JOBS

UNESCO is recruiting for an Accountant (Financial Reporting and Accounting): Apply Now

Ednah Carrick August 27, 2025

0 469 3 minutes read

Closing Date: 15 September 2025

UNESCO is recruiting for an Accountant (Financial Reporting and Accounting): Apply Now

Overview

Under the overall authority of the Chief of FAS section and the direct supervision of the Head of unit, the Accountant will be responsible for maintaining and monitoring accounting records and ensures proper application of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), Financial Regulations, Financial Rules and established procedures related to accounting matters for the assigned business segments.

The Accountant prepares the financial reports, in particular annual financial statements of two segments, namely General Fund (GEF) and Staff Fiduciary Funds (SFF), ensuring that the financial system provides correct financial information ensuring adequate system controls and validations are in place. She/he also reviews the financial statements of Category 1 Institutes to obtain reasonable assurance about the accuracy of the statements and adequacy of disclosures. In addition, she/he reviews business processes and internal controls to strengthen controls and drive efficiencies.

Duties and Responsibilities

In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:

Provide guidance on accounting policies to ensure consistent application of Financial Regulations, Rules and Accounting Policies (IPSAS) covering the General Fund (GEF), Staff Fiduciary Fund (SFF) and Category 1 Institutes.
Manage the preparation of financial statements for assigned business segments (GEF and SFF). Production of monthly, quarterly and annual management reports; Highlight areas of risk and propose solutions to identified issues;
Oversee the processing of accounting entries, the analysis of the general ledger accounts, the timely reconciliation and analysis of the accounts. Undertake regular controls, both for HQ and Field transactions contracts to ensure that they are drawn and raised in accordance with the Financial Rules and Regulations of the Organization
Provide technical advice on the choice and application of accounting policies and procedures affecting the business area.
Provide the necessary information requested by the external auditors in line with the segments he/she is responsible for.
Coordinate the financial management and analyse the performance of accounts and funds under her/his responsibility, and provide inputs on matters related to assigned areas in drafting Executive Board and General Conference documents.
Provide guidance to the Nine category 1 institutes in the preparation of their financial statements in line with UNESCO’s accounting standards and policies. Provide advice in the interpretation of accounting policies in relation to the operations of these institutes.
Assist the Head of Unit in the implementation and maintenance of IPSAS standards by contributing to the development of policy guidelines, training material and system changes.
Under the supervision of the Head of unit, oversee the work of the unit’s staff and supervise, as required, the staff in the same business area; setting standards of the work of the unit, providing leadership and advice on the implementation of assigned projects.
Serve as project coordinator for specific IT enhancement projects

Required Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree (or Equivalent) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
A first level university degree in combination with additional 4 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
A professionally recognized Accountancy qualification (e.g. CA, CPA, ACCA).

Work Experience

A minimum of 4 years of relevant professional experience in accounting of which 2 years acquired at international level.
Experience in the production of year-end financial statements and strong knowledge of International Accounting Standards.

Skills and Competencies

Excellent organizational and planning skills.
Ability to coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision.
Ability to provide quality and timely support and services.
Strong analytical capability with ability to look for weaknesses in processes and to propose improvements.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to draft clearly and concisely.
Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.); in particular knowledge of Excel.
Ability to work in a multicultural team with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Very good knowledge of accounting functions in ERP systems such as SAP.
Strong knowledge if International Accounting Standards.

Languages