Finance & Accounting Section Head; Headquarters

Position: Finance & Accounting Section Head (Headquarters Support)
The Finance & Accounting Section Head manages the HQ Support Section responsible for processing and recording all financial transactions related to Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Travel, Payroll, Fixed Assets and Inventory for NATO Headquarters Joint Force Command Naples. The role involves overseeing finance and accounting operations, ensuring compliance with NATO financial regulations, and coordinating with various NATO entities and national bodies.

Responsibilities

Oversee and direct operations related to the Finance and Accounting HQ Support Section managing financial transactions relating to Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Travel, Payroll, Fixed Assets and Inventory

Participate in the establishment of the HQ finance and accounting policy

Coordinate and direct routine finance and accounting matters with other HQ divisions and offices, ACO Corporate Accounting and Control Branch, other NATO bodies and national entities

Ensure requested commitments are within appropriation and contract authorities

Authorize expenditures and payments of invoices including pre-payments

Control and validate HQ monthly payrolls and coordinate reconciliation of payroll related suspense accounts

Maintain and reconcile financial accounts including bank, cash, suspense accounts and accruals

Coordinate and prepare consolidated commitment-reports for all funding sources

Coordinate reconciliation of open items of Non-Consolidated Entities with ACO Corporate Accounting and Control Branch and other NATO entities

Prepare written responses to internal and external formal inquiries

Manage reimbursable activities ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding international funding

Monitor HQs’ receivables and prepare reports and dunning letters

Oversee travel fiscal activities ensuring timely processing of travel invoices and claims

Serve as alternate member of the Property Survey Board for asset write-offs

Coordinate end-of-year procedures with other J8 branches and fund managers

Assist Branch Head in preparation of inputs to ACO consolidated financial statements

Contribute to audit and control activities and assist internal/external auditors

Process adjustment journals as required

Undertake work as part of project teams or working groups as assigned

Legally accountable for propriety of financial transactions and execution of financial obligations when delegated by Branch Head

Hold delegated authority to commit organization to funding obligations and approve commitments up to Established Financial Limits

Exercise functional area decision authority and manage work priorities of staff within the HQ Support Section

Participate as member/representative in Bi-SC Working Groups and Committees and specific internal HQ working groups

Requirements

University Degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration or related discipline and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience

Experience with the use of ERP systems such as Oracle EBS or SAP

Advanced knowledge of MS Excel

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

Advanced university degree (MS, MA, MBA, MPA, or equivalent) or postgraduate diploma in accounting, finance, management, business administration, or related field (desirable)

Experience as accountant, finance and accounting officer in major international/multi-national organization (desirable)

Experience in managing or mentoring accounting assistants or teams (desirable)

Familiarity and hands-on experience in operation of automated financial systems in use in NATO military headquarters (desirable)

A thorough understanding of NATO financial regulations and procedures (desirable)

Ability to interpret laws, executive orders and directives and to formulate policies and implementing rules and procedures on financial matters (desirable)

At least 2 years' experience and knowledge in IPSAS and/or IFRS (desirable)

Professional accounting certification (or progress towards) from a member body of IFAC (e.g. CPA, CMA, CGMA, ACCA Qualification, etc.) or National/government equivalent certification or credentials (desirable)

Experience with the use of Robotic Process Automation, Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence tools (desirable)

Skills

Accounting

Finance Management

Budgeting

ERP Systems

Oracle EBS

SAP

MS Excel

Financial…