Finance Specialist

UNOPS; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

UNOPS Global Portfolios Office in New York seeks a Finance Specialist to plan, manage, and lead project and office financial operations, ensuring IPSAS and donor compliance. The role bridges HQ policy with field execution and supports budgeting, cash management, and internal controls.

You will lead financial closure of client projects, manage fund budgets, and provide partner financial reporting, capacity building, and strong financial analysis for decision making.

Job description

Organizational context: The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) operates globally, with hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, supporting sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding. GPO collaborates with governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies to deliver project management, fund management, and HR support. This Finance Specialist role sits within GPO, directly supporting the Finance Advisor in maintaining a robust control environment and acting as a bridge between HQ policy and field execution.

Job purpose: The Finance Specialist is responsible for planning, managing, and leading project and office financial operations, ensuring strict adherence to UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, IPSAS standards, and donor requirements. This role provides critical guidance on budgeting, cash management, cost recovery, financial reporting, and internal controls, while actively working to enhance the financial management capabilities of project and field teams. The effective execution of these duties directly impacts UNOPS' overall financial service delivery, ensuring accurate financial analysis and presentation that upholds proper organizational financial processes and contributes to the finance vision of being a true business partner.

Responsibilities: The Finance Specialist provides strategic financial support to the New York Office (NYO), including developing annual work plans, monitoring the operating environment, and managing financial risks. A key responsibility involves leading the financial closure of client projects, verifying final financial reports for accuracy and compliance with UNOPS and partner requirements. The role also encompasses comprehensive project fund management, including budget reviews, release, and variance analysis, as well as managing advance financing and processing refunds. Furthermore, the specialist leads partner financial reporting, refinement, and capacity building, supports client reporting, and acts as a point of contact for financial queries. Facilitating knowledge building, sharing best practices, and potentially serving as Officer-in-Charge are also integral duties.

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field, coupled with seven years of relevant experience, is required. Alternatively, a Master's degree in a similar field with five years of relevant experience is acceptable. A professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA, CIMA) and knowledge of IPSAS or other international accounting standards are considered desirable.

Work experience: Required experience includes working in project financial management, budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting. Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, G-Suite) and web-based management systems is essential. Familiarity with digital technologies for process optimization, UNOPS or UN systems, and people management experience are highly desirable.

Skills: Budget Management, Cash Management, Finance, Financial Accounting, Financial Advisory, Financial Planning, Accounting

Required languages: English

Desired languages: French, Spanish