Finance Analyst, CTRCS Zagreb

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global organization dedicated to reducing poverty and supporting development by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries. Established in 1944, the WBG has grown to include 189 member countries and operates in over 145 countries with more than 182 offices worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors, including finance, education, health, and infrastructure, aiming to improve living standards and promote sustainable economic growth. The WBG is committed to fostering partnerships with governments, the private sector, and civil society to address pressing global challenges, particularly in the context of job creation for the 1.2 billion young people entering the workforce in the coming decade. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.

Job Overview:
The Finance Analyst (FN) position within the World Bank Group's CTRCS unit is crucial for managing disbursement-related activities during project implementation. The FN will collaborate closely with Senior Finance Assistants, Finance Officers, and Regional Team Leaders to support task teams, operations staff, and external borrowers. This role involves addressing a variety of disbursement-related issues, providing solutions, and contributing to system design and data initiatives. The FN will report to the Regional Team Lead and will be expected to engage in various tasks that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations within the organization. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to delivering high-quality client services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Analyst will be responsible for a range of duties, including:

• Processing disbursement transactions: Acting as the country focal point for assigned countries, the FN will collaborate with country Finance Officers to manage transaction processing, including the release of disbursements and resolving any issues that arise during the process.
• Project restructuring and Trust Fund preparation: The FN will manage project preparation for low-risk Trust Funds and review restructuring packages as assigned by Finance Officers.
• Portfolio management: Monitoring inactive Project Designated Accounts, engaging in portfolio management activities, and ensuring that Designated Account balances are documented or refunded for orderly loan closure.
• Training and capacity building: Evaluating transaction reviews and portfolio management work to identify capacity constraints among borrowers and providing necessary training to clients on accessing and interpreting the Bank's online systems and tools.
• System and related tasks: Supporting the design and development of system enhancements, performing testing related to upgrades, and preparing analytical reports using tools like Power BI.
• Data stewardship and visualization: Collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify data requirements, automate reporting processes, and serve as a liaison between business teams and technical data engineering teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) and a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a relevant discipline. A master's degree in a related field is preferred, and certification in systems audit (e.g., CISA) is considered a plus. Candidates should have relevant knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls, and financial management, as well as familiarity with the World Bank's Operational Policies and Procedures.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field as a minimum. A master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting is advantageous. Additionally, candidates with a professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, or ACCA will be preferred, and certification in systems audit (CISA) is a plus.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant work experience is required for this position. Candidates with experience in financial institutions or accounting firms will have an advantage. Familiarity with financial systems, AI, and blockchain technology is also beneficial. Experience with Big Four or equivalent public accounting firms is considered advantageous, as is knowledge of international development operations.

Languages:
The ideal candidate should have advanced fluency in English and at least one of the following languages: Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Russian. 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 classified as Open-Ended Staff (OPEN-OP) and is part of local recruitment efforts. The role may require travel and participation in short-term assignments. 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 opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.