(Associate) Finance Officer

Contract

This is a World Bank Group grade: GF contract. More about World Bank Group grade: GF contracts.

(Associate) Finance Officer

Description

IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The Budget and Business Administration Department (CBA) integrates financial sustainability and resource and administration functions under one umbrella to enable execution of management and operational needs in the best way. Aligning IFC’s strategy, resource management capabilities and deliverables while supporting IFC’s financial sustainability mandate is imperative for our strategic engagements and client delivery.

The Finance Unit (CBAAF) for the Africa Region (CAF) is responsible for work program planning, budgeting, monitoring, budget & financial reporting for all the offices in the CAF Region. Overall, CBAAF maintains cost efficiency and effective controls over all financial transactions and provides support for effective management of resources.

Within the CBAAF unit, CBA is seeking a Finance Officer to serve as the focal point on financial reporting, analytics for the CAF and MCT regions as needed. The role provides planning, monitoring and analytical support and reports to CAF Regional Financial Controller, Manager Africa and MCT.

The location and recruitment type of this position will be in the CAF regional head office in Johannesburg, South Africa. Some travel within the region may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting, Analytics and Business Intelligence:

• Be part of VPU team in the preparation and timely delivery of key financial analyses and reports (to include VPU/Regional/Industry Reports) both routine and adhoc. To also identify and articulate key drivers of profit/cost/efficiency trends, cost of doing business and investigate related anomalies.

• Prepare (i) country program/pipeline reports; (ii) country portfolio snap shots and (iii) country profit and loss reports.

• Collaborate with CBA’s Reporting and Analytics Team to share corporate level best practices and guidelines in reporting analytics and business intelligence.

• Contribute to the formulation and review of analytics that can serve as content in management reports, such as integrated management or operational reporting, and aid decision making

• Prepare ad-hoc analysis for Africa and MCT regions as requested or proactively as may deem useful to clients.

Financial Systems Focal Point:

• Support the Finance Officer as VPU focal point for IFC/WBG systems involved in reporting and analytics (including but not limited to FSRS, SAP, I-portal, BI tool), coordinating between technical staff and VPU CBA staff.

• Participate in WBG/IFC initiatives to review and improve systems functionality.

Knowledge Management and Thought Leadership:

• Keep abreast of industry developments in reporting and analytics in terms of both content and tools.

• Help build analytical capabilities within the region to identify and articulate key drivers of profit/cost/efficiency trends and investigate related anomalies.

• Coach and mentor, the finance team on matters related to investment operations results measurement and help build a regional center of expertise for financial reporting and analyses.

• Promote sharing of knowledge sharing and information with the team and other colleagues.

Client Engagement:

• Liaise with regional country and industry managers on key financial analytics and metrics.

• Conduct periodic or adhoc meetings with regional and industry managers to discuss financial performance.

• Provide expert advice and recommendations on financial performance, including revenue enhancement, cost-containment, and efficiency.

The location and recruitment type of this position will be in the CAF regional head office in Johannesburg, South Africa. Some travel within the region may be required.

Selection Criteria

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business or Economics with at least 4 years of relevant working experience.

• Recognized professional accreditation (CPA, CMA, CIMA, ACCA, etc.) is a plus.

• Sound knowledge and understanding of accounting theory, concepts, and principles, combined with proven practical skills in financial accounting reporting, business planning, profitability analysis, and financial management.

• Diligence and attention to details.

• Working knowledge of SAP processes and transactions.

• Planning and budgeting skills proved by experience: able to produce standard activity and unit-level reports and budgets using inputs from senior staff or operational management, and to provide basic analysis of budget information.

• Advanced problem solving, analytical skills.

• Ability to analyze and synthesize financial and operational information, interpret data, retrieve information, and clearly and concisely communicate results. Good data mining skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Package. Advanced Excel skills.

• Effective communication skills with the ability to prepare, present and discuss findings in written or oral form.

• Ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks with tight deadlines.

• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills.

• Fluency in the English language.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.