Finance Associate

UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Finance Associate to join its Finance Group. This role is central to maintaining the integrity of UNOPS financial operations, supporting the preparation of corporate financial statements, overseeing financial transactions, and ensuring full compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations.

Operating within a dynamic, international environment, the Finance Associate will contribute to quarterly and year-end financial closure processes, support internal and external audit activities, and play an active role in capacity building and continuous system improvement initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who thrives in structured, compliance-driven settings and is passionate about contributing to global development through sound financial stewardship.

• Support the preparation of interim and year-end corporate financial statements, including supporting schedules and notes.
• Assist in data consolidation and development of working files and tables for financial statements.
• Provide audit support by maintaining logs of internal and external audit recommendations and performing data analysis.
• Coordinate and monitor quarterly and year-end financial closure processes.
• Review reconciliation submissions and account balances to ensure compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules, Organizational Directives, and Operational Instructions.
• Conduct analysis of General Ledger (GL) data across various accounts for completeness, accuracy, and correctness.
• Communicate with internal stakeholders to resolve discrepancies, request verifications, and improve the quality of financial submissions.
• Perform periodic monitoring and oversight of transactions and account balances in assigned areas.
• Contribute to building and maintaining a strong financial reporting control environment.
• Review financial transactions related to grants, advances, and expenses.
• Assist in reviewing inventory data before processing capitalization transactions on a periodic basis.
• Raise and process transactions within the UNOPS ERP system as required.
• Support documentation of processes and drive continuous improvements within the corporate quality management system (PQMS).
• Maintain and update an issue log for identified financial discrepancies and follow-up actions.

• Demonstrate hands-on experience preparing or supporting the preparation of financial statements under IPSAS or IFRS standards.
• Apply knowledge of General Ledger reconciliation and account analysis to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Use ERP systems (preferably Oracle or similar) to raise and process financial transactions accurately and efficiently.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with cross-functional internal stakeholders on financial matters requiring correction or clarification.
• Support audit processes by compiling documentation, maintaining recommendation logs, and drawing analytical insights from financial data.
• Apply understanding of internal controls and financial compliance frameworks to daily financial oversight activities.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools to develop working files, tables, and financial reports.
• Work independently on assigned areas while collaborating effectively within a multicultural, international team environment.
• Show familiarity with process documentation and quality management systems such as PQMS.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is required; a professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 3–5 years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, or financial management, preferably within an international organization or NGO.

UNOPS offers competitive remuneration aligned with UN system salary scales. For this Associate-level position based in Nairobi, the estimated monthly compensation ranges from KES 200,000 to KES 350,000 depending on experience and applicable UN local salary scale adjustments. UNOPS staff also benefit from a comprehensive package that reflects its commitment to staff well-being.

• Medical insurance coverage
• UN pension scheme enrollment
• Annual and sick leave entitlements
• Opportunities for professional development and training

This role is ideal for a finance professional with solid experience in financial reporting, reconciliations, and compliance within a structured international organization. You are detail-oriented, analytical, and comfortable navigating complex ERP systems and multi-stakeholder environments. You bring a proactive approach to problem-solving and have a genuine interest in supporting impactful global development work through financial excellence.

Who should NOT apply: Candidates without demonstrable experience in financial statement preparation or GL reconciliation should not apply. This is not an entry-level role — applicants with fewer than 3 years of relevant finance experience or those unfamiliar with international financial standards (IPSAS/IFRS) will not be considered.

• Visit the official UNOPS careers portal at careers.unops.org.
• Search for the Finance Associate position under Kenya or Nairobi.
• Create or log in to your UNOPS candidate profile.
• Complete the online application form and upload your updated CV and a cover letter tailored to this role.
• Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your experience with financial statements, GL reconciliation, and ERP systems.
• Submit your application before the stated closing date on the careers portal.