Senior Finance Assistant

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 pressing global challenges. The organization is committed to making a significant impact on the lives of people in developing nations by providing financial and technical assistance to support their development goals. For more information, visit http://www.worldbank.org/

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance Assistant (SFA) position is crucial for managing disbursement-related activities during project implementation. This role requires close collaboration with Finance Officers and Analysts assigned to specific projects, as well as providing support to Task Teams, members of the Country Management Unit, and the Borrower’s project implementation units. The SFA is expected to handle a diverse range of responsibilities, including addressing various disbursement matters, brainstorming solutions, and contributing to the development and testing of disbursement systems. The SFA will report directly to the Regional Team Lead in Manila, ensuring that all financial operations align with the World Bank's objectives and standards. This position is vital for maintaining effective financial management and ensuring that projects are executed smoothly and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Transaction support services: Assisting Finance Analysts with disbursement transactions, logging withdrawal applications, and setting up loans' master data in the Bank's system. This includes updating data for changes such as category overdraws, Designated Account ceilings, Loan Effectiveness Conditions, loan Closing Date extensions, and reallocations of category amounts.
• Electronic banking support services: Guiding borrowers in setting up e-Disbursement and Client Connection user accounts, as well as providing training on the Bank's electronic banking platform.
• Client relationship maintenance: Acting as a solution provider for both internal and external clients, offering advice on loan portfolios and transaction matters.
• Central Services: Handling transaction processing and review work, including Refunds and Adjustments, Special Commitment, and Trust Funds.
• Helpdesk support services: Operating the Helpdesk and collaborating with Department’s Country Teams to guide clients on routine queries.
• Data analysis and knowledge management services: Providing analytical reports to assist in decision-making and maintaining a knowledge repository for FAQs.
• Systems and applications: Collaborating with system teams in planning and testing application enhancements and upgrades, preparing Business Requirement Documents, and conducting user acceptance testing.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Finance or Accounting. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is considered an advantage. Additionally, a professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA, or an equivalent) is a plus. Candidates should demonstrate relevant knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, and financial management. Strong quantitative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret data and assess issues are essential. Candidates should also have the capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively and efficiently, adjusting priorities as needed to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is viewed favorably. Furthermore, candidates with a professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, or ACCA will have an added advantage, as this demonstrates a higher level of expertise in financial matters.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. Experience in a financial institution or an accounting firm is highly desirable. Familiarity with financial systems, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology is considered a plus. Candidates with experience in Big Four or equivalent public accounting firms will find their background advantageous for this role.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is advanced fluency in English. Additionally, candidates who are fluent in any of the following languages will be preferred: Arabic, French, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, or Spanish. The ability to communicate clearly in both written and spoken forms is essential, and proficiency levels will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity with a term duration of three years. 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 being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly regardless of gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Candidates should be willing to travel on missions and short-term assignments as required, and they must be prepared to work in different time zones, particularly the US EST time zone, on an as-needed basis.