TEMP POST Accounting Specialist (Centralised Finance and Accounting)

SHAPE is looking for employing a qualified and suitable candidate to fill this post as a temporary staff until 31 December 2026 with a possibility of extension. If you meet the requirements described in the job description below and wish to work in a fast-paced international environment this post is for you.

In view of the nature and of the urgency of this temporary position it is important for candidates to be available for temporary practice this implies being in possession of valid NATO security clearance at the time of application or having been in possession of such a clearance with the possibility to reactivate it swiftly. We therefore only encourage applications for this post if you are already or have previously been in possession of a valid NATO security clearance.

Post context

SHAPE is the Strategic Headquarters for Allied Command Operations.

The Finance and Acquisition Directorate is responsible for supporting the ACO Financial Controller (FC) in execution of his roles as ACO Financial Controller and those of Financial Controller of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).

The ACO Corporate Accounting and Control Branch (ACO CAC) is responsible for developing policy procedures and revision of processes for finance and accounting and cash management ACO-wide in line with the established NFRs/FRPs. Provides corporate functions ACO-wide and assumes full responsibilities for the Centralized Finance and Accounting services located at SHAPE HQ.

The branch performs internal control functions and financial risk management for cash management finance and accounting to ensure appropriate controls are in place and that financial reporting and property accounting activities reflects proper accountability and transparency and ensures that financial resources are managed efficiently and reported in a clear and comprehensive manner is maintaining the official centralized accounts and producing financial statements for the nations which present a true and fair picture of the financial situation of the Allied Command Operations. The Branch has also the overall responsibility of cash management finance and accounting services in support of Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM)requirements. Services are provided on a reimbursable basis.

The incumbent functions as Accounting Specialist concern the finance and accounting activities in support of SOFCOM requirements currently managed by the ACO Corporate Accounting and Control Branch.

Principal duties

The individuals functions are as Accounting Specialist in execution of SOFCOM multinational budget his/her duties s/he will report to Section Head (Centralised Finance & Accounting).

Her/his major duties will include:

Provide expertise and continuity for all SOFCOM cash management treasury finance and accounting activities and other projects as assigned.

Facilitate accurate and timely processing of transfers and distributions by communicating with internal and external divisions involved in the SOFCOM processes.

Actively contribute to the revision of the business process applications tools and workflow to guarantee the proper segregation of duties for SOFCOM and other related customers in view of further potential improvement.

Is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for team members other departments and backs up all team members when needed.

Identify and escalate operational emergencies and discrepancies to Section Head and/or Branch Head for further assessment and follow-up.

Maintain the SOFCOM Official Accounts to reflect approved budgetary credits expenditure authorised and committed holdings of funds and negotiable documents sums payable and receivable and payments and receipts. Monitor the SOFCOM accounting records related payable and receivable sub ledgers including payments and receipts in line with relevant NATO regulations.

Advise separate budget project case and program holders on the status of accounting records ensuring credits committed and paid accurately reflect the legal status of their accounts and are consistent with NATO/ACO guidance.

Analyze the financial data of the official SOFCOM general ledger accounts and contribute to the collection of the necessary information for audit and control by internal and external audit.

Prepare and update desk finance and accounting guidance for reimbursable projects like the SOFCOM.

Prepare written responses to internal and external formal inquiries for the revision of the Section Head and/or Branch Head.

Provide guidance and assistance to include monitoring of budget execution resolving customer service issues for SOFCOM and any related business.

Supervise reconciliations of reimbursable accounts related to other entities and is responsible for the follow-up of any related outstanding credits and Quality Control processes.

Monitor payroll accounting and liaise with HRM finance section.

Liaise with the travel service provider for financial and performance reports including coordination of the follow-up on all open-related issues.

Responsible for the preparation of the financial data for the official annual financial statement of the entity.

Coordinate financial matters and IPSAS related accounting procedures with the Section Head and/or Branch Head to assess the SOFCOM requirements and related accounting procedures.

Coordinate financial matters and related accounting procedures within the Branch for the SOFCOM.

Operate ERP modules for the execution and follow-up of the request payments receipts reports.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The work is normally performed in a typical office environment. Normal working conditions apply. The risk of injury is categorised as: No risk.

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the same branch at the same grade to support the proper segregation of duties required for services in support to SOFCOM.

Essential qualification

Professional experience

1. Professional experience in finance business management accounting or economics.

2. At least 3 years of experience as user and/or analyst of financial ERP modules such as Account Payable Account Receivable Purchasing cash Management general Ledger and Travel.

3. Broad experience in the analysis and reconciliation of accounts cash flow and forecast examination of vouchers records and controls commitments obligation and expenditure of funds.

4. At least 3 years of experience with office-automated software packages in particular spreadsheets.

Education/Training

Higher Secondary education and completed higher vocational training in economics accounting business administration public administration finance management or related discipline leading to a formal technical or professional certification with 3 years function related experience or a Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 5 years post related experience.

Language

English SLP 3232 (listening speaking reading and writing)

Desirable Qualifications

Professional experience

1. Extensive experience with ERP systems used in the public or private sector.

2. In-depth knowledge of office automation software packages (i.e.- Microsoft Office).

3. Experience in drafting procedures and guidance including briefing notes and reports on finance matters

4. Experience as financial assistant in a private and/or public organization.

Education/Training

A university degree or post Graduate Diploma in Accounting Finance Management or related field.

Personal Attributes

The incumbent will need to display a high degree of professionalism and technical expertise in performing her/his his/her work the incumbent must demonstrate a high energy level personal integrity and a sense of loyalty to the organisation. S/he should be self-driven motivated and should be able to function independently as well as should be comfortable working in a team environment. S/he should be proficient in computers as he will need to handle huge database and generate reports related to it. He/she will need to be aware of the legal and economic aspects of every potential his/her work the incumbent must demonstrate a high energy level personal integrity and a sense of loyalty to the organisation. He/she must have strong ethics and sound business judgement for working in a financial environment.

WHAT WE OFFER

- 38 hours per week schedule;

- 2.5 paid days of leave per month worked;

- Fulfilling working atmosphere in an international and military community;

- Contract period: 6 months with possibility of extension

- Salary: the remuneration of temporary personnel will be specified in their contracts. It is exempt from taxation in the Host Nation;

- Benefits package: temporary personnel are covered by a benefits package which consists of an additional sum of 12% of basic salary for pension purposes basic medical and accident insurance provided under the NATO Group insurance contract (death and invalidity). The cost for insurance amounts to 2.57% of basic salary (2/3 payable by the Organisation and 1/3 payable by staff);

- For staff eligible under NATO rules there is also a dependent child allowance and coverage for dependent children for medical benefits.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Candidates possessing a valid NATO or National security clearance will be given priority consideration.

Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) ( submitted by other means (e.g. mail e-mail fax etc) are not accepted.

NTAP allows adding attachments.A copy of the qualification/certificate covering the highest level of education required by the job description must be provided as an attachment.

Essential information must be included in the application form. Particular attention should be given to Education and Experience section of the application form. Each question should be answered such as please see attached CV please see annex / enclosed document or invitations to follow links to personal webpages are not acceptable and will be disregarded. All answers should be in English.

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications.

Remarks:

- Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE.

- Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed or re-submit the application.

- Candidates individual telephone e-mail or telefax enquiries cannot be dealt with. All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application.

Required Experience:

IC

Employment Type : Full-Time
Experience: years
Vacancy: 1