Finance Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a prominent global partnership consisting of five institutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. Established with 189 member countries, the WBG operates more than 120 offices worldwide, collaborating with public and private sector partners to invest in innovative projects. The organization leverages data, research, and technology to address urgent global challenges, making it one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Finance Associate (FA) position is integral to the Country Office Accounting workstream within the World Bank Group's Budget and Procurement Solutions Vice Presidency (WPB VPU). The FA is expected to be a specialist in accounting, analytics, controls, processes, and procedures, providing timely and relevant expert advice to stakeholders. The role involves supporting daily accounting and financial transactions, ensuring effective management of financial resources, and maintaining cost efficiency and effective controls over all financial transactions. The FA will work closely with various departments to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures, and will be involved in budgeting, cash management, and financial reporting, thereby playing a crucial role in the financial health of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Associate will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing and processing E-payable transactions, payroll inputs, staff loans, travel and rental advances, and vendor payments; preparing monthly expense forecasts and budget reports with variance analysis; monitoring and replenishing country office bank accounts; submitting VAT refund claims; overseeing procurement and vendor management; maintaining effective financial controls; providing guidance to the Country Manager and staff on financial policies; responding to audit queries; and supporting process improvement initiatives. The FA will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with internal controls and risk management protocols, and will play a key role in business advisory and staff support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related discipline. Alternatively, a non-relevant bachelor’s degree combined with a recognized accounting qualification such as CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting or ACCA Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business is acceptable. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of relevant experience in an accounting or finance-oriented role, with a strong understanding of budget and finance systems, particularly SAP, Power BI, BW/AO, and BPC. Knowledge of external funds policies and procedures is desirable, along with experience in data management, process analysis, and business analysis.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Associate position includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, finance, or a related field. Candidates with a non-relevant degree must have a recognized accounting qualification such as CIMA or ACCA. This educational foundation is essential to fulfill the specific requirements of the position and to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience in a comparable accounting or finance-oriented role. Candidates should demonstrate a strong working knowledge of budget and finance systems, particularly those used within the World Bank Group, and should have experience with financial management systems. Experience in handling transactional-level financial work, supporting business decision-making through analytics, and collaborating with cross-functional teams is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, are crucial for effective collaboration and interaction with stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where the World Bank operates.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Associate position is a local recruitment role with a term duration of three years. The position is available in multiple locations, including Cairo, Manila, Kigali, and Riyadh. The World Bank Group offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, and paid leave, including parental leave. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.