Finance Assistant United Nations Children's Fund Experience: 5 to 10 Years Santiago, Chile Apply By: 07-01-2025

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Job Description

How can you make a difference?

The purpose of the Finance Assistant role is to support the financial operations of the office through the execution of a variety of standard financial, administrative, and accounting tasks. By handling routine processes such as payment verification, bank reconciliations, expenditure monitoring, and financial reporting, the Finance Assistant ensures that transactions are accurate, complete, and compliant with UNICEF’s financial rules, regulations, and policies.
In addition to managing day-to-day financial tasks, the incumbent plays a critical role in identifying and addressing discrepancies, assisting with internal and external audits, and maintaining proper financial documentation. By performing these responsibilities effectively, the Finance Assistant enables senior finance and operations staff to focus on strategic decision-making, program support, and broader financial planning.
The role requires a strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work with financial systems to process large volumes of data efficiently. Through these efforts, the Finance Assistant helps ensure that financial resources are used optimally, contributing to the organization’s mission of delivering results for children.

Financial Data Processing and Records Management

Maintain financial records and monitoring systems for day-to-day transactions, such as accounts payable, receivable, and general ledger.
Ensure the timely and accurate recording of financial data in UNICEF systems, checking completeness and compliance with regulations.
Support bank reconciliation processes and review transaction details.

Payment Processing

Process financial documents, such as invoices, purchase orders, travel claims, and staff advances, ensuring accuracy, authorization, and timely payment.
Verify supporting documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with policies.
Assist in clearing pending payments and resolve related discrepancies.

Financial Reporting

Prepare periodic reports and financial summaries, including status reports on expenditures, fund balances, and account reconciliations.
Support year-end closures and assist in financial reporting requirements for audits.

Support to Staff and Partners

Assist staff with financial queries related to travel advances, claims, or payments, ensuring accurate and prompt resolution.
Provide guidance to implementing partners on UNICEF financial procedures, ensuring compliance with HACT requirements.

Administrative Support

Manage petty cash transactions, ensuring proper recording and reconciliation.
Assist in organizing documentation for audits, reviews, and verifications.
Monitor and order office supplies required for financial operations.

Other Tasks

Perform other relevant financial or administrative duties as required.

The work performed by the Finance Assistant ensures the accuracy and efficiency of financial transactions and reporting. The role contributes to effective financial management, supports staff, and enhances organizational compliance with policies and procedures.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

[Include the vacancy requirements aligned to the category and level of the position. You can see examples in the branded VA example.]
Education: Completion of secondary education is required. Professional/university level courses in Accounting and Finance/Business administration considered as an asset.
Work Experience: A minimum of five years of relevant clerical experience in finance, accounting, or a related field is required. This experience should demonstrate a solid understanding of financial processes, principles, and practices, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, financial reporting, and reconciliations. The incumbent should have prior experience working in roles that involve handling financial data, processing payments, verifying transactions, and maintaining financial records with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
The ideal candidate will have experience working in an international or multi-stakeholder environment, preferably within the United Nations system, non-profit organizations, or large public/private sector institutions. This experience should include exposure to automated financial systems, such as SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP platforms, and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting purposes.
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for three (3) years of experience in case the candidate lacks the required experience.
A master’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may be considered to compensate for an additional two (2) years (in addition to the three years from above, totaling 5 years).

Skills:

Identify and resolve financial discrepancies or errors effectively.
Support financial reporting and audit processes, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including program and operations colleagues, external vendors, and partners.
Prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and handle high volumes of financial transactions with efficiency and accuracy.
Experience in providing support for budget preparation, financial monitoring, and the management of petty cash systems is considered an asset. The ability to interpret financial guidelines and assist in implementing financial controls to ensure compliance is essential for success in this role.

Language Requirements: