Job Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank provides a unique opportunity for you to join us to help our clients solve their greatest development challenges. The World Bank (WB) is one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of five institutions (IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID) dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development on a livable planet. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, we work 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. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

The WB Finance & Accounting (WFA) Vice Presidency is responsible for all aspects of the financial reporting and internal control framework for IBRD and IDA, and the extensive Trust Fund/Partnership portfolio of the WB entities. It supports an appropriate fiduciary control framework and administering disbursements for Bank lending and leads the client service function for the WB\'s corporate expenses.

Organizationally, WFA is comprised of three departments: (1) Corporate Accounting and Reporting, (2) Trust Funds and Loans, and (3) Financial Controls. In WFA, our mandate supports both internal and external clients while we focus on delivery, optimization, impact, and people & culture.

Within WFA Financial Controls Department, WFA Accounts Receivable (AR), Payroll and Tax division (WFAPT in HQ and WFAPA in Chennai) is responsible for ensuring that (i) accounts receivable are recorded, monitored, and collected in a timely and efficient manner, (ii) salary and benefit payments to the WBG staff are processed in a timely and efficient manner, and (iii) tax allowances to the WBG staff and retirees are processed in a timely and efficient manner. It also provides strategic leadership and guidance to business units across the WBG on developing and maintaining an effective system of internal controls over AR, Payroll, and Tax.

WFAPA is currently seeking an Accounting Officer for its Payroll team in Chennai that is responsible for processing of salary and benefit payments to the World Bank Group staff on a fortnightly basis. This includes ensuring proper controls over the entire process and adhering to the Bank\'s policies and procedures.

How your contributions will help us achieve our goals

The Accounting Officer will undertake the multiple areas of responsibilities including managing the work program, Trial Balance reporting, special projects, client inquiries, and other ad hoc requirements to enable the smooth flow of processes in close coordination with the HQ team. The Accounting Officer will lead the team to complete the defined tasks within the prescribed time frame and procedures. The Accounting Officer will also coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders, such as HR, Country Office staff, Treasury, Information and Technology Solutions Group (ITS), and Legal based on the process requirements.

The Accounting Officer will report to the WFAPA Senior Accounting officer.

What you will do:

• Serve as a Team Lead, overseeing the day-to-day global business process activities. This includes developing the team\'s work program in collaboration with the Senior Team Lead, monitoring workloads and directing activities of other team members, providing guidance on complex issues, identifying, and implementing process improvements, managing client relations and service standards.

• Review monthly Trial Balances under team\'s responsibilities and provide sign-off.

• Review open items in suspense accounts and aging schedules for accounts relating to Payroll function.

• Support the analysis of risk, efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness through regular benchmarking.

• Maintain strong internal control over the processes.

• Develop and maintain control risk framework documentation including control assessment and compliance testing activities.

• Provide thought leadership in formulating accounting/control procedures to address exceptional situations in the payroll team and work with WFAPA counterparts to develop effective solutions.

• Lead WFAPA Payroll team to actively contribute and participate in the enhancement of the payroll related accounting transactions in SAP and PeopleSoft, collaborate within the team and with the HQ counterparts and our stakeholders to enhance controls, develop test plans, and assign resources for user acceptance testing.

• Serve as a functional expert with respect to complex transactional issues.

• Manage performance review of team members and provide timely feedback. Coach and guide team members to enhance their performance and contribution.

• Mentor and guide the team to help optimize processing standards and productivity.

• Manage escalations, as needed.

• Maintain strong relationships with our stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

What you will bring:

Education:

• Bachelor\'s or Master\'s degree in a relevant discipline (Finance or Accounting)

• Professional Accounting Certification (CA/CPA/ACCA)

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of work experience in the functional area

• Preferable: Background in payroll function in the financial service industry and familiarity with banking transactions; Multinational organization experience would be advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Good understanding of generally accepted accounting principles, accounting controls over accounting processes and financial reporting operations; familiarity with generally accepted auditing standards in these areas.

• In-depth understanding of PeopleSoft systems and SAP modules, their control features and configuration capabilities/implementation.

• Hands-on experience in developing and reviewing internal accounting controls in an ERP environment (preferably SAP/ PeopleSoft).

• Sound knowledge of accounting processes and procedures; cross-functional business process user experience if preferable.

• Proven work experience in project management.

• Demonstrated experience in leading teams of accountants.

• Demonstrated strong judgmental/analytical skills and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with colleagues and various levels of client and staff.

• Proven track record of managing team(s)that performs timely and high-quality service delivery, handling escalations, and advisory support.

• Proven expertise at interpreting rules, policies and procedures that relate to area of work.

• Strong interpersonal skills: commitment to work in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment; problem solver, Excellent presentation and report writing skills.

• Proven record of making decisions based on risk analysis taking full consideration of interests and concerns of stakeholders.

• Ability to effectively work with various stakeholders across the institution.

• Proven ability of creating training and development opportunities for staff resulting in staff upskilling.

Abilities:

• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain and express views/opinions clearly and confidently.

• Ability to deal sensitively in a multi-cultural environment and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze business process requirements and translate them into design specifications for process changes and automated solutions.

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 and , including our values and inspiring stories.

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