Finance Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to addressing the most pressing development challenges faced by countries around the world. Established with the mission to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity, the organization has grown to include 189 member countries and operates more than 120 offices globally. The World Bank Group is recognized as one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing nations, leveraging data, research, and technology to implement innovative solutions. The organization emphasizes collaboration with both public and private sector partners to invest in transformative projects that enhance economic growth and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Finance Analyst position at the World Bank Group is a critical role within the Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning Vice Presidency (BPS). This role is situated in the West Africa unit of the Africa Region, where the Finance Analyst will be responsible for a variety of budget-related activities. The primary functions include preparing budgets, producing financial reports, and conducting budget analysis to ensure that all departments maintain cost efficiency and effective controls over financial transactions. The Finance Analyst will also manage financial and accounting aspects, establish accounting policies, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders. This position requires a strong analytical background, proficiency in handling large datasets, and the ability to provide analytical support to senior professionals. The Finance Analyst will work closely with the Africa West Prosperity Regional Director and Practice Managers, adapting to various assignments as business needs evolve.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Analyst will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities that include but are not limited to: preparing and analyzing budgets, producing detailed financial reports, and maintaining financial policies and controls. The role involves fostering relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to facilitate effective budget planning and execution. Additionally, the Finance Analyst will be responsible for managing the financial and accounting operations of the organization, which includes establishing and enforcing accounting policies, preparing financial reports, conducting financial analyses, interpreting reports and tax returns, and ensuring compliance with corporate relations. The Finance Analyst is expected to provide analytical support to senior professionals, ensuring accurate financial records while maintaining a limited level of accountability. The position also requires adaptability to work across different assignments and contribute to the overall efficiency of the BPS unit.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Analyst position must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, management, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates with a non-finance bachelor's degree must have one of the following qualifications: CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting, ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business, or an equivalent accounting certificate. Additionally, a minimum of two years of relevant experience in a finance or accounting role is required. Candidates should demonstrate advanced knowledge of budget and finance systems, particularly SAP, Power BI, BW/AO, and BPC. Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and a proven track record of supporting business decision-making through analytics are essential. Familiarity with external funds policies and procedures is desirable, along with experience in business analysis and data management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Analyst position includes a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as accounting, finance, business management, or economics. Candidates with a non-finance degree must also hold a recognized accounting qualification such as the CIMA Advanced Diploma or ACCA Advanced Diploma. This educational foundation is crucial for fulfilling the specific requirements of the role, which involves complex financial analysis and reporting.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least two years of relevant experience in a finance or accounting-oriented role. This experience should include familiarity with budget management systems and financial reporting, as well as a demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and support business decision-making. Candidates should also have experience in data management and process analysis, which are critical for the effective execution of the Finance Analyst's responsibilities.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, knowledge of other languages may be beneficial in a diverse working environment such as the World Bank Group.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Analyst position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of three years. The position is full-time and may involve working across various assignments depending on business needs and professional development objectives. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, medical and life insurance, paid leave, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.