Mission Accountant (Outside of the country)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government ministry is seeking a finance professional to oversee financial procedures, conduct audits, and support diplomatic missions. The role requires strong analytical skills and a background in finance or accounting. Responsibilities include managing payroll procedures and ensuring compliance with financial standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in finance or accounting.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree required.

Responsibilities

• Review financial procedures and verify documents for accounting correctness.
• Conduct preliminary audits of disbursement procedures.
• Implement monitoring of payroll procedures for local staff.

Skills

Financial Procedures

Data Analysis

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Main Responsibilities

Functions

Operational / Specialized

• Contribute to the review of financial procedures and documents, verify attached documents for accounting correctness, and enter them into the financial accounting system according to procedures, policies, and standards.
• Collect data and information for controlling capital expenditures (fixed assets), monitor petty cash advances, and conduct preliminary audits of disbursement procedures.
• Follow up and scrutinize financial settlements and tax collection procedures with state missions abroad within the sector's geographical scope.
• Implement monitoring and auditing of diplomatic missions' payroll procedures for local employees within the relevant geographical scope, following approved policies.
• Participate in inventorying official third-party claims for reimbursement, liaising with foreign missions, coordinating payments, and informing the department of remittances.
• Gather data on claims, expenses, income, and accounts receivable for missions within the specified geographical area.
• Communicate with authorities to obtain information about bank accounts and transfers, and assist in surprise inventories of financial covenants.
• Audit the implementation of payroll procedures for local staff in diplomatic missions.
• Coordinate with the Consular Services Department, providing data and proposals to develop revenue programs.
• Archive all data, documents, correspondence, and reports related to financial and accounting operations for easy reference.
• Prepare correspondence, responses, circulars, meeting minutes, and inform relevant parties of decisions under supervisor’s directives.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the immediate supervisor related to the work.

General Operational

• Support and assist other units within the Ministry on job-related matters.
• Participate in programs or changes in the Ministry, including strategic initiatives and performance improvements, undertaking related tasks as part of the job and employment contract.
• Assist in activities to ensure business continuity in the absence of colleagues.
• Maintain health and safety standards and promote resource sustainability.
• Contribute creative ideas to improve the work environment and procedures.
• Continuously transfer practical knowledge to co-workers and contribute to organizational knowledge management.

Requirements

Academic requirements and work experience

Academic certificate

• High school diploma
• Diploma
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree

Years of Experience

• Not applicable
• 5+ years

Profession

Finance, accounting, or equivalent in a similar profession.