Finance Officer-25359-FT_LTFinancial Reporting Section, Finance Division, Department of Program Planning and Finance, Administration, Finance and Management SectorGrade-P3Contract Duration-2 years (maximum cumulative length of 5 years) *
Duty Station
:CH-Geneva
Publication Date
:29-Oct-2025
Application Deadline
:28-Nov-2025, 5:59:00 PM
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE: please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.
This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.
1. Organizational Context
a.Organizational Setting
The post is located in the Financial Reporting Section of the Finance Division, Department of Program Planning and Finance, Administration, Finance and Management Sector. The Financial Reporting Section is responsible for the preparation of financial reporting (including annual financial statements and reports to FITS donors) for both WIPO and UPOV. In this regard, the Section is responsible for ensuring that annual financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards. In addition, the Section is charged with the receipt of assessed and voluntary contributions for both WIPO and UPOV, together with all the related accounting and correspondence and is also responsible for the preparation of bank and other reconciliations and for maintaining the accounting records regarding the Organization's fixed assets.
b.Purpose Statement
As a member of the Financial Reporting Section, the incumbent performs a wide variety of tasks relating to the preparation of annual financial statements and financial reporting in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
c.Reporting Lines
The incumbent works under the supervision of the Head of the Financial Reporting Section.
d.Work Relations
The incumbent works closely with the Treasury Section in supporting the accounting and financial reporting of financial instruments, and with the Human Resources Operations Service to obtain census and statistical data necessary to support actuarial assumptions.
2.Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:
a.Prepare accounting records and financial data of WIPO and UPOV for inclusion in the annual financial statements as well as interim financial reports and check for consistency with applicable accounting standards. Draft the annual financial statements of the WIPO/UPOV After-Service Health Insurance Plan (ASHIP) for review by the Head of the Financial Reporting Section.
b.Review and verify accounting entries and records for financial instruments, including investments and derivatives. Working with the Treasury Section, ensure correct interpretation and compliance with applicable accounting standards and guidance, and draft relevant disclosures for inclusion in financial reports.
c.Prepare and review data for submission to external actuaries for the calculation of employee benefit liabilities. Liaise with colleagues in the Human Resources Operations Service to obtain census and statistical data necessary to support actuarial assumptions. Assist the Head of the Financial Reporting Section in the review and reporting of actuarial assumptions and calculations.
d.Prepare monthly downloads of financial data from the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system for inclusion in summary reports. Review monthly accrual estimates, and prepare the summary report template. Assist the Head of the Financial Reporting Section in the preparation of monthly accrual accounting adjustments.
e.Supervise and review the work of the Senior Finance Clerk relating to the preparation of bank reconciliations and other asset and liability accounts as required. Carry out a range of daily activities as a bank signatory, including the review of payments as part of fraud prevention and detection.
f.Review accounting records and physical verification reports relating to the Organization’s fixed assets. Ensure that project expenditure has been reviewed and where necessary capitalized in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Review fixed asset register reconciliations and prepare disclosures for inclusion in financial reports.
g.Review and control calculations of adjustments to align revenue recognition with applicable accounting standards, and prepare inputs to support the development of accounting procedures and policies in this area for compliance with the latest standards. Actively participate in projects to increase automation of these calculations, working in close collaboration with teams responsible for enterprise solutions.
h.Advise staff across the Organization on the correct application of finance regulations, rules, or procedures to cases. Monitor the latest developments in accounting standards, and work on the implementation of new financial reporting areas including partnerships and sustainability disclosures.
i.Assist the Head of the Financial Reporting Section in the provision of information and the preparation of replies in the context of the external audit of the WIPO annual financial statements.
j.Perform other related duties as required.
3.Requirements
Education (Essential)
First-level university degree in finance, accounting or a related discipline, or alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with a recognized professional accounting qualification (such as CPA, CA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent).
Education (Desirable)
An advanced university degree (master's) in finance, accounting or related discipline.
A recognized professional accounting qualification (such as CPA, CA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
Experience (Essential)
At least six years' experience in accounting and financial reporting, including experience working with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Accounting Standards (IAS) or International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
Working experience in accounting for treasury operations, and reporting of financial instruments.
Experience of an ERP gained in a financial or accounting role.
Experience (Desirable)
Experience working in a UN common system organization.
Language (Essential)
Excellent knowledge of English or French and good knowledge of the other language.
Language (Desirable)
Knowledge of other UN languages.
Job Related Competencies (Essential)
Good knowledge of IFRS and IAS and/or IPSAS.
Ability to analyze financial information and complex financial arrangements, and to relate financial or accounting theory to operating practices.
Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work within strict time constraints and meet deadlines.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the internet.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
4.Organizational Competencies
1.Communicating effectively.
2.Showing team spirit.
3.Demonstrating integrity.
4.Valuing diversity.
5.Producing results.
6.Showing service orientation.
7.Seeing the big picture.
8.Seeking change and innovation.
9.Developing yourself and others.
5. Information
Mobility:WIPO staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the Director General and may be assigned to any activities, office or duty station of the Organization.Accordingly, the selected candidate may be required to move from time to time to new functions and/or to another duty station.
Annual salary:
Total annual salary consists of a net annual salary (net of taxes and before medical insurance and pension fund deductions) in US dollars and a post adjustment. Please note that this estimate is for information only. The post adjustment multiplier (cost of living allowance) is variable and subject to change (increase or decrease) without notice. The figures quoted below are based on the October 2025 rate of 88.7%
P3
Annual salary
$64,121
Post adjustment
$56,875
Total Salary
$120,996
Currency USD
Salaries and allowances are paid in Swiss francs at the official rate of exchange of the United Nations.
Please refer to WIPO’s Staff Regulation and Rules for detailed information concerning salaries, benefits and allowances.
Additional Information
* Initial fixed-term appointment of two years, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and other applicable conditions.The selected candidate’s appointment will be subject to an overall term of five years in this position, with normally no possibility of renewal beyond that term.S/he may, however, apply and be considered for other positions at WIPO.
This is not applicable to WIPO staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointments, who were recruited following a competition under Staff Regulation 4.10 (“Appointment Boards”).
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill other posts at the same grade with similar functions in accordance with Staff Rule 4.9.5.
Applications from qualified women as well as from qualified nationals of unrepresented Member States of WIPO and underrepresented geographical regions are encouraged. Please click on the following links for the list of unrepresented Member States and the list of underrepresented regions and the WIPO Member States in these regions.
The Organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised.
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By completing an application, candidates understand that any willful misrepresentation made on this web site, or on any other documents submitted to WIPO during the application, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process, or termination of employment with WIPO at a later date, if that employment resulted from such willful misrepresentations.
In the event that your candidature is shortlisted, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of your identification and the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WIPO recognizes higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list maintained by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed here: http://www.whed.net/. Some higher educational qualifications may not be listed in WHED, and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Additional testing/interviewing may be used as a form of screening.Initial appointment is subject to satisfactory professional references.
Additional background checks may be required.