Chief of Service (Chief, Financial Operations Service)

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

Job summary

UN Secretariat, headquartered in New York, seeks a Chief of Service to lead the Financial Operations Service within the CAP. The role oversees global payroll, income tax, travel claims, vendor processing, and insurance, ensuring compliant, timely execution and cross-desk coordination.

This senior position requires an advanced degree and extensive finance leadership experience, including team management and policy interpretation, to support UN-wide reform and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required; senior leadership in finance or administration.
• Experience with payroll, taxes, insurance, and financial monitoring.
• Proven ability to lead teams and manage complex programs.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Financial Operations Service including payroll, tax, and vendor processing.
• Advise senior officials on policy matters related to benefits, payroll, and insurance.
• Act as Risk Manager for property and casualty insurance and coordinate risk assessments.
• Develop systems and procedures for client service and transaction accounting.
• Ensure timely, accurate payroll processing and liaison with auditors.
• Lead staff, manage work program, and report to intergovernmental bodies.

Skills

Professionalism

Accountability

Client Orientation

Leadership

Judgement/Decision-Making

Strategic Coordination

Operational Leadership

Policy Interpretation

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Staff Management

Risk Management

Change Management

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in Business / Public Administration / Finance / Accounting / Law / Social Sciences

First-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience

Tools

Global payroll software

HR/payroll systems

Data analytics

Change management

Job description

Organizational context: This role is within the Common Administrative Platform (CAP) at UN Headquarters, part of the Department of Operational Support (DOS). DOS provides end-to-end operational support across the Secretariat. The Division of Administration (DOA) in New York offers administrative and financial services globally. CAP consolidates administrative functions as part of the UN80 reform, and this position oversees its Financial Operations Service, reporting to the Director of Administration.

Job purpose: The Chief of Service (Financial Operations Service) is responsible for overseeing key financial functions including global payroll (onePayroll), accounts payable, income tax, commercial insurance, and financial monitoring. This role ensures timely execution of programmed activities and coordinates work across various desks. It combines strategic coordination, operational leadership, policy interpretation, data-driven decision-making, and staff management to ensure full compliance with the UN's regulatory framework. The position plays a crucial role in delivering essential financial services globally and supporting the UN's administrative reform initiatives.

Responsibilities: Manage the Financial Operations Service, encompassing global payroll, income tax, travel claims, vendor invoice processing, and commercial insurance. Provide guidance to senior officials on policy matters related to insurance, benefits, and payroll, ensuring effective formulation and implementation. Act as Risk Manager for UN property and casualty insurance, coordinating risk assessments and coverage. Oversee the development and enhancement of systems and procedures for client service and transaction accounting. Ensure timely and accurate processing of payrolls, claims, and awards. Maintain relationships with internal and external auditors. Lead, supervise, and coordinate the work program of the Service, including programmatic reviews and reporting to intergovernmental bodies. Ensure high-quality outputs and compliance with mandates. Assist the Director in work program preparation, prioritization, and resource allocation. Manage administrative tasks, including budget preparation, performance reporting, staff performance evaluation, recruitment, and staff development. Foster teamwork and manage meetings and external representation.

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business, public administration, finance, accounting, law, or social sciences is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.

Work experience: Requires a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, payroll, administration, or financial management. Must have at least 5 years of team leadership experience in areas like global payroll, income tax, or commercial insurance. Experience with global payroll software, HR/payroll systems, data analytics, and change management is essential. Desirable experience includes managing commercial insurance programs, international labor laws, tax regulations, and working in senior UN or international organization roles.

Skills: Professionalism, Accountability, Client Orientation, Leadership, Judgement/Decision-Making, Strategic Coordination, Operational Leadership, Policy Interpretation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Staff Management, Risk Management, Change Management, Teamwork, Communication.

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French