Senior Financial Officer- Washington, DC

Job #:	131030
Title:	Senior Financial Officer
Job Stream:	Financial Management
Location:	Washington, DC
Closing Date:	05/06/2013
Background / General description:
The AS Controller is seeking a Senior Finance Officer who will work independently on diverse and complex projects/issues under the general direction of AS Controller. Incumbent of this position is primarily responsible for effective financial management of Advisory Services at the global level, exercising significant functional and team leadership responsibilities with respect to: (i) leading the development of new reporting tools to monitor a) AS financial performance, b) compliance with AS policies and procedures and c) internal controls over AS operations globally; (ii) leading Business Processes Improvement (BPI) efforts in the areas of AS financial management and AS accounting and reporting; (iii) being a focal point for AS finance network on questions related to the implementation of AS Financial Management Systems; (iv) assist in developing global AS Finance network in close cooperation with Regional and AS controllers as well as CFA.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Contribute to development of tools and systems to provide critical financial information to AS Controller, the AS Leadership Team (ASLT), CPA Director and AS VP and make actionable recommendations on both strategy and operations. Play a key role in analysis of AS financial performance vs. strategic targets and budgets, and revenue/expense analysis, especially related to funding gaps, IFC leverage of donor and client funds. Assist AS Controller in a) developing a more consistent budgeting process and oversee long-term budgetary planning and costs management in alignment with the AS strategic plan; b) developing detailed funding plans that incorporate IFC, donor and client funding. Ensure compliance with AS policies and procedures through development of new reporting tools to a) analyze exceptions, b) disseminate information for proper decision making/controls improvement. Within the COSO framework assist AS Controller in designing, developing and monitoring an adequate system of risk management and internal controls over AS financial transactions and business operations. Provide expert advice and guidance on accounting theory and practice, current AS policies and procedures, recommending solutions to complex issues. Provide advice and training for AS Finance and other staff on relevant WB/IFC policies and Donor requirements. Keep abreast of new WB/IFC policies/procedures, ensuring these are communicated and implemented throughout the regions. Recommend and implement best practices and actively contribute to development of new policies and procedures to improve existing tools, systems and policies in AS financial management and procurement. Maintain and enhance the on-going relationship with CFA, Regional controllers, IBRD Trust Funds Management team, and SAP specialists. Lead change management effort for AS finance network during roll-out of ASFM projects: in full cooperation with ASFM project team and identified training champions coordinate the preparation and issuance of ASFM training materials, organization of training events. Serve as a focal point for AS Finance network in practical issues related to ASFM implementation and use of new financial management systems, actively contribute to AS Controller’s task of building the capacity of AS FO network.
Selection Criteria:
The position requires highly developed technical, analytical, systems, writing and communication skills, and high level understanding of financial sustainability, as well as team leadership, coaching and knowledge-sharing abilities based on in-depth knowledge of IFC fiduciary, operations and administrative processes, e.g., fee income, trust funds. In-depth knowledge and understanding of business planning, work programming and budgeting and financial and administrative management. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying issues, formulating opinions, reaching conclusions, submitting recommendations and influencing superiors and colleagues on outcomes. Good understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and proper accounting controls over accounting process and financial reporting operations, familiarity with generally accepted auditing standards in these areas and COSO philosophy. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major changes to support the budget and finance activities Ability to take lead as a key interlocutor in handling and facilitating client (senior management) and inter-unit business relationships. Ability to operate effectively in a matrix management environment, both as a team leader/supervisor and team member; Ability to lead a team of professionals in the execution of major Budget and Finance projects; Ability to coach, mentor and develop more junior staff; Ability to deal sensitively in multi-cultural environments and build effective working relations with clients and colleagues; Strong communication skills with ability to prepare, present, and discuss findings in written and oral form. Master's degree and a minimum of 8 years' financial management experience in a corporate setting. Sound knowledge and understanding of accounting theory, concepts and principles, combined with proven practical skills in financial accounting reporting, business planning, budgeting, financial management and audit. Excellent technical knowledge and sophisticated understanding of budget formulation, expense monitoring, and fundamental financial/expense controls. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate options, draw conclusions, submit recommendations and convince others on course of action. Proven ability to conceptualize, design and implement major projects and produce major/complex reports and recommendation. Proven project management skills and aptitude for coordination/facilitation of large groups. Strong communication skills (in English), both written and oral, to convey complex budget and administrative financial issues in a clear and concise way to management and staff. Strong problem solving, conceptual, analytical and evaluation skills. Proven people management skills, with ability to lead, coach mentor and develop staff across countries, to motivational leadership capabilities. Proven ability to build productive teams and work collaboratively across functions and departments, including building and strengthening cooperation and coordination across HQ, Regional Operations Center(s) and Country/Local offices a plus. Advanced skills in Excel and Access, working knowledge of Microsoft office, Internet, Lotus Notes applications. Knowledge of Advisory Services and trust funds operations, and/or WBG policies an added advantage. Recognized professional accreditation (CPA, CIMA, ACCA, etc) and/or experience in Big 4 auditing firms an added advantage. Prior experience in ERP applications (SAP) an added advantage. Only on line applications will be accepted. Only Short listed candidates will be contacted.
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