Cost Accountant, FIN

ICAO; Montreal; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ICAO's Finance Branch is seeking a skilled financial professional to establish service costings, rates and fees within the Cost Recovery Framework. The role analyzes processes and system requirements for cost recovery and performs budgeting and financial analysis to inform management decisions.

The ideal candidate holds an advanced degree in accounting/finance, a CPA-type designation, at least five years of relevant experience, and expert Excel skills.

Qualifications

• Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial management, accounting, budgeting or related area.
• Expert-level Excel skills and knowledge of financial regulations (UN IPSAS) are required.
• Experience in cost accounting and budgeting within a large international organization is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains service costings, rates and fees.
• Performs detailed costing analyses and data collection.
• Calculates indirect cost recovery rates and budgets.
• Produces reports and guidance to support management decisions.
• Liaises with ICT teams; documents costing requirements and analyses.

Skills

Professionalism

Teamwork

Communication

Planning and Organizing

Accountability

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Listening & interpreting

Time management

Education

Master's degree in accounting/finance

Professional accounting designation (CPA/CA/CGA/CMA)

First-level university degree + 2 years experience

Tools

Microsoft Excel

UN IPSAS knowledge

Job description

Organizational context: The Finance Branch manages ICAO's financial resources, developing and applying budgetary, accounting, and financial policies, procedures, and controls. It is responsible for the custody and distribution of financial resources, expenditure monitoring, and compliance with IPSAS. The incumbent will support financial sustainability initiatives, particularly the operationalization of ICAO's Cost Recovery Policy, establishing foundational costings for sustainable cost recovery mechanisms aligned with UN standards.

Job purpose: To establish and maintain service costings, rates, and fees to support ICAO's Cost Recovery Framework. The role analyzes business processes and system requirements for cost recovery operationalization and performs cost recovery budgeting and financial analysis to support management decision-making.

Responsibilities: Develops and maintains service costings, schedules of rates and fees; performs detailed costing analyses; collects and analyzes financial and operational data; calculates and maintains standard costs, rates, and fees; reviews cost allocations and assumptions; consults with stakeholders; conducts costing exercises. Analyzes business processes, data availability, and system requirements for cost recovery operationalization; assesses data quality; conducts gap analyses; documents requirements; liaises with ICT teams. Performs cost recovery budgeting, financial analysis, and cost accounting; develops budgets and forecasts; calculates indirect cost recovery rates; analyzes performance; identifies cost drivers and improvement areas; prepares reports; provides technical advice; develops costing templates and guides; delivers training.

Education: An advanced-level university degree (Master's or equivalent) in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A professional accounting designation (e.g., CA, CPA, CGA, CMA) is required. Courses or certifications in cost accounting are desirable.

Work experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in financial management, accounting, budget, or a related area. Experience in determining product costs and prices using cost accounting methodology, drafting procedures, documenting process flows, process reviews, systems implementation, documentation, and financial internal controls is required. Expert-level experience with Microsoft Excel, UN system financial regulations, rules, and practices, and cost recovery at a large international organization are required.

Skills: Professionalism, Teamwork, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Accountability, knowledge of office automation and computerized accounting systems, aptitude for figure work requiring accuracy, ability to work collaboratively, clear and effective speaking and writing, ability to listen and interpret messages, ability to tailor language and tone, ability to develop clear goals, identify priorities, allocate time and resources, foresee risks, monitor and adjust plans, and use time efficiently.

Required languages: English