferred to UNDP on a timely basis.

Ensure proper control of CO accounts.

• Provide timely review of cash position for local accounts to ensure sufficient funds for disbursements and maintain liquidity level approved by Treasury. Identify and record receipts/create deposits for revenue application.
• Identify and record contributions.
• Initiate and select bank transfers and deals for approval and settlement.
• Prepare timely and accurate monthly cash flow forecast for use by the Operations Manager/Finance Analyst. Acts as cashier for cash disbursements made on site.

Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the CO and guidance to all stakeholders on financial matters.

• Contribute input to the identification of training needs of UNDP staff for the purpose of capacity development in finance compliance.
• Organize and conduct training for the operations/ programme/projects staff on financial management. Assist in providing regular training and technical guidance/advice on audit and compliance matters, including implementation of Internal Control Framework (ICF).
• Synthesize lessons learned and best practices in finance.
• Provide sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Education:

• A professional accounting qualification from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy, and/or Advanced (Master's) University Degree in Finance and/or Accounting is required. Or a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Candidates with professional accounting qualifications from an internationally accredited institute of accountancy will have a distinct advantage.
• Candidates with no professional accountancy qualifications, but with degrees that major in accountancy and/or finance must complete the Finance Training and Certification Programme (FTCP), if recruited.
• Candidates satisfying the two above criteria are exempted from undertaking the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT).
• Candidates with MBA or masters in finance with no accountancy qualification but with relevant experience must successfully undertake the UNDP Advanced Accountancy and Finance Test (AAFT) to be eligible for shortlisting.

Experience:

• Applicants with Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in providing financial management services, and/or managing staff and operational systems.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP financials and database packages.
• Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS is required for external candidates.
• Experience of complete financial management in an international organization is desired.
• Knowledge and experience working in the development sector, partner agencies or UN sector rules, regulations, policies, and procedures is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in the English and Urdu is required.