Accounting Analyst

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank (WB) is a prominent global institution established to provide funding and knowledge to developing countries. It is a unique partnership of five institutions: IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA, and ICSID, all dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and over 120 offices worldwide, the World Bank collaborates with both public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects and leverage data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges. The organization is committed to making a significant impact on the lives of people in developing nations by providing financial resources and expertise to tackle complex issues.

Job Overview:
The Accounting Analyst position at the World Bank is a critical role within the Finance & Accounting (WFA) Vice Presidency, specifically in the Financial Controls Department. This role is primarily focused on the payroll team in Chennai, where the analyst will be responsible for processing salary and benefit payments for World Bank Group staff on a bi-weekly basis. The position requires a meticulous approach to ensure that all payroll processes adhere to the Bank's policies and procedures, while also maintaining proper controls throughout the payroll cycle. The analyst will work closely with various stakeholders, including HR, Country Office staff, Treasury, and IT, to ensure seamless payroll operations. The role demands a proactive attitude towards problem-solving and continuous improvement in payroll processes, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the financial operations within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Accounting Analyst will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: coordinating with the Information and Technology Solutions Group (ITS) and the Staff Receivable System (SRS) throughout the payroll cycle; performing secondary reviews of exception reports and advising necessary corrections; reviewing paychecks for terminated staff to ensure accurate benefit calculations; handling staff queries via the service desk; finalizing off-cycle payments and salary advances; monitoring general ledger accounts and preparing reconciliations; preparing monthly trial balances and analyzing variances; providing inputs for management reporting; preparing and monitoring KPIs; developing data analytics to support reporting needs; implementing accounting policies and internal control requirements; preparing and posting general ledger entries; participating in system projects and user acceptance testing; identifying areas for improvement in internal controls; mentoring junior staff; troubleshooting payroll processing issues; and collaborating with colleagues to resolve accounting and reporting challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Finance or Accounting. Additionally, a professional accounting qualification (e.g., CA, CPA, ACCA) is mandatory. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, preferably with a background in payroll functions within the financial services industry. Familiarity with banking transactions and experience in a multinational organization are advantageous. Proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office tools is essential, and experience with PeopleSoft systems is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance or Accounting. Furthermore, candidates must hold a professional accounting qualification, such as CA, CPA, or ACCA, which is crucial for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of work experience in a relevant functional area. Candidates with experience in payroll functions, particularly within the financial services sector, will be preferred. Familiarity with banking transactions and experience in a multinational organization will be considered advantageous, as these experiences will contribute to the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of the role effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders. While no additional languages are specified as preferred, any additional language skills may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. The role is full-time and is based in Chennai, India. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, as well as paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.