The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) Secretariat seeks to recruit a Senior Finance Officer. The candidate will serve as a key member of the Administrative Team and should be a self-starter and possess excellent inter-personal and organisational skills.
Reporting to the Deputy Director General, the Senior Finance Officer participates in planning, directing and controlling financial transactions. This includes preparing the annual budget as well as corresponding documents, conducting financial analysis to assess risk and providing sound financial advice to the management. The incumbent will also take the lead in preparing financial reports, developing and implementing effective systems of accounting, and maintaining accurate financial records.
Job description
The tasks and responsibilities of the recruited person will include, among others, the following:
Financial and Resource Management
Lead the preparation of the CBSS annual budget, in consultation with senior management and in collaboration with the finance team.
Ensure strong collaboration with HR/Administration to manage the staff affordability for the Secretariat and Units.
Monitor budget execution and recommend budget revisions as required.
Prepare the annual financial report, including relevant budget closure requirements.
Draft and keep guidelines up to date, including manuals of procedure.
Support procurement processes, especially to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws.

Accounting and Reporting
Manage the accounting and financial systems to enable full and accurate accounting records in the general ledger.
Reconcile the balance sheet and related revenue and expenditure accounts.
Oversee financial, project, and grants accounting. This may include project finance reporting, monitoring cash flow schedules, and supporting project management.
Coordinate month-end, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
Oversee the maintenance of relevant databases, registers, accounting records and files.
On a need basis, assist senior management through the preparation of reports and/or presentations.

Financial Control
Ensure sound internal controls and efficient operations.
Ensure that financial transactions are compliant with the CBSS Financial Rules.
Ensure that relevant internal control measures are properly implemented.
Monitor, control and report on budget implementation on a regular basis.
Where applicable, act as financial initiating and financial verifying agent to ensure the legality and regularity of financial transactions.

Audit
Ensure proper and effective preparation / execution of audits – serving as the primary point of contact with the auditing bodies.

In addition, the incumbent performs other relevant duties as required to ensure sound financial planning, administration and reporting within the organisation.
Selection Criteria

Essential criteria:
A university degree (or equivalent academic degree) in finance, accounting, business administration, or similar domain relevant to this post.
A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience in similar or related positions.
Experience in financial reporting to external funding mechanisms.
Knowledge of relevant IT skills as well as financial management tools.
Excellent written and spoken English.

Desirable criteria:
Knowledge and experience in finance administration, processes, controls and regulatory frameworks within international organisations.
A professionally recognised certification in accounting or finance.
Knowledge and understanding of applicable laws and regulations in Sweden.
Good command of Swedish is considered an advantange.

Other attributes important for this position include:
Ability to work effectively in a multinational environment.
Ability to work in a team as well as independently.
Good sense of discretion and confidentiality.
Excellent organisational skills.
Well-developed analytic and problem-solving skills.
Motivation to perform general administrative duties.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to adapt to a changing working environment.