E T Consultant – Finance & Accounting
Washington DC, United States
JOB DETAIL
Description
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. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
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 portfolio review, investment accounting, and accounting policy), Internal Controls, and Financial Systems, Integration, and Projects. The Department comprises approximately 125 diverse and highly skilled staff based in Washington DC and Chennai.
The Investment Accounting unit (CNTIA) within the IFC Financial Reporting Division (CNTFR) within the Controllers Department (CNT) has overall responsibility for the accounting analysis, evaluation, and implementation for IFC’s complex loan, equity and guarantee transactions, working extensively with IFC’s investment officers and other IFC staff in CNTFR and in CNT. This position reports directly to and assists the CNTIA Supervisor.
CNTIA is seeking an Extended-term Consultant (ETC) to review financial instrument contracts and prepare accounting treatment memos to determine appropriate accounting treatment of IFC transactions under US Accounting Standards. The accounting reviews will be performed under the supervision of the Investment Accounting unit. The output of these memos will be used to support the production of complete, accurate, and timely quarterly and annual financial statements.
The Consultant will be required to work with various team functions and become a fully functional team member within a short timeframe. The position requires the ability to establish productive relationships with staff at all levels within the team and across various units of IFC.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The Consultant will be responsible for preparing accounting analyses of investment transactions that are assigned daily for the identification of embedded and freestanding derivatives and other relevant accounting features and ensure the conclusions result in the proper accounting of each of these features in accordance with IFC’s accounting policies and US GAAP. The reviews will also identify entities to be consolidated under the variable and voting interest models, Loan Modifications, Business Combinations, Conversions, Share Exchanges, Leases, Business Reorganizations, Installment Sales, Significant Influence, Debt Securities, etc.
The individual’s responsibilities will include:
• On an ongoing basis, prepare and document the accounting treatment (including investment structures and background transaction information; accounting arguments and conclusions) of varying levels of complexity for IFC’s investment portfolio under US GAAP primarily for Consolidation, Debt Securities, Beneficial Interests, Significant Influence, Investment Modifications, and Derivatives. This requires extensive discussions with Investment Officers and/or external clients to clarify information or obtain additional information.
• Close interaction with staff in the various units under the Controllers department, including the Investment Accounting, Accounting Policy, and Transaction Processing teams.
• Engage with investment officers to obtain relevant information on investment structures that is needed to determine the appropriate accounting treatment of various investment transactions.
• From time to time, provide technical accounting guidance to IFC’s investment departments on proposed transaction structures and how they will be accounted for.
• As needed, document and update the Investment Accounting procedures for monitoring and assessing “Significant Influence” factors, Consolidation, Debt Securities, Derivatives, and/or other related accounting areas.
• Work with the Accounting Policy team to formulate accounting policies that comply with US GAAP and to ensure appropriate implementation into IFC’s books of record.
• Monitor impending or proposed changes to current U.S. GAAP and create or update accounting implementation guidance in areas relevant to investment accounting reviews
• Regularly share key information on processes, timelines, responsibilities, expectations, and potential problems with supervisors and team members and seek their input
• Perform other duties as assigned from time to time.
Selection Criteria
• A Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and an internationally recognized professional accounting qualification (e.g., CPA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent) is required.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in similar or complementary roles within financial institutions and/or public accounting firms required.
• Detailed technical accounting knowledge of the accounting for financial instruments under US GAAP (particularly with respect to Consolidation and Derivatives accounting) is required.
• Excellent writing and data analysis skills, with an ability to convey effectively and precisely key messages.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
• Excellent organizational, research, and analytical skills.
• Experience within IFC and knowledge of its accounting systems is advantageous.
• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
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 consideration 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 them 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 a champion of best practices in completing internal control procedures, including understanding the 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, to ensure adequate stakeholder participation. Presents information effectively and encourages feedback.
• Project Management: Understands and utilizes the concepts of project management, as they relate to the implementation of a project.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
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.
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