Chief of Section, Finance and Budget

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

UN Secretariat in New York seeks a seasoned Chief of Section, Finance and Budget to lead the Accounts Payable Section and oversee budget preparation, allotments, and payments. You will drive financial operations, ensure compliance with UN Financial Regulations, and guide reform initiatives across headquarters and field staff.

The role requires a master’s degree in a finance-related field and at least 10 years in finance, budgeting, and ERP systems, with 5 years in data analytics and team

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in finance, accounting, or MBA.
• At least 10 years' experience in finance, accounting, or budgeting.
• Minimum 5 years with ERP systems and 5 years with data analytics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preparation and revision of programme budgets.
• Monitor allotments, extra-budgetary resources, and payments.
• Provide expert advice to intergovernmental bodies.
• Lead automation of financial systems, especially Accounts Payable.
• Manage staff and data analysis for informed decisions.
• Ensure compliance with UN regulations and internal controls.

Skills

Finance management

Budget analysis

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

ERP systems

Data analytics

UN regulations

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree with experience

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Organizational context: The Department of Operational Support (DOS) provides end-to-end operational support across the UN Secretariat. The Division of Administration (DOA) in New York offers administrative and financial services globally. This role is within the Financial Operations Service of the Common Administrative Platform (CAP), supporting UN Headquarters and contributing to the UN80 reform initiative.

Job purpose

The Chief of Section, Finance and Budget, serves as the Chief of the Accounts Payable Section, responsible for managing programme plans, budget preparation, and administration. This includes overseeing financial operations, managing allotments, monitoring expenditures, and administering extra-budgetary resources. The role involves authorizing payments, evaluating financial systems, and ensuring compliance with UN Financial Regulations and Rules. Additionally, it leads business process re-engineering, automation initiatives, and provides expert advice on budgetary and financial matters to Headquarters and field staff, ensuring efficient and effective financial operations.

Responsibilities

Manage the preparation and revision of programme plans, ensuring legislative mandates are translated into budgets. Coordinate and review budget submissions, analyzing cost estimates and financial implications for various UN entities and peacekeeping operations. Administer and monitor allotments, extra-budgetary resources, and payments, including those to troop-contributing countries. Oversee budget performance reporting and provide expert advice to intergovernmental bodies. Administer and approve payments for staff, contractors, and reimbursements, evaluating and improving accounts payable operations. Lead business process re-engineering and automation of financial systems, particularly Accounts Payable within the ERP system. Provide guidance and training on financial policies, participate in inter-departmental meetings, and ensure compliance with UN regulations and internal controls. Manage staff, work programs, and data analysis for informed decision-making.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree with qualifying experience may be accepted as an alternative.

Work experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, budget, or business administration is required. This includes at least 5 years of experience with ERP systems (Accounts Payable, payroll) and 5 years with data analytics and financial modeling. Experience with UN systems and procedures is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism in finance and budget management; strong analytical and advisory skills; effective communication (written and verbal); accountability and commitment; leadership and team management; sound judgment and decision-making; experience with ERP systems and data analytics; knowledge of UN Financial Regulations and Rules.

Required languages

English, French