Senior Accounting Assistant

Senior Accounting Assistant Job #: req34440 Organization: World Bank Sector: Finance & Accounting Grade: GD Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Chennai,India Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 10/6/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Do you want to build a career that is truly worthwhile? The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions driven by a bold vision to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, we help solve the world’s greatest development challenges. When you join the World Bank Group, you become part of a dynamic, diverse organization with 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide. We work with public and private sector partners, invest in groundbreaking projects, and use data, research, and technology to bring tangible and transformative changes around the globe. For more information, visit www.worldbank.org.
The WB Finance & Accounting (WFA) Vice Presidency is responsible for all aspects of the financial reporting and internal control framework for IBRD and IDA, and the extensive Trust Fund/Partnership portfolio of the WB entities. It supports an appropriate fiduciary control framework and administering disbursements for Bank lending and leads the client service function for the WB’s corporate expenses.

Organizationally, WFA is comprised of three departments: (1) Corporate Accounting and Reporting, (2) Trust Funds and Loans, and (3) Financial Controls. In Controller’s our mandate supports both internal and external clients while we focus on delivery, optimization, impact, and people & culture.WFA Financial Operations (WFAFO) is a business division in WFA and is responsible for the fair recording and reporting of the WBG’s administrative expenses and fixed assets, which have a combined financial statement value of nearly $4.0B. This includes delivering core accounting services, maintaining an effective system of internal controls, and providing strategic leadership on complex business issues pertaining to the following administrative expenses and functions: (i) Travel Accounting, Accounts Payable, Fixed Asset and Lease Accounting, Quality Assurance and Country Office Accounting (together known as WFATA) (ii) Accounts Receivable, Payroll and Tax Allowance Administration and (iii) Helpdesk Operations (WFAAN)
WFA Global Payments is located at Chennai and responsible for processing vendor payments for all HQ units in Washington DC(WFAHP) and around 120+ Country offices(WFAGP).  WFAGP team reports functionally to WFATA.  
WFAGP is looking to recruit suitable candidates for Term Staff (GD) position in the Global Payments team.
How your contributions will help us achieve our goals
The Term staff will be responsible for the activities below as envisaged for Accounting & Reporting job stream along with processing payments to vendors and staff located at HQ or Country offices.  The job requires extensive interaction with HQ (or) the country offices accounting staff, other WBG units and vendors.
What you will do:
•   Continuously monitor all GL accounts and prepare periodic reconciliations follow-up with clients and other units on aged and critical items •   Prepare monthly Trial Balance; analyze and explain variances, aged items•   Provide inputs to Management Reporting and Analysis•   Compile and monitor KPIs, metrics monthly – with benchmark data; explain significant variances•   Liaise with Data Analytics team to obtain monthly MIS report; explain major variances•   Liaise with Data Analytics team to develop data analytics/trends needed to support the unit’s adhoc reporting needs; prepare reports, as needed•   Implement relevant accounting policies and KPIs, metrics monthly – with benchmark data; explain significant variances•   Undertake General Ledger Accounting entries and conduct Chart of Account Maintenance activities•   Participate in the user testing (UAT) and implementation of any new systems, applications, tools, and reports for the team, to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and standardization•   Process payments to staff and vendors within service standards and contractual terms, in accordance with established guidelines.•   Apply provisions of US GAAP for accrual accounting.•   Respond to queries from vendors, units, relating to payments.•   Maintain excellent client rapport and demonstrate client service skills in resolving issues.

Selection Criteria

“Note: “Only applicants who are nationals, legal residents, or otherwise have legal presence in the duty station independent of any employer, and who are authorized to work in the duty station, will be considered.”
What you will bring:
Education:
1.  Professional accounting qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA or an equivalent professional accounting qualification).2.  Freshers are welcome to apply, having post qualification experience will be an added advantage3.  Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant discipline (Ex. Finance, Accounting, Taxation) is a plus
Experience:
•   A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
Knowledge and Skills:
•   Understanding of relevant accounting principles, accounting policies, and ICFR requirements•   Experience with GL posting, reconciling bank accounts and other GL accounts, and basic accounting reports preparation •   Experience in SAP FI system, Power BI, Tableau tools is desirable. Exposure to other systems like PeopleSoft would be an added advantage •   Advanced computer skills in MS Office applications - Excel, Word, Power Point •   Desirable to have experience in preparing aging analysis for open items, trial balance reporting in a corporate environment•   Desirable to have experience in issue resolution with stakeholders•   Demonstrated ability to learn new technology quickly and effectively.•   Hands on work experience with transaction processing using integrated, automated accounting systems with a comparable level of complexity to the SAP system; Experience with SAP is required. 
Abilities:
•   Strong verbal and written communication skills.•   Should be client focused, flexible and work effectively work with other staff in the unit and outside.•   WBG Culture Attributes:1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.
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.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

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.