Regional Financial Comptroller (P)

at  International Organization for Migration

Job Identification (Reference Number): 12820
Position Title: Regional Financial Comptroller (P)
Duty Station City: Panama City
Duty Station Country: Panama
Grade: P-5
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 30 January 2025

QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; and,
• University degree in the above with twelve years of relevant professional experience.
• Professional accounting certification by an internationally recognized professional accountancy body is an advantage.

EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of ten years of progressively evolving leadership experience in financial management with responsibilities for accounting, financial reporting and financial analysis within an international, decentralized, and/or multinational environment.;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting financial analysis, feasibility studies, including trend and ratio analysis. Capable of presenting complex financial matters and experienced in negotiating with member states and donors;
• Excellent knowledge and experience with budgeting, financial, and reporting systems, including ERP;
• A solid understanding and substantial work experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); and,
• Progressive experience in field operations of similar sized international organizations to IOM is an advantage.

SKILLS

• Features good communication, exceptional people management, and strong interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of IOM and/or UN financial regulations, policies, procedures and practices are desirable;
• Successful track record in remotely managing teams and functions, including highly decentralized financial and accounting practices;
• Skilled in operating a complex financial monitoring framework, including policies and procedures tailored to operational needs;
• Demonstrated understanding of a decentralized operating model and its complexities;
• Proficient in English with excellent drafting skills; and,
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and manage transitions.

Lead the development and implementation of both short- and long-term financial management plans and strategies at the regional level, aligning with IOM’s global financial policies, regulations, and procedures.
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- Provide strategic financial advice to Regional Office management and the management of Country Offices in the Region in line with the IOM’s financial policy framework, ensuring effective oversight and compliance with financial controls across the Region in collaboration with HQ, Administrative Centers, and Country Offices.
- Provide guidance and first-line support to Resource Management Officers (RMOs) and finance staff on financial, administrative and financial control matters, providing training and guidance on financial and administrative policies, ensuring that processes are efficient and aligned with IOM’s global policies while being adaptable to local contexts.
- Monitor financial and administrative processes at the Regional and Country Office levels by facilitating compliance and promoting operational efficiency in coordination with HQ, Administrative Centers, and Country Offices. Conduct periodic visits to Country Offices in the Region to provide guidance, assess capacities, and improve compliance. Communicate the outcomes of these visits to Regional Office management and the Department of Financial and Administrative Management.
- Strengthen the financial internal control environment across the Region, coordinating with regional global counterparts, particularly with the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer and DFM, to address gaps and prevent fraud or mismanagement. Facilitate the implementation of Compliance Control Self-Assessment Tool across the Region, contribute to the development of Risk Register Matrix, and other risks assessment and management related tools. Monitor and facilitate the segregation of duties within the Country Offices, including but not limited to role assignments in IOM’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
- Perform approval, reviews, or authorizations within the authorities delegated by IOM polices and/or line managers, in close coordination with global counterparts.
- Oversee comprehensive financial planning, monitoring and reporting across the Region, including monitoring project financial performance, with an emphasis on promptly identifying changes in the financial health of Country Offices.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks in collaboration with Regional and Country office management, the Regional Risk and Compliance Officer, and other stakeholders. Escalate significant financial risks and emerging trends to DFM and senior regional management.
- Oversee the Regional Office’s budget submission process, monitoring expenditures to ensure adherence to approved allocations and financial policies. Monitor Country Offices’ budget submissions and periodic forecasts, ensuring financial sustainability and adequate coverage of common costs.
- Under the guidance of the Treasury Division, facilitate the optimization of cash management and bank account structures across the Region, ensuring alignment with IOM’s global financial strategies. Promote global institutional payment solutions, streamlining processes and reducing transaction costs across the Region.
- Monitor compliance with donor financial reporting requirements, facilitate good quality project financial report preparation by Country Offices and timely submission for internal endorsements.
- Maintain and monitor audit recommendations and oversight findings, ensuring timely follow-up and resolution by Country Offices.
- Supervise finance and administrative staff at the Regional Office, ensuring processes are in place to maintain compliance with IOM’s rules and standards.
- Lead regional finance capacity-building initiatives, focusing on talent development and retention within the financial function. Foster a robust finance community across the Region, encouraging continuous learning, peer collaboration, and alignment with IOM’s global financial strategies. Serve as a key champion of change, facilitating the adoption of technological and policy updates across the region
- Represent IOM in inter-agency financial and administrative discussions, including participation in regional and local OMTs, donor meetings, and other external forums.
- Perform any other duties as assigned.