Finance Specialist Data Management Unit

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Description

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The Data Management Unit is responsible for designing and maintaining IT system integrity of financial management, accounting and reporting processes; acting as the knowledge leader of the design and functioning of the ERP and related systems as it relates to finance; contributing to system and business process efficiencies and preparation of key Statutory Reports. 

You would be responsible for:

Strategic management and HR management :

• Propose activities and priorities of the Data Management Unit based on branch priorities for incorporation into the branch workplan and in line with the UNFPA Strategic Plan.
• Report progress of activities under DMU accountability in the Strategic Information System and branch workplan; ensure DMU actively engages in activities to which DMU contributes.
• Actively contribute to the strategic direction of the Finance Branch and broader DMS Management Team.
• Oversee and manage the DMU team, including performance management, career progression and professional growth of team members.

Partnerships, Knowledge management, Communication and Training:

• Represent the Finance Branch in working level meetings for Quantum ERP Agencies.
• Maintain active and positive relationships with key partners for the Finance branch, including ITSO, the operations community and other business owners. 
• Perform the knowledge leader role for all IT systems related to financial management including the ERP+ system (referred to as Quantum Plus). 
• Lead training and knowledge transfer on ERP modules and other financial systems, including preparation of training materials, SOP and guidance notes.

Business process and systems efficiency :

• Lead Finance Branch inputs in the design of IT systems and system configurations including the ERP and dashboards/reports, with a focus on business efficiency.
• Working with the Chief of Accounts, the Statutory Reporting Unit and business owners, ensure the ERP is adapted for any new International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and internal/external audit recommendations.
• Lead the operationalization of the business process in the ERP system and draft new operating procedures for new system designs as appropriate.
• Ensure the Quantum plus environment is maintained, including legacy systems operating outside the ERP including integrations.
• Oversee the maintenance and updates of the financial master data in the ERP system.

Statutory Reporting, Period end and year end closure activities:

Working with the Chief of Accounts: 

• Ensure periodic financial closure of all ERP modules is completed based on the monthly and year end schedules established.  
• Ensure system integrity through period end system reconciliations, with differences resolved.
• Run periodic systematic routines as necessary e.g., foreign exchange revaluations.
• Develop and/or maintain a library of exception reports/dashboards for review and investigation of abnormal transactions or balances.
• Prepare assigned Financial Statement schedules and notes, ensuring technical accuracy, compliance with UNFPA IPSAS policies and data integrity.
• Lead external data reporting such as for the UN Chief Executive Board, (CEB), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other external stakeholders.

Financial reporting system environment:

• Identify gaps in financial and accounting management that would be improved through real-time reports, checklists and/ or dashboards; lead IT development and maintenance.
• Act as the focal point for development, testing and maintenance of routine financial reports for global and local financial management and accounting, including IPSAS compliant financial statements and related notes, and mandatory donor reporting.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of reporting trees. 
• Ensure the ERP + system and legacy systems can produce the required data for Statutory Reports, Executive Board reports, UN Inter-agency reporting, donor reporting and transparency reporting, including adjustment to new standards (such as the UN Data Standards, IPSAS or IATI).
• Oversee the provision of quality assured data and data sets as required.

Other

• Carry out any other duties as may be required by your supervisor and/or UNFPA leadership. 

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced university degree in Information Systems, Finance or Accounting, or closely related field, is required.  

Knowledge and Experience: 

• 7 years progressively responsible experience in financial information systems design, implementation and/or management, financial business process design and financial statement preparation at the national and international level.
• Progressively responsible experience of supervision of professional staff and positive engagement and relationship management with business focal points in an IT change management environment.
• Experience in maintaining and managing ERP system applications, preferably Oracle.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Able to listen to client feedback, design business processes to balance control needs and efficiency and to translate business requirements into logical systems specifications.

Languages: 

• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of other official UN languages, preferably French and/or Spanish, is desirable.

Source: 

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