Officer, Accounting Policy
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Brussels, Belgium
The NATO International Staff (HQ Brussels) is recruiting an (m/f) Officer, Accounting Policy.
OPEN TO NATIONALS OF NATO MEMBER STATES ONLY
LOCATION: NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
DIVISION: NATO OFFICE OF RESOURCES - SECRETARIAT AND FINANCE BRANCH
GRADE: A3/A4
Ref. 140260
1. SUMMARY
The NATO Office of Resources (NOR) advises and supports the NATO resource committees, other NATO headquarters Divisions and NATO bodies on the planning and allocation of military common funding for NATO’s integrated command structure, operations and missions, and strategic capabilities. The NOR supports political level negotiation on resource policy, and makes recommendations to resource committees on the efficient use of resources to achieve NATO objectives. The NOR’s core function is to assess military requirements and the proposed technical solutions for common funding eligibility, life-cycle resource implications, viability, and policy compliance.
The Secretariat and Finance Branch supports the three resource committees under the NOR mandate. The Branch also supports the Director of the NOR in his capacity as Head of Financial Reporting Policy (HFRP). This function, in support of the resource committees, provides central coordination and guidance to the NATO Financial Controller community with respect to NATO accounting and financial policy in order to facilitate improvements in the consistency and comparability of financial statements.
The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the work of the Head of Financial Reporting Policy and the resource committees. He/she would be involved with the development and updates to the NATO accounting policies, including the development of elements such as chart of accounts, financial statement layout, etc. The accounting officer will need to engage closely with accounting staff in NATO entities and review issues of accounting and financial concerns. The accounting officer will also need to monitor and provide updates on the implementation of the guidance as required.
The Secretariat and Finance Branch supports the three resource committees under the NOR mandate. The Branch also supports the Director of the NOR in his capacity as Head of Financial Reporting Policy (HFRP). This function, in support of the resource committees, provides central coordination and guidance to the NATO Financial Controller community with respect to NATO accounting and financial policy in order to facilitate improvements in the consistency and comparability of financial statements.
The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the work of the Head of Financial Reporting Policy and the resource committees. He/she would be involved with the development and updates to the NATO accounting policies, including the development of elements such as chart of accounts, financial statement layout, etc. The accounting officer will need to engage closely with accounting staff in NATO entities and review issues of accounting and financial concerns. The accounting officer will also need to monitor and provide updates on the implementation of the guidance as required.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
- possess a university degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Business Management or related field;
- have at least 4 years of professional experience conducting resource, benefits and portfolio analyses;
- have experience in the development of accounting policy;
- have experience in the development and production of comprehensive financial statements and reports;
- have knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS);
- be familiar with industry standard data collection techniques, data validation and normalisation techniques, and risk analysis;
- have excellent communication, drafting and presentation skills;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one; II (“Elementary”) in the other.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- work experience in an organisation of comparable size;
- knowledge of NATO and/or national financial regulations;
- professional certification in a nationally recognised accountancy institution or membership in a society of a similar nature.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Policy Development
Support the development of a framework for standardised financial reporting to ensure consistency and comparability with focus on elements that would harmonise the quality, timeliness and transparency of financial statements. Develop, for endorsement by the resource committees, harmonised financial reporting policy guidance to the Financial Controller community in order to assist in the preparation of NATO financial statements. Monitor changes, decisions and/or the introduction of new standards and recommend policy changes as applicable.
Expertise Development
Identify relevant issues of strategic nature for consideration by the resource committees, including corporate financial governance and reporting policy issues and coordinate and prepare appropriate advice, materials and proposals. Assess and consolidate complex technical financial information, and communicate key messages effectively at all levels to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Financial Management
Ensure that financial reporting policies are efficient and effective and developed in a timely and accurate manner to ensure consistence and comparability in NATO’s use of funds. Consolidate financial data and produce analysis, recommendations and identification of any areas where policy clarification may be required.
Stakeholder Management
Work closely with NOR staff officers, NATO Agencies, NATO Military Authorities and the International Board of Auditors to NATO (IBAN) to seek advice on the application of the accounting and governance frameworks and in the development of accounting and financial reporting policies. Act as the main point of contact for the NATO Financial Controller community on NATO-wide financial reporting policy issues. Prepare/provide updates to the Resource Committee as required. Participate in the Working Group charged with the implementation of IPSAS within NATO and as required, represent the NOR at committee meetings on financial reporting issues. Support organisation, preparation and if applicable chair meetings of working groups held to support policies activities mandated to the HFRP in support of the resource committees and the NATO Financial Controller community.
Knowledge Management
Provide a strategic assessment of the effectiveness in implementing Alliance priorities and reform initiatives and in implementing common accounting policy across NATO entities. Research best practices (i.e. financial reporting and accounting policy) and explore their relevance to financial governance systems in place NATO-wide. Support and lead the development of a framework and policies for standardised financial reporting. Monitor the implementation of financial guidance and the implementation of the NATO Accounting Framework and prepare reports/updates for the resource committees as to progress made. Assess and evaluate risks and understand the implication of new concepts, policies, technologies and trends.
Project Management
Participate in the determination of the direction of policy projects and deliverables, as project/sub-project leader as it relates to accounting policy activities and deliverables. Contribute to a variety of small to medium-sized projects. Identify course of actions, timelines, risks and suggest possible solutions.
Representation of the Organization
Contribute to NATO representation by developing and communicating information supportive of NATO’s interests with IBAN, the resource committees, Financial Controllers and their staff in NATO bodies and the NATO Military Authorities and by attending meeting to represent the NOR as required. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
Support the development of a framework for standardised financial reporting to ensure consistency and comparability with focus on elements that would harmonise the quality, timeliness and transparency of financial statements. Develop, for endorsement by the resource committees, harmonised financial reporting policy guidance to the Financial Controller community in order to assist in the preparation of NATO financial statements. Monitor changes, decisions and/or the introduction of new standards and recommend policy changes as applicable.
Expertise Development
Identify relevant issues of strategic nature for consideration by the resource committees, including corporate financial governance and reporting policy issues and coordinate and prepare appropriate advice, materials and proposals. Assess and consolidate complex technical financial information, and communicate key messages effectively at all levels to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Financial Management
Ensure that financial reporting policies are efficient and effective and developed in a timely and accurate manner to ensure consistence and comparability in NATO’s use of funds. Consolidate financial data and produce analysis, recommendations and identification of any areas where policy clarification may be required.
Stakeholder Management
Work closely with NOR staff officers, NATO Agencies, NATO Military Authorities and the International Board of Auditors to NATO (IBAN) to seek advice on the application of the accounting and governance frameworks and in the development of accounting and financial reporting policies. Act as the main point of contact for the NATO Financial Controller community on NATO-wide financial reporting policy issues. Prepare/provide updates to the Resource Committee as required. Participate in the Working Group charged with the implementation of IPSAS within NATO and as required, represent the NOR at committee meetings on financial reporting issues. Support organisation, preparation and if applicable chair meetings of working groups held to support policies activities mandated to the HFRP in support of the resource committees and the NATO Financial Controller community.
Knowledge Management
Provide a strategic assessment of the effectiveness in implementing Alliance priorities and reform initiatives and in implementing common accounting policy across NATO entities. Research best practices (i.e. financial reporting and accounting policy) and explore their relevance to financial governance systems in place NATO-wide. Support and lead the development of a framework and policies for standardised financial reporting. Monitor the implementation of financial guidance and the implementation of the NATO Accounting Framework and prepare reports/updates for the resource committees as to progress made. Assess and evaluate risks and understand the implication of new concepts, policies, technologies and trends.
Project Management
Participate in the determination of the direction of policy projects and deliverables, as project/sub-project leader as it relates to accounting policy activities and deliverables. Contribute to a variety of small to medium-sized projects. Identify course of actions, timelines, risks and suggest possible solutions.
Representation of the Organization
Contribute to NATO representation by developing and communicating information supportive of NATO’s interests with IBAN, the resource committees, Financial Controllers and their staff in NATO bodies and the NATO Military Authorities and by attending meeting to represent the NOR as required. Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports to the Head, Secretariat and Finance Branch and will liaise with other NOR branches and national committee representatives. He/she will work with IBAN, the resource committees, Financial Controllers and their staff in NATO bodies and the NATO Military Authorities to ensure that financial reporting information is consistent, coherent and transparent and that the applicable financial guidelines and consolidated reports are clear and consistently applied.
Direct reports: N/a
Indirect reports: N/a
Indirect reports: N/a
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Achievement;
- Analytical Thinking;
- Change Leadership;
- Impact and Influence;
- Initiative;
- Organizational Awareness;
- Teamwork.
6. CONTRACT
Contract to be offered to the successful applicant (if non-seconded):
Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.
Contract clause applicable:
In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation's need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity.
The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further 3-year period. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract.
If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.
Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
Definite duration contract of three years; possibility of renewal for up to three years, during which the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite duration contract.
Contract clause applicable:
In accordance with the contract policy, this is a post in which turnover is desirable for political reasons in order to be able to accommodate the Organisation's need to carry out its tasks as mandated by the Nations in a changing environment, for example by maintaining the flexibility necessary to shape the Organisation's skills profile, and to ensure appropriate international diversity.
The maximum period of service foreseen in this post is 6 years. The successful applicant will be offered a 3-year definite duration contract, which may be renewed for a further 3-year period. However, according to the procedure described in the contract policy the incumbent may apply for conversion to an indefinite contract during the period of renewal and no later than one year before the end of contract.
If the successful applicant is seconded from the national administration of one of NATO’s member States, a 3-year definite duration contract will be offered, which may be renewed for a further period of up to 3 years subject also to the agreement of the national authority concerned. The maximum period of service in the post as a seconded staff member is six years.
Serving staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.
NOTE:
Irrespective of previous qualifications and experience, candidates for twin-graded posts will be appointed at the lower grade.
There are certain specific circumstances in which a serving staff member may be appointed directly to the higher grade. These are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.
Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic and at least a minimum period of 3 years’ service (2 years for an A.1/A.2 post) is required before promotion to the higher grade can be considered.
There are certain specific circumstances in which a serving staff member may be appointed directly to the higher grade. These are described in the IS directive on twin-graded posts.
Advancement to the higher grade is not automatic and at least a minimum period of 3 years’ service (2 years for an A.1/A.2 post) is required before promotion to the higher grade can be considered.
7. HOW TO APPLY:
This is a re-advertisement of vacancy ref. 140061. Candidates who wish to be considered for this vacancy should re-apply.
Applications must be submitted using one of the following links, as applicable:
Applications must be submitted using one of the following links, as applicable:
- For NATO civilian staff members only: please apply via the internal recruitment portal (for more information, please contact your local Civilian HR Manager);
- For all other applications: www.nato.int/recruitment.
Please note that the competition for this post is provisionally scheduled as follows:
- pre-selection on 18th September 2014;
- selection on 6th and 7th October 2014, Brussels, Belgium.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Due to the broad interest in NATO and the large number of potential candidates, telephone or e-mail enquiries cannot be dealt with.
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.
Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.
NATO is an equal opportunities employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race or ethnic origin, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age (restrictions to age may apply for first appointment only, according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. This is a prerogative as approved by the NATO Council).
Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.
Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national Authorities of the selected candidate) and approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser.
Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.
Please note that we can only accept applications from nationals of NATO member countries.
NATO is an equal opportunities employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race or ethnic origin, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age (restrictions to age may apply for first appointment only, according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. This is a prerogative as approved by the NATO Council).
Please note that the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium is a non-smoking environment.
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