Head of Financial Operations and Reporting

VN Category (INT / EXT / EOI):

Job Category:

This is an external vacancy notice open to external candidates and WTO staff. It is posted on the WTO internal as well as external career site. Eligible WTO staff on short-term, fixed-term or regular contracts and interns must apply through the Workday internal career site.

This is a Fixed-term contract funded through the regular budget. The duration will be two years with the possibility of extension, unless specified in the vacancy notice.

The WTO seeks to attract and retain staff members offering the highest standards of competence, efficiency and integrity and to build an organization that is representative of the Members and People it serves. As an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, the WTO gives full regard to competence and welcome applications from qualified candidates irrespective of age, disability status, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic. Applications from non-represented Members ( link ) are particularly encouraged for all positions.

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The Secretariat of the WTO is seeking to fill a position of Head of Financial Operations & Reporting in the Finance and Corporate Services Division (FCSD).

FCSD provides a range of financial and general services in key areas to support the WTO Secretariat in achieving its objectives.

General Functions

Reporting to the Director of the Finance and Corporate Services Division, and within delegated authority, the Head of Financial Operations and Reporting ensures that the financial operations and relevant systems are fit for purpose and that all financial transactions comply with the WTO Financial Regulations and Financial Rules.

In addition, he/she ensures the preparation of financial statements and reports in compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and manages the day-to-day relationship with the WTO's external auditors.  The Head of Financial Operations and Reporting manages a team of 8 Finance Specialists. His/her responsibilities include the following:

1.         Manage the team of staff and organize the work in the Finance Section; motivate, supervise, and coach the staff to maximize their performance.

2.         Take charge of preparing financial statements of the WTO as well as financial reports for senior management.

3.         Analyse, review and approve financial transactions including official travel, payables and receivables, fixed assets, inventories and Trust Funds and ensure that they are properly and transparently accounted for in the financial system.

4.         Ensure the accurate and complete functioning of accounting, reporting and internal control systems, the accuracy of monthly and ad-hoc financial account and bank reconciliations, as well as the maintenance of all relevant records.

5.         Ensure year-end closure of accounts and preparation of annual financial statements.

6.         Under the guidance of the Director, FCSD, lead business process reviews, finance-related IT system projects and other projects related to continuously improving financial and accounting operations.

7.         Contribute to the revision of financial and accounting regulations, rules and policies.

8.         Act as the day-to-day liaison person for internal and external auditors on finance related matters and follow up on audit findings, observations and recommendations.

9.         Liaise with the Head of Budget and Planning to prepare interim and year-end financial performance reports which are presented to the Committee on Budget, Finance and Administration.

10. Oversee Travel Services ensuring that travel arrangements adhere to established travel policies and procedures and providing guidance to staff on these policies.

11. Serve as Contract Manager for multiple service providers, including Travel providers, and finance-related Information Technology providers. Work with the Procurement section on service agreements, ensuring contract compliance, and evaluate vendor performance ensuring value for money.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Master's degree in Accounting or a basic university degree combined with chartered membership in accounting (e.g. ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent qualifications) is required. A specific diploma in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) from a recognized body would be an advantage.

Knowledge and Skills:

The jobholder must possess the following specific skills:

Technical Skills:

Advanced accounting/financial management skills to produce or maintain complex management or accounting reports; proven knowledge and track records in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and/or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Familiarity with the Finance module in ERP software (e.g. ORACLE, Workday); experience with Oracle EBS will be considered an advantage.

Advanced computing and office applications especially spread sheet and word processing applications; advanced analytical skills to produce accurate and clear financial reporting; project management skills.

Behavioural Skills:

People and performance management skills.

Communication skills to transmit financial information to a broad audience that can include senior management and external stakeholders.

Honesty and Integrity

Discretion to safeguard confidential information. 

Ability to relate to and build relationships with colleagues; ability to communicate complex abstract ideas to an audience of informed people and understand ideas when communicated by others; ability to persuade others to a point of view using facts; ability to present technical facts to knowledgeable specialised audiences; ability to work in a team where supporting and gaining the support of others is important to achieving her/his objectives; and the ability to supervise a group of people in their day-to-day work.

Work Experience:

At least eight years of progressive work experience in relevant functions, of which at least three years including people management. Experience working in international or public sector organizations is desirable.

Organizational competencies:

Core Competencies :

• Communicating for Results

• Effective Collaboration

• Cultivating Progressive Growth

• Professional Accountability

• Relevant Digital Proficiency

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Leadership & Management Competencies:

• Talent-centered Leadership

• Self-Aware Leadership

• Coordinated Cross Functional Leadership

• Strategic Leadership

Languages:

Excellent knowledge of English and a working knowledge of French are required.

Additional Information:
 
Only applications from nationals of WTO Members will be accepted. 

The recruitment process will be undertaken as per Administrative Memorandum No. 976 (OFFICE(16)/15) on Staff Promotions and external recruitment through Vacancy Notices.

The initial fixed-term contract for positions up to grade 10 shall normally be two years, which shall be probationary, as per Administrative Memorandum No. 997 (OFFICE(23)/4) on Probation Policy. For Director positions, the Policy on evaluation of directors apply as per Administrative Memorandum No. 978 (OFFICE(17)/29).

The WTO may use various communication technologies such as video or teleconference for the assessment and evaluation of candidates. The recruitment process may also involve the use of various forms of testing, assessment centres, interviews and reference checks. 

Applicants may be required to sit a written examination. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview. 

Candidates not selected whose performance in the selection process nevertheless shows them to be suitable for a similar position may be kept on a roster for up to 24 months, and may subsequently be called upon as and when the need arises for additional resources.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the closing date – Geneva (Switzerland) time – stated in the vacancy announcement. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THE CLOSING DATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

The WTO is a non-smoking environment.