FINANCE ASSISTANT, GS5
Post title: Finance Assistant, GS5
Vacancy number: VN-NGR-02-2010
Contract type: Fixed-term
Duration: Two years
Location: Bauchi
Deadline for application: Thursday, 18 February 2010

UNICEF Nigeria seeks the services of finance assistants to provide financial support functions to its operations in Bauchi field office.

The successful candidate will under the supervision of the Finance Officer in Bauchi field office, carry out the following responsibilities
1. Compile and verify budget and accounting data by researching files, calculating costs and estimating anticipated expenditures from readily available information sources. When authorized, makes disbursements from petty cash fund, maintain records of these disbursements and balances accounts as required.
2. Prepare cheques and vouchers for all cash disbursements, checking and verifying the accuracy of amounts being paid and received, and ensuring that all such receipts and payments are accurately coded and entered correctly in the relevant ProMS accounting module.
3. Review and establish completeness and authenticity of the accounting documents provided by Government and Non-Governmental Institutions and verify that they meet the acceptable accounting standards, and have been processed in accordance with the acceptable accounting procedures.
4. Assist in the preparation of periodic accounting records by recording receipts and disbursements (ledgers, cash books, vouchers, etc) and reconciling data for recurring or special reports.
5. Ensure accuracy of computation on accounting documents, determine the nature of the expenditures and compile financial summaries for action by programme/project officers. Certify documents for processing liquidation.
6. Maintain contact with local banks for verifying accounts status, obtaining approval for cheque clearances, verifying currency exchange rate and similar direct transactions.
7. Assist the Finance Officer in financial planning by preparing relevant financial data for budget estimates.
8. Prepare monthly payroll for Field Office staff. Prepare travel advances, settle travel claims, MIP reimbursements etc.
9. Maintain proper and complete custody and control of all accounting documents.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
• Completion of secondary school. University degree or its equivalent in finance, accounting or related field is desirable. Professional certificate in accounting, an asset.
• Five years progressively responsible work experience in a finance/accounting position.
• Good judgment, organization, analytical and accuracy skills.
• Integrity, honesty and high sense of responsibility.
• Good knowledge of computer applications, accounting softwares and database management.
• Good communication and interpersonal and team work skills.
• Knowledge of UNICEF procedures/policies an added advantage.
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in an international and multicultural environment.
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.

UNICEF, which has a smoke-free environment, is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly women, are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY
Prepare the following documents
A completed UN Personal History Form (click here to download a blank form) http://www.unicef.org/nigeria/ng_about_blank_P11_form.doc

Your curriculum vitae with your current, detailed contact information (including telephone number and email address)
A one-page summary statement that shows how your qualifications and experience meet the requirements above.
Only candidates meeting the minimum qualifications and competencies (above) will be considered.
Send your documents in a sealed envelope marked ‘confidential’ and with the vacancy number to:
The Human Resources Manager
UNICEF
UN House
Plot 617/618, Diplomatic Drive
Central Business District
PMB 2851, Garki, Abuja

MEET THE DEADLINE
Applications must be received by UNICEF by midnight (Abuja time) on Thursday, 18 February 2010. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

RESPONSE
UNICEF will contact short-listed applicants within two weeks of the deadline. UNICEF will not contact applicants who were not short-listed.