Director, Finance Division

Director, Finance Division-24241-FTFinance Division, Department of Program Planning and Finance, Administration and Management SectorGrade-D1Contract Duration-2 years

Duty Station

CH-Geneva

Publication Date

11-Jul-2024

Application Deadline

05-Aug-2024, 5 : 59 : 00 PM

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

1. Organizational Context

a. Organizational Setting

The post is located in the Finance Division of the Department of Program Planning and Finance. The Division provides services to entities including WIPO's fee-paying customers, users of the Global IP systems, Member States, National IP Offices, suppliers, service providers, Staff, and third-party travelers. It manages financial accounting, reporting, treasury, investments, and compliance with regulations, rules, policies, and procedures. It also involves coordination with oversight entities such as External Auditors, the Internal Oversight Division, IAOC, and JIU.

b. Purpose Statement

The Director is responsible for planning and managing the Division’s work and resources, mentoring teams, leading digital transformation in financial processes, managing risks, and improving internal controls within financial operations.

c. Reporting Lines

The incumbent reports to the Director, Program Planning and Finance (Controller) and collaborates with colleagues in Planning and Budgeting, Management Reporting, Human Resources, Risk Management, Governance, and Compliance.

2. Duties and Responsibilities

The principal duties include:

1. Building partnerships with stakeholders, users, governance, oversight entities, management functions, Member States, UN organizations, national IP offices, clients, etc., to ensure quality services and share financial knowledge.
2. Managing the Division’s portfolio, resources, priorities, and staffing, ensuring timely delivery of work, monitoring performance, and addressing workforce needs.
3. Leading the development and update of accounting policies, ensuring compliance with professional standards and regulations.
4. Driving digital and ERP transformation, adopting new technologies like AI, and re-engineering business processes based on strategic goals.
5. Identifying and managing financial risks, ensuring internal controls, and preventing fraud.
6. Providing technical leadership on finance and accounting matters for WIPO, UPOV, Funds in Trust, and retirement funds.
7. Overseeing annual account closures, improving close times, and ensuring quality financial statements.
8. Managing relationships with auditors, preparing financial reports, and responding to audit recommendations.
9. Overseeing treasury and investment functions, negotiating banking services.
10. Preparing financial reports for governing bodies and representing the Organization at meetings.
11. Performing other related duties as required.

3. Requirements

Education: An advanced university degree in accounting and/or finance; or a first-level degree with additional relevant experience and membership in a professional accounting body (e.g., ACA, CPA).

Experience: At least 15 years in financial/accounting fields, including 7 years at the international or UN level; managerial experience; experience in digital transformation, partnership building, data-driven decision-making, and risk management.

Languages: Excellent English; knowledge of French is an advantage.

4. Competencies

Proven problem-solving skills, knowledge of ERP systems, leadership ability, effective communication, strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, IT proficiency, and core values including integrity, results orientation, and innovation.

5. Additional Information

Mobility required; annual salary details provided; initial contract of two years, renewable based on performance; application instructions and additional conditions outlined.