Accounting Specialist (Centralised Finance and Accounting)

SHAPE is looking for a financial assistant to assist with the annual consolidation of the ACO accounts and be part of the team developing ACO accounting policies and procedures. If you have experience with fixed asset accounting reconciliation of accounts general ledger analysis financial reporting and enjoy working in a fast paced environment at a strategic level this post is for you.

1. POST CONTEXT

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework employing a multi-domain and multi-region focus to create a 360-degree approach with the flexibility to enable upon direction a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE). SHAPE supports SACEUR in fulfilling his terms of reference as directed by the North Atlantic Council.

The incumbent is responsible in assisting and supporting the Section Head in delivering financial advice and support to HQ SHAPE and Allied Command Operations (ACO) centralised budget stakeholders for the matters related to General Ledger Account Payable and Account Receivable.

2. PRINCIPAL DUTIES

Within the Centralized Finance and Accounting Section the incumbent provides accounting support for the matters related to General Ledger Account Payable Account Receivable.

The incumbents duties are:

Supports the SHAPE official accounting records for the approved budgetary credits expenditure authorized and committed accounts payable Advance Accounts accounts receivable payments and receipts in line with related NFRs/FRPs.

Monitors execution of Foreign Military Sales contracts and following up with fund managers on closure of commitments that are due/overdue for liquidation.

Provides expert advice supporting development of automated accounting system modules supporting finance infrastructure and travel functionalities.

Responsible for the analysis assessment and required correction regarding the monthly reconciliation process.

Provides onsite assistance and training within the functional area as required.

Monitors transactions for all reimbursable activities on behalf of other NATO entities and Third parties; Supervises the financial reconciliations and coordinates the follow-up procedure of all the related outstanding credits.

Performs and analyses payroll accounting for NIC LWR and consulting staff including the control of the supporting documentation provided by HR.

Contributes to the collection of the necessary information for audit and control by internal and external audit team.

Supports the preparation of the annual financial statement for SHAPE.

Monitors the execution of international and infrastructure funding within the approved credits.

3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organisation at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises and/or TDY assignments both within and without NATO boundaries up to 30 days.

The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment.

4. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional/Experience

1) Experience in all activities involved in control of accounts and financial activities: reconciliation of accounts; preparation of payroll and examination of vouchers; records and controls commitments; obligation and expenditure of funds.

2) Professional experience in accounting economics finance or business management.

b. Education/Training

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

Formal training in accounting or financial management is essential.

The additional job specific qualifications and experience is described under Professional/Experience paragraph (4/a). In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience have priority over the standard education and training levels and experience described here.

c. Language

English - SLP 3333 - (Listening Speaking Reading and Writing)

5. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

a. Professional Experience

1) Experience as an administrator in NATO or other multi-national organisations.

2) Extensive experience with operation of automated accounting systems used in the public or private sector. Preferable experience with the NATO Automated Financial System (FinS) and/or Oracle Financials.

3) Experience and knowledge in the application of NATO financial rules and regulations.

4) Experience and knowledge in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

b. Education/Training

An Advanced University degree or post Graduate Diploma in Accounting Finance Management or related field. Professional accounting qualification with 4 years post-related experience or a higher secondary education with professional technical training leading to a professional accounting qualification or country-specific equivalent coupled with 6 years related professional experience.

6. ATTRIBUTES / COMPETENCIES

a. Personal Attributes

The incumbent will need to display a high degree of professionalism and technical expertise in performance of his/her assigned duties. As the incumbents decisions and actions impact the financial position and propriety in the use of financial resources of SHAPE he/she must exercise excellent judgement while acting with persuasion and diplomacy in order to achieve results which safeguard NATOs financial interests and image. 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.

A high degree of verbal and written communications skills is mandatory. The incumbent of this post exercises judgment and critical thinking in advising the Section Chief or as required the Branch head on Finance and Accounting matters. Planning and organizational skills to assess the workload prioritise tasks and organize staff and services to meet deadlines. High work standards and management control techniques should characterize the incumbents performance with regard to ensuring the implementation/application of NATO directives local supplements other relevant regulatory documents to the work of Centralized Finance and Accounting Section.

b. Professional Contacts

Works with budget holders (OF4s) project managers (OF4/5) and financial managers (A3/4) within SHAPE and at subordinate headquarters ensuring efficient use of available resources.

Has frequent contact with all SHAPE staff concerning ACO policy development and monitoring and entitlement authority.

Interfaces with NATO Financial System training providers on training issues which require explanation and discussion. Internal coordination with other divisions. External coordination with other ACO commands.

Negotiation and consultation with Host nations (i.e. MOD.s Treasuries office of ministry of Labor) at Secretary level for financial and economic liaison.

c. Contribution To Objectives

The incumbent oversees the financial processes which provide accurate and timely data needed by financial managers and ensures that they understand how this data is to be interpreted and acted upon.

The incumbents even-handed and effective enforcement of approved practices precludes abuse and ensures financial propriety of transactions. Accurate performance of all functions is vital to ACO compliance with statutory reporting requirements directed by the nations. Contributes directly to operational mission objectives through provision of accounting support to deployed headquarters and accounting for operational budgets

Makes a significant direct contribution to the work and objectives of the J8 Divison. Recommends courses of action on the implementation of accounting procedures with regard to best practices to be adopted with HSG J1 etc.

Develops implements and manages policies in own area of professional competence.

The incumbent also contributes to the development of objectives by proposing local accounting policies and training programs aimed at improving the quality and performance of the financial management and accounting staff. The successful planning and execution of the international budgets are an important contribution of the Commands objectives.

d. Supervisory Responsibilities

There are no reporting responsibilities.

REMARKS:

Duration of contract: Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.

The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff members eligibility and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives to provide equal access to employment advancement and retention independent of gender age nationality ethnic origin religion or belief cultural background sexual orientation and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations.

Building integrity is a key element of NATOs core tasks. As an employer NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature which might become vacant in the near future albeit at the same or lower grade provided they meet the necessary requirements.

We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:

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

More information to be found on these links:

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Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.

Remarks:

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

b) 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.

c) Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancys closing date.

d) NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared in whole or in part by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools including and without limitation to chatbots such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT) or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared in whole or in part by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATOs sole discretion and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.