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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. 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, Internal Controls, and Financial Systems, Integration and Projects (CNTFS). The Department comprises approximately 135 diverse and highly skilled staff, based in Washington DC, and Chennai.

CNTFS unit is seeking a Senior Financial Operations Officer to manage the work program related to investment and advisory profitability system, including (i) manage the cross-departmental coordination on smaller and larger projects involving profitability analytics; (ii) assure IT systems enhancement projects are under budget and comply with business requirements and governance framework(s); (iii) lead the creation of efficiencies through automation and streamlining of processes and deliverables; (iv) oversee the investment portfolio analytics for portfolio reviews, KPI scorecards and other corporate reports

This position reports to the Head of the CNTFS unit. The successful candidate will be responsible for various aspects of CNTFS work program: providing management and financial accounting support for IFC accounting and reporting systems, actively participating in project management of various CNT and corporate initiatives, designing data mining and analytical tools, training CNTFS staff on technical accounting aspects of IFC products, providing input into technology/automation development. The role requires a deep financial and accounting knowledge for loan/equity/guarantee investments as well as strong affinity for accounting system design and IT project management.

The successful candidate is expected to be current with accounting developments and be proactive in responding to the rapidly changing accounting/business environment, and IFC’s strategic focus. His/her work product is expected to be technically sound, timely and results driven. He/she is expected to be a team player and self-starter in identifying issues and undertaking projects through completion.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be a Financial/Accounting professional with broad and deep technical expertise related to the Controller’s operations and activities. His / her responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Managing the work program related to investment and advisory profitability system (FSRS – financial sustainability reporting system), a management reporting tool with close to 500 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.
• Leading the cross-CNT collaboration across corporate and inter-CNT projects involving analysis of investment, advisory and upstream profitability information for IFC’s monthly/quarterly operational, financial and management reports to the Board, IFC & WBG senior management, including reports on department-/ sector- and regional profit & loss reports, profitability KPIs etc.
• Leading the process and/ or system design changes, including development, streamlining, automation and coordination of IFC’s operational, financial and management reports.
• Managing different Corporate and / or Controllers projects and initiatives that seek to enhance IFC’s ability to capture relevant information and integrate data from different streams into transaction, accounting, and operations systems and ultimately to profitability and management reporting.
• Overseeing the review, update, and maintenance of closing procedures for various systems supported by CNTFS.
• Advising IFC staff on management reporting concepts produced by the systems supported by CNTFS and their linkage to US GAAP reporting.
• Proactively interacting with CNT staff to ensure accurate and timely reporting of relevant IFC’s transactions in systems owned by CNTFS.
• Ensuring that reporting for new financial products is introduced on a timely basis into the systems supported by CNTFS.
• Training investment and portfolio staff on all aspects of IFC investment profitability.
• Acquiring and maintaining deep understanding of data points, data structure, data maintenance and quality related to IFC financial instruments.
• Undertaking ad hoc projects and special assignments as needed.

Selection Criteria

Candidates should possess in-depth knowledge of system development cycle, IFC’s accounting and / or management reporting and be technically sound, timely and results driven. Additional criteria that will be considered include:

• Master’s degree in accounting or finance with at least 8 years of experience. Experience in budgeting, financial operations and managerial accounting systems is required.
• Accounting certifications such as CPA/ACCA/CA is required.
• Additional certifications related to finance, investment, and risk management (CFA/FRM) is a plus.
• Excellent command of IT, database, data visualization, and finance concepts, acquired through professional work is required.
• Sound understanding of U.S. GAAP accounting standards.
• Very strong analytical skills, capacity to identify and respond to strategic business needs.
• Ability to work effectively across the organization.
• Preference will be given to applicants with a background in financial services industry, particularly in Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
• Understand accounting information flows across multiple systems (Corporate centralized database, accounting subsystems and general ledger, MIS etc.).
• Strong communication skills both written and oral.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, creativity, and ability to foster innovation.
• Experience in managing staff, especially diverse teams. Training and mentoring expertise would be a plus.
• Keen interest in IFC’s mission and business.

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.