IFC: Associate Financial Officer – CTRSN – Washington DC

Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

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. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The WBG Controllers (CTR) Vice Presidency Unit (VPU) oversees all aspects of financial reporting and internal control framework for the WBG and the extensive trust fund/partnership portfolio across WBG entities. CTR provides shared services for corporate expenses and trust funds and ensures fiduciary responsibility for disbursement-related operations. Organizationally, the WBG Controllers VPU is comprised of three departments: (1) Corporate Accounting, (2) Loans and Financing Operations, and (3) Financial Operations. The VPU’s mandate encompasses support for both internal and external clients, with a focus on delivery, optimization, impact, people, and culture.

The Solutions & Transformation (CTRST) unit within the Controllers Department focuses on combining business, technology, & delivery expertise to support, drive, & enable CTR’s business & digital transformation, that support decision making in line with WBG’s strategic priorities. Team provides leading capabilities in intelligent automation, artificial intelligence, process excellence, and data delivering value across CTR & the institution. The team’s focus is to build end-to-end automation using WBG-supported platforms, for CTR processes with structured, semi-structured, or unstructured data. Leveraging AI, Machine Learning, and search technologies, the team creates solutions that enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and increase automation, strengthening our digital landscape. The team supports systems using traditional machine learning and generative AI models, streamlining operations and empowering Controller’s units to automate processes and make data-driven decisions. The team is also involved in the monthly closing and reconciliation of the Fee Accounting and Management System (FAMS) and 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.

The Solutions & Transformation unit is seeking an Associate Financial Officer based in Chennai to help advance CTR’s digital transformation and innovation agenda.

Based in Chennai, India, and reporting to the Financial Officer (CTRSN), this role is well suited for staff seeking to broaden their leadership impact, champion technology-enabled operational excellence across departments, and contribute meaningfully to the VPU’s digital transformation journey.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead, Manage and Provide administrative and functional oversight for the CTRSN team in Chennai, ensuring clear deliverables, strong team engagement, and effective training in automation tools.

• Supervise, mentor, and coach team members to support their growth and career development.

• Lead automation initiatives at scale, demonstrating thought leadership and agility in response to evolving business needs. Drive adoption of low-code/no-code solutions, including Alteryx, Power Platform, and data visualization tools, to improve operational efficiency.

• Work closely with Team Leads and trained users to support the adoption of automation tools, including Alteryx, Power BI, Power Automate, and Power Apps, and to provide staff training and user support.

• Train business partners and other stakeholders on automation tools, products, and features, while guiding team members involved in automation projects.

• Partner with business units to gather and document user requirements for automation use cases and proof-of-concept developments and help transition successful pilots into operational solutions.

• Support the strategic design and execution of solutions to address complex operational issues, communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders, and ensure alignment with broader WBG business objectives.

• Promote the use of advanced data analytics to monitor operational performance, strengthen decision-making, and deliver more insightful, value-added services to stakeholders.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the CTR VPU to align automation and broader corporate initiatives, with a focus on seamless data integration and flow.

• Oversee the monthly closing process for FAMS (Fee Accounting & Management System) to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting through automated reconciliation processes.

• Foster a high-performing team environment by promoting accountability, collaboration, and high standards, and by providing timely feedback, guidance, and mentoring.

• Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive work environment that reflects the values of the World Bank Group (WBG).

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree or MBA in finance, accounting, or business administration, with a minimum of eight years of relevant experience.

• Advanced proficiency in digital tools and technologies, including low-code/no-code solutions such as Alteryx, Microsoft Power Apps, and Power Automate, for managing large data sets.

• Strong expertise in data visualization techniques for designing impactful dashboards.

• Sound knowledge of Generative AI and Copilot tools to support business excellence.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications.

• Proven ability to conceptualize, design, and implement innovative solutions that challenge the status quo and support business needs.

• Highly resourceful, with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with considerable autonomy.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, deliver results, and respond quickly and effectively to requests while working under tight deadlines.

• Outstanding communication skills in English, both written and verbal, including the ability to use compelling communication methods such as storytelling to strengthen messaging and presentations.

• Demonstrated ability to operationalize new initiatives and support the streamlining, automation, and innovation of processes, procedures, and systems.

• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging team members to contribute ideas that drive operational excellence.

• Outstanding relationship management skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders across functions while maintaining a strong focus on client service and partnership building.

Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended-term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.