Header

Accounting Officer - Accounts Payable P-2 - Controller's and Financial Services Division

Duration of Assignment
1-year fixed term
(renewal is subject to availability of funds)
Organizational Context
IFAD is an International Financial Institution and a Specialized Agency of the United Nations whose mission is to enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. IFAD’s headquarters is in Rome, Italy, and its staff work with poor rural people, their governments, communities and organizations in more than 80 countries to develop and finance programmes and projects aimed at increasing rural productivity and incomes.
Division Context
The Controller’s and Financial Services Division is responsible for processing payments and running Payroll for Professional and General Service Staff. Under the direct supervision of the Payroll Accounting Officer, the incumbent is a member of a team that is focused on the delivery of timely and accurate payments and information to internal and external stakeholders. S/he contributes in fostering a team environment where client servicing and provision of timely services and reporting in line with relevant accounting principles/ financial procedures are the primary mission of the unit. The incumbent will also act as back up for the Payroll Accounting Officer as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
Responsible as first payment approver for all PeopleSoft payments (Suppliers (mainly local), Consultants, Co-operating Institutions) through Accounts Payable and for posting of Accounts Payable journal vouchers into the General Ledger.

Responsible for generation of all monthly, quarterly and year-end accruals in PeopleSoft, including performance of ex-post controls on quarterly and year end accruals in order to ensure completeness and accuracy thereof.

Responsible for reviewing monthly accounting entries for amounts payable to/receivable from staff through the payroll. Review accounting entries for adjustment of Ledgers and financial statements schedules related to expenditure. Review invoices received from Co-operating Institutions and prepare clearance forms for the operating divisions. Ensure Co-operating Institutions’ Statement of Accounts are reconciled with IFAD. Review accounting entries pertaining to the Co-operating Institutions and ensure they are accurately recorded.

Responsible for maintenance of all records pertaining to country office financial contractual arrangements and expenditure, reconciliations and funds transfers. Analyse and identify areas of efficiencies with hosted agencies and coordinate with the relevant divisons to instigate changes, where needed.

Responsible for reviewing corporate systems and procedures in relation to payments, accrual accounting and reconciliations; and proposing changes and continuous improvements to ensure increased efficiency thereof.

Develop monthly statistics on payments processed and accruals data (e.g. ageing by division) and ensure regular provision thereof.
Ensure appropriate coordination and involvement of staff through teamwork.

Act as back up for the Accounting Officer – Payroll as needed.

Any other duties as may be assigned.
Education and Experience
• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance or similar field.

• A professional accounting certification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA or the equivalent) will be a plus.

• Minimum 3 years’ professional experience in an accounting supervisory function and / or other relevant experience using accounting qualifications.
Tech/Functional Competencies
Results-oriented performer: attention to detail and thoroughness; and ability to deliver high-quality output under pressure.

Team Worker: ability to work harmoniously with people of different seniority, national and cultural backgrounds.

Planner and Organizer: capacity to work independently and to accept frequent change to priorities and workload; ability to multi-task.

Model of integrity, trustworthy and confident: highest standards of personal integrity, trustworthiness, discretion and maturity.

Communicator: sound analytical, communication and report writing skills.
Communication
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, including the ability to set out a coherent analysis in presentations.

• The position requires interaction with local suppliers, so knowledge of Italian is also desirable.

• Excellent computer skills in MS Office suite packages.

• Experience in use of PeopleSoft or any ERP system or Accounting Package an advantage.
Other Information
Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD.

IFAD reserves the right to appoint a candidate at the appropriate grade commensurate with experience and knowledge.

Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD’s Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and NOT a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in “How to Apply” before you start.

In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful.

Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews.

Accounting Officer - Accounts Payable P-2 - Controller's and Financial Services Division