Associate in Accounting Specialist Team

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international financial institution established in 199

• The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The organization operates in over 30 countries and employs a diverse workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. The EBRD is committed to sustainable development and aims to support projects that enhance economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Associate in the Accounting Specialist Team plays a crucial role in maintaining the financial records for both the Bank and the Donor Funds administered by the Bank. This position requires the application of relevant accounting rules and the provision of meaningful financial reporting. The accounting teams within Financial Control are responsible for preparing periodic and annual financial reports, setting and maintaining accounting policies, and ensuring timely and accurate information on financial performance. The role involves interaction with various departments to coordinate the receipt and analysis of information necessary for fulfilling internal and external financial reporting requirements. The Associate is also expected to respond to inquiries from internal and external auditors regarding their areas of responsibility, making this position integral to the financial integrity of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate will be responsible for preparing sections of the year-end financial statements, ensuring all required disclosures and notes are accurate and submitted by tight deadlines. They will prepare periodic internal financial management reports and assess the impact of the latest IFRS accounting standards on the financial statements of the EBRD and Donor Funds to ensure compliance. The Associate will ensure that the accounting policies of the Bank and Donor Funds are up-to-date and consistent with IFRS. They will conduct investigations and inspections of data to identify and quantify potential accounting postings required. Additionally, the Associate will maintain the accounting and reporting systems, files, and records necessary for the Bank and Donor Funds, ensuring accurate and timely information. They will review transactions booked in front office systems for accuracy and appropriateness, liaise with operations and front office teams to resolve booking issues, and identify solutions to non-standard tasks or queries. The Associate will provide advice to internal clients regarding relevant financial products or transactions and contribute to the development of procedures that ensure the accounting department meets the needs of the Bank and Donors. They will also review and sign off on team members' journals for accuracy, supervise and train new team members and temporary staff, and produce work in compliance with the Bank's Internal Controls Framework. Furthermore, the Associate will liaise with internal and external auditors and respond to their queries, along with performing other ad hoc tasks as allocated by their line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be educated to degree level and hold ACA qualification or an equivalent accounting qualification. They should possess fluent English language skills, both verbal and written, and have significant relevant accounting experience, preferably in a financial services setting. Experience in statutory financial accounts preparation and/or audit experience on financial accounts is essential. Strong numerical and financial skills with the ability to interpret financial information are required, along with full competency in their practice area. A working knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is necessary, and strong computer skills, particularly in Excel, are essential. Experience with SAP or an equivalent accounting system is preferable.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to have a degree in a relevant field, such as finance, accounting, or business administration. Additionally, candidates must be ACA qualified or hold an equivalent accounting qualification, which demonstrates a high level of expertise in accounting principles and practices.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant relevant accounting experience, ideally within a financial services environment. This experience should include statutory financial accounts preparation and/or audit experience, which is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards.

Languages:
Fluent English language skills are mandatory for this position, both verbal and written. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English is the primary language of communication within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a short-term contract lasting for 5 months. The role is based in London, United Kingdom, and the EBRD encourages applications from qualified candidates who are nationals of EBRD member countries. The organization values diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring that all candidates are treated with respect and given equal opportunities. The EBRD offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits and prioritizes employee wellbeing, sustainability, equality, and digital transformation in its workplace.