Financial Analyst – GE  

IFC a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

The IFC Controllers Department (CNT) is responsible for effectively and efficiently managing IFC’s Financial Operations (loan, equity and short-term finance operations, and back-office treasury support operations), Financial Reporting (including reporting and analysis, portfolio review, investment accounting and accounting policy), Internal Controls, and Financial Integration, Systems and Projects. The Department comprises approximately 140 diverse and highly skilled staff based in Washington, DC and Chennai. 

The Financial Integration, Systems and Projects (CNTFS) unit within the Controllers Department provides leading capabilities in Project Management, Intelligent Automation, Data Governance and Process Excellence to support and drive transformation across all CNT units. These initiatives are meant to increase productivity and efficiencies in work program delivery while maintaining continuity in current CNT business operations.

The team is also involved in the integration of relevant data from IFC’s key accounting and transaction systems into timely and accurate management reporting that supports decision-making in line with IFC’s strategic priorities.  One of the primary responsibilities of the unit is the business ownership of IFC’s investment profitability system, FSRS (financial sustainability reporting system), a management reporting tool with close to 300 users within IFC, which brings together and disaggregates financial data from IFC Controllers systems to provide investment P&L statements down to investment project-level.   

CNTFS has co-located some aspects of its work program to IFC’s Chennai Office (CNTCO), which has recruited staff in the IFC Financial Integration, Projects & Systems (CNTFI) to deliver their work program. 

IFC Controllers Department is seeking a Financial Analyst in the Financial Integration, Projects & Systems unit in Chennai (CNTFI) to support and contribute to activities related to Balance rules in IFC’s Operational Data Store, Data Governance, Data Analytics and, including the alignment of accounting results with financial/management reporting. This position will report to the Team Lead of the CNTFI unit in Chennai.

The successful candidate will be responsible for various aspects of the CNTFI work program. He/she is expected to be current with accounting developments and proactive in responding to the rapidly changing accounting and business environment. His/her work product is expected to be technically sound, timely, and results-driven. They are expected to be team players and self-starters in identifying issues and undertaking projects through completion.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Financial Analyst is a vital member of the CNTFI team. The role requires frequent interaction with internal counterparts in controller departments and external clients such as Risk, Portfolio, Treasury, Investment, and IT departments. Their tasks and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

•  Support efforts in providing quality assurance for IFC’s operational, financial, and management reports by verifying data to various source systems, reconciling them, and ensuring data consistency across operational, financial, and management reports

•  Support efforts to develop, streamline, automate, and coordinate IFC’s operational, financial, and management reports

•  Support efforts in preparing ad hoc database analyses with database management and reporting/visualization tools like Power BI, Tableau, and Business Objects

•  Participate in implementing new features or enhancements to various IFC operational and finance systems

•  Engage in data governance activities such as data quality and metadata management and stay current with the latest standards and best practices

•  Engage and collaborate actively with Data Champions and Communities and support work to improve Data Awareness and Literacy among staff

•  Support all Data Governance Hub activities, including assisting the Team Lead

•  Participate in project team meetings and preparation of business requirement documents and test scenarios, etc

•  Perform testing at various stages of systems development, including user acceptance testing, integration testing, etc

•  Supporting user training needs in developing training materials and handling user queries post-implementation

•  Support preparation and analysis of investment profitability information for IFC’s monthly/quarterly operational, financial and management reports to the Board, IFC & WBG senior management

•  Support efforts in the preparation of ad-hoc reports for management

•  Share key information on processes, timelines, status, responsibilities, expectations, and potential problems with supervisors and team members regularly and seek their input

•  Undertake ad hoc projects and special assignments as needed

Selection Criteria

•  Bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, finance, accounting, systems, or related field

•  Accounting Certification such as CA/CPA/ACCA is compulsory

•  Minimum of 3 years’ experience in similar or complementary roles

•  Knowledge and experience in accounting and financial and/or management reporting, with a strong understanding of US GAAP/IFRS and its effect on financial metrics/ratios

•  Proficiency in IFC operations, including business lines and financial products

•  Experience in working seamlessly with teams in different time zones

•  Experience performing reconciliations and analysis, working with large data volumes, and documenting workflows diligently

•  Understand accounting information flows across multiple systems (Corporate centralized database, accounting subsystems and general ledger, MIS etc.) with experience and knowledge of IFC/World Bank Group accounting systems

•  Competent in office technology tools with advanced Excel and Excel VBA skills.

•  Ability to produce quality work with high accuracy, handle changes in priorities and coordinate work on multiple tasks

•  Solid problem-solving skills, organizational capabilities, and attention to detail

•  Sound judgment, high degree of initiative and ability to work independently

•  Strong teamwork orientation, good interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to work effectively with a range of clients and colleagues

•  Excellent writing and editing skills in English, with an ability to convey complex ideas clearly and succinctly

•  Understand accounting information flows across multiple systems (corporate centralized databases, accounting subsystems and general ledger, MIS etc.)

•  Experience performing account reconciliations and analysis independently, working with large volumes of data and documenting workflows diligently

•  Ability to work independently, take initiative, and anticipate and respond quickly to situations

Controllers Department Competencies

Client Understanding and Advising: Advises the clients and helps them think proactively about how to best meet their current and future needs, taking into considerations the real underlying issues. Works across CNT and with other VPUs to define client needs and develop the right solutions to meet those needs.  PLUS: Provides recommendations to multiple VPUs that can add value to customers beyond normal offerings

Broad Business Thinking: Maintains an in-depth understanding of key business issues.  Sets clear explanations for the integration and alignment of CNT solutions with business functions. PLUS: consider WBG wide implications in decision making to ensure consistency across WBG.  Sponsors long-term VPU-wide initiatives

Information Technology and Systems: Demonstrates understanding of the functions and operations of pertinent IT systems and applications. Provides inputs to IT system enhancement efforts based on day to day working experience and knowledge of the systems

Analytical Thinking: Coordinates the information gathering and reporting process. Reviews trends and compares to expectations. Conducts analysis to define problems and prepares responses to anticipated questions

Policies and Procedures: Demonstrates thorough knowledge of policies and procedures in related fields

Risks and Controls: Leads by example and serves as best practice champions in completing internal control procedures, including understanding impact beyond own immediate functional areas

Communication: Adapts the communication style appropriate for the intended audience. Adopts an inclusive approach to communication as is appropriate to the situation, so as to ensure adequate stakeholder participation. Presents information effectively and encourage feedback

Project Management: Understands and utilizes the concepts of project management, as they relate to implementation of a project

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.

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