The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation comprised of 38 member countries, that works to build better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, we work on establishing evidence-based international standards, and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges. From improving economic performance and creating jobs to fostering strong education and fighting international tax evasion, we provide a unique forum and knowledge hub for data and analysis, exchange of experiences, best-practice sharing, and advice on public policies and international standard-setting.
The International Service for Remunerations and Pensions (www.sirp-isrp.org) is a Service committed to provide studies on remuneration and pension policies of International Civil Servants and to operate the administration of pensions for the Co-ordinated Organisations (OECD, NATO, the European Space Agency, the Council of Europe, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) and other International Organisations. The ISRP administers also Pension Reserve Funds for several International Organisations.
The ISRP is administratively attached to the OECD.
The ISRP is looking for a Back Office Operations Officer to work within its Investment and Actuarial Services (IAS) Unit. The selected person will work under the supervision of the Back Office team leader.
The Funds are invested in financial markets and private assets through external investment managers. During the year, the Funds receive pension contributions and pay pension benefits and management/administration costs. The Back Office Operations Officer will need to follow and implement investments, follow up on the management costs and other fund-related investment operations as well as to account for the investment and the pension fund activities. The ISRP is looking for a self-driven team player, with attention to detail and results.
Main Responsibilities
Accounting transactions management
· Reconcile cash positions in bank accounts for each Fund
· Identify and verify statement of accounts of custodian banks and investment managers. This can include asset valuations, interest and dividends received, as well as purchases and sales of funds’ shares or units/securities.
· Verify the accuracy of statement of accounts received by external providers.
· Preparation and follow up of invoices concerning assets management, custody and other investment related services.
Periodic reconciliation of accounts
· Carry out the bookkeeping (in Excel, SAGE and SAP) and monthly reconciliation of accounts, while performing the analyses of the accounts and balances.
· Do the quarterly closings and the annual closing of accounts and keep backups for justification.
· Prepare the Statement of Contributions to the Funds when requested.
Reporting
· Accurately record and reconcile data from external providers and assist in the timely preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual performance reports including, among others, calculations of treasury performance and reporting of assets figures.
· Prepare the Annual meeting document for the required funds and other documents related to the activity of both Defined Contribution and Defined Benefit plans.
· Prepare the annual or half-year financial statementsFund operations co-ordination
· Liaise with organisations, custodian banks and investment managers to make / reply to requests.
· Respond to accounting related questions and inquiries from auditors, management, and other departments from the different organisations.
· Maintain an efficient filing system. Provide other project support and assistance to the Investment and Actuarial Services members when requested.
· Follow up KYC (“Know Your Customer”) requests and account set up with the custodian bank to enable investment
· Make proposal for investment and cash management according to Treasury management plan
· Monitoring the management costs and structure of each of the funds
· Monitoring the good execution of investment orders and manage the capital calls for private markets (especially private equity) ramp-up programme of investment.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Academic Background
· A post-secondary education in accounting and/or finance or equivalent experience.
· An accounting professional qualification (CPA, CIA, CA or equivalent) would be desired.
· Any other financial designation (CFA, CAIA, AMF or equivalent certification) would be an asset.
Professional Background
· A minimum of three years’ experience in accounting/bookkeeping and/or pension fund or other asset owner/asset manager back/middle office operations.
· Good knowledge of International Accounting Standards (IPSAS, or IFRS).
· Excellent knowledge of UCITS funds, as well as private market funds (fee structure,call ups, distributions, etc.) would be a great asset.
Tools
· Good computer skills (data entry, filing and processing) with an emphasis on accuracy. A very good knowledge of the Microsoft suite, in particular proficiency in Excel, Word and Access.
· Knowledge of SAGE and SAP would be an asset.
· Knowledge of Power BI or similar would be an asset.
Languages
· Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level.
Core Competencies
· For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: achievement focus, analytical thinking, teamwork, client focus, organisational knowledge, developing talent.
· Please refer to the level 2 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies.
Selection Process
For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen [approx. date] and panel interviews are planned for [approx. date].
Please note that our Rules and Regulations stipulate that the mandatory retirement age is 65.
The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities.
The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal.