Are you a finance specialist with experience working in a governmental organization?  If so, this position offers you a unique opportunity to support the NATO Alliance at its HQ SACT Budget and Finance Team.

Post Context

ACT contributes to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading, at Strategic Command level, Warfare Development required to enhance NATO’s posture, military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines.

The Command Group provides general support, coordination, management, administrative service and specialist advice to SACT, DSACT and COS.

Chief of Staff (COS) is responsible to SACT and DSACT for the staff activity necessary to execute ACT’s mission. It is the focal point for the implementation of the Commander’s direction and guidance as well as the initiation and co-ordination of all ACT staff efforts.

The Staff Advisory Group (SAG) is comprised of different competencies grouped into several offices (Political Advisor, Legal Advisor, Gender Advisor, Financial Controller, Command Auditor, Communication Branch and Pentagon Liaison). It works under the direction and guidance of COS and provides general staff support, coordination, management, administrative service, and specialists’ advice to SACT.

As part of the Staff Advisory Group, the Office of Budget and Finance (BUDFIN) is the executive agent for ACT in all matters of budget and finance policy and execution. Responsibility includes all matters pertaining to Budget and Finance at HQ SACT, JALLC, JWC, JFTC and subordinate SACT elements (STRE and SEE).

He/she assists in the execution of approved budgets and assigned infrastructure projects. Assists in the management and maintenance of the NATO Financial Accounting Systems (CNAFS).

Reports to: – Staff Officer (Treasury & Accounting Operations)

Principal Duties: His/her duties are:

a.         Responsibility for all of the accounting functions relating to processing payments to include:

i.          Overseeing the payment process, including charge card purchases, in order to ensure compliance with NFRs and the approved ACT Budget.

ii.         Following up unpaid invoices.

iii.        Accruing the cost and reconciling costs with payments.

iv.        Identifies and resolves problems related to AP transactions suggesting corrective action.

v.         Maintains vendor payment sites.

vi.        Undertakes month-end closing & reconciliation for accounts payable.

b.         Process Consultant & NATO Civilian payments based on records supplied by Civilian Personnel.

c.         Process and recover Tax reimbursements to US NATO Civilians as directed by NATO HQ.

d.         Approves expense claims generated by ACT Self Service Travel Module for payment.

e.         Responsible for ACT HQ fixed Asset Accounting to include:

i.          Reconcile Fixed Asset Accounts monthly.

ii.         Classification of assets.

iii.        Ensuring accurate coding of Accounts Payable invoices for all capitalized assets.

iv.        Manage inventory; prepare necessary entries to manage inventory accounts.

v.         Maintenance of SACT subordinate commands’ operating fund balances including monitoring over-expenditures and processing replenishments.

f.          Assisting fund managers on the proper use of funds.

g.         Provides assistance to BUDFIN personnel (Budget, P&C and Audit) on an ad hoc basis as directed by Line Management.

h.         Provides analysis and advice regarding accounting programs, financial systems, or public sector operations.

i.          Assists in development of ACT accounting policies and advises on the accuracy of disclosure documents.

j.          Provides advice on the effects of newly promulgated International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), NATO Financial Regulations or the requirements or statements of central oversight agencies such as the NATO International Board of Auditors.

k.         Assists Head of Accounting Operations in the preparation of year-end financial statements and year-end closing financial procedures.

l.          Cross-training between the Receivables, Payables and Invoicing personnel with the Accountant and Treasurer section is required.  Must be able to perform basic functions in the absence of these three billets.

Essential Qualifications

a.         Higher Secondary education and completed higher vocational training  in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration 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.

b.         Knowledge of computerized financial systems.

c.         Minimum of three years of combined government and commercial accounting experience including a minimum of two years of double-entry accounting.

d.         Strong educational background with some financial accounting training.

e.         3 years’ experience of working with Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or other recognised formal Accounting Standards.

Language

English – SLP 3322 – (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications

a.         Professional Experience

1.         Knowledge of NATO Financial Accounting System and procedures.

2.         Familiarity with an international working environment.

Attributes/Competencies

• Personal Attributes:

1.         He/she must be capable of working harmoniously in a multi-national environment, while representing and projecting the needs of ACT in a tactful and firm manner.

2.         He/she must be prepared to travel occasionally in support of the listed duties.

3.         He/she must have knowledge of computerized financial systems.

4.         He/she must have a strong educational background with some financial accounting training.

• Professional Contacts – He/she must be able to liaise effectively with military and civilian personnel.

• Contribution To Objectives – Maintain an up-to-date accounting system.

Security Clearance

The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO Secret Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Work Environment

He/she will be required to work in a normal office environment.

Contract

Serving NATO International Civilian staff will be offered a contract in accordance with the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.  Newly recruited staff will be offered a three year definite duration contract.

Notes for Candidates

The HQ SACT web site gives details on the eligibility criteria and application processes to be adopted by all candidates.

The candidature of NATO redundant staff at grade B-5/NG 12 will be considered with priority.

Applicants who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment to another post of a similar nature, albeit at the same or a lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

This vacancy will close on 25 May 2023 @ 17:59hrs (Eastern)/11:59hrs (CET).

Notes for NATO Civilian Human Resources Managers

If you have qualified redundant staff at grade B-5/NG 12, please advise the HQ SACT Civilian HR Manager no later than the closing date.

For any queries, please contact the HQ SACT Recruitment Team at [email protected]