IPSAS Specialist

General Information

The role has an impact on the overall Financial Group efficiency in financial resources management and success in introduction and implementation of operational strategies. Accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial information, timely and appropriate delivery of services ensure client satisfaction and enhance UNOPS credibility in use of financial resources.

Job Specific Context

This is a roster replenishment, i.e. a call for applications for future function-specific opportunities, determined by emerging needs. The process is similar to a regular recruitment, but is not linked to a current vacancy. It can be used to hire into ICA and FT contracts, in Copenhagen or various duty stations.

Role Purpose

The IPSAS Specialist reports to the Chief of Financial Statements and UNBOA Relations who provides broad supervision and guidance. The IPSAS Specialist is responsible for efficient financial reporting and the provision of accurate, thoroughly researched and documented financial policies compliant to accounting standards and support for preparation of the financial statement. He/she analyzes and interprets the financial rules and regulations and the applicable accounting standards (IPSAS) and provides solutions to a wide spectrum of complex financial issues including financial investments.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. POLICY IMPLEMENTATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

• Develop and maintain financial reporting standards compliant to IPSAS standards.
• Support development of IPSAS compliant financial statements and management reports.
• Implement and operationalize new IPSAS standards and updates made to current standards and collaborate with related business process owners and IT Group for implementation of necessary measures.
• Analyze IPSAS exposure drafts and published standards, assess impact on business processes and ERP systems, recommend appropriate course of action.
• Coordinate comments on exposure drafts and other papers issued by IPSASB.
• Review existing and new business processes for compliance to IPSAS and coordinate with process owners for necessary improvements.
• Actively monitor and implement changes in accounting standards and regulatory requirements and offers good change management practices when required.
• Liaise with external auditors on audit queries related to accounting and reporting and compliance to accounting standards and UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.

2. FINANCIAL INVESTMENTS AND OVERSIGHT

• Update and maintain policy documents on financial reporting and recording of corporate financial investments.
• Exercise periodic monitoring over transactions and account balances to ensure recording and reporting in accordance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations and IPSAS policies on financial instruments and other applicable Organizational Directives and Operational Instructions.
• Review and assess agreements for financial instruments and equity deals and devise accounting treatments in compliance to IPSAS and UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Provide specialist support in establishing of necessary processes for derivatives valuations, hedge accounting and application of impairment models.
• Take a proactive approach in identifying issues related to data quality and liaise with related parties in the organization to ensure timely and necessary corrections.
• Maintain a log of issues identified, analyze data and draw a holistic action plan to improve processes and establish necessary controls based on lessons learned.
• Contribute to developing and maintaining a strong control environment around financial reporting and the integrity of data used for preparation of corporate financial statements.

3. CAPACITY BUILDING / SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT

• Develop training materials and guidance on relevant IPSAS standards.
• Conduct, webex and virtual trainings to relevant personnel and business community.
• Develop IPSAS awareness informative contents for internal communication.
• Become a subject matter expert for the Corporate Financial Reporting requirements, and IPSAS standards.
• Support business process owners in the development of training materials through a review of the contents for technical IPSAS accuracy for topics assigned.
• Collaborate and communicate with UNOPS departments in HQ and field on a regular basis.