Systems Accountant International IDEA

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance

Stockholm, Sweden

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance — International IDEA is an intergovernmental organization that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. Its objective is to strengthen democratic institutions and processes. International IDEA acts as a catalyst for democracy building by providing knowledge resources, policy proposals and supporting democratic reforms in response to specific national requests. It works together with policy makers, governments, UN organizations and agencies and regional organizations engaged in the field of democracy building. 

International IDEA’s notable areas of expertise are: electoral processes, political parties, constitution-building processes, democracy and gender and democracy assessments. International IDEA works worldwide. It is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has offices in Brussels, New York, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Main functions of the post

The main functions of the post are:

• Evaluate the processes, procedures and systems on business processes;
• Review, develop, test and implement information systems; 
• Ensure that work is done according to rules and work efficiency; 
• Collect pertinent information on organizational structure, processes, rules and regulations; 
• Identify the required process improvements and advise management on changes; 
• Analyze alternatives for possible new financial and ERP systems and recommend the changes; 
• Obtain and act on all possible input as well as feedback on financial and ERP system needs from all concerned parties; 
• Conduct the evaluations of performance on financial and ERP systems; 
• Create, maintain and continuously improve monthly financial reports, management reports, other reports as requested by end users and management; 
• Actively integrates the inclusion of a gender perspective in all activities; 
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Finance Manager.

Context

Systems Accountant analyses financial information needs for International IDEA by reviewing existing systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and reporting systems for supporting decision-making (Business Intelligence) and working out the best way to meet those needs through the maintaining and where necessary, design of new systems. 

The primary focus of this role involves the development, implementation and direct operation of financial and ERP systems within International IDEA. The Systems Accountant is responsible for testing, design, evaluation and implementation of all manual and automated financial and ERP systems.

Duties and responsibilities

General, Programme, Managerial and Administrative, as applicable. 

System related

• Working in conjunction with Senior Accountant, IT manager, Financial Project Officers and external consultants, and other relevant stakeholders, analyze existing ERP and reporting systems to identify where software configuration changes and/or process re-engineering will improve business practices;
• Maintain and where necessary, design and implement new automated ERP and reporting systems to facilitate the production of regular management reporting; 
• Investigate into perceived problems of inefficiencies; 
• Assist in the assessment of alternative software solutions and drive the process of selection and acquisition as necessary; 
• Maintain databases associated with data capture and manipulation; 
• Maintain a high level of knowledge about all products, systems and procedures that relate to critical business processes in particular the financial management process; 
• Be a focal point for all ERP and reporting related issues; 
• Provide training in the use of ERP and reporting systems to key stakeholders; 
• Provide help desk support; 
• Define and streamline the process of receiving data, analyzing results and variances, preparing written summaries and ensuring that reports are consistent; 
• Gather and analyse information requirements based on agreed priorities, prepare functional specifications for system changes and reports; 
• Coordinate system change implementation and reports development; 
• Understand and update reports in Business Objects.

Accounting related

• Assist the Finance Manager with various ad hoc accounting tasks and requests;
• Review System audit trails; 
• Complete the month end consolidated Trial Balance and Profit and Loss statements; 
• Maintain and improve control processes over reconciliations, reporting, operational and other risks; 
• Instrumental in reducing reporting timelines and improving month and year end reporting.

Qualifications and skills

Basic qualification requirements:

• Level and type of formal education: Diploma/Degree in finance or accounting is required.

Professional experience:

• Three (3) years’ experience in accounting basics. Experience using advanced, detailed and specifically designed financial systems and ERP systems;
• Experience using Maconomy would be an asset.

Functional competencies:

• Very good accounting skills are necessary;
• Interest in IT systems, such as ERP and Business Intelligence systems and willingness to continuously deepen knowledge and skills needed to administer these systems on a high level; 
• Good social, inter-relational and pedagogical skills;
• Excellent analytical, drafting and problem solving skills; 
• Excellent oral communication, public presentation and drafting skills; 
• Good sense of initiative, ability to set priorities and work under pressure with accuracy and dedication; 
• Excellent organisational skills; 
• Attention to detail and time management skills; 
• Ability to appreciate diversity and teamwork as a necessary and daily component of the work.

Language skills:

• English: Fluent written and oral;
• Spanish, Swedish, French or Arabic: An asset.

Computer skills:

• MS Office (especially advance knowledge of Excel, Access, good knowledge of Word). Familiarity with multi module financial software;
• Knowledge of Maconomy ERP system;
• Knowledge of Business Objects;
• Knowledge of VBA and SQL (desired);
• Project management skills (especially ability to scope and follow up on the progress.

Criteria for professional performance

The incumbent of this post is expected to act according to a set of principles when carrying out her/his responsibilities both at Headquarters and in the field and, as appropriate to their role, display the following characteristics:

• Be a Facilitator of Change;
• Get Results/Be Accountable and Proactive;
• Be a Model of Integrity;
• Celebrate Diversity;
• Be a Team Worker;
• Strive for Success and Excellence;
• Plan and Organize;
• Be gender sensitive.

Terms of contract

Local Post, two (2) year fixed term appointment. Salary entry point SEK 29 000 per month. 

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to work in Sweden.

Application

In order to apply for this positon, please click on the link.

Applications should be submitted no later than 7 June 2013. Please note that all applications must be made in English. 

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality. 

Should internet not be an option, applications can be submitted to International IDEA by fax: +46-20 24 22 or by post: International IDEA, SE-103 34, Stockholm, Sweden.