Senior Financial Assistant

World Bank Group

Chennai, India

Experience: 3 to 5 Years

Skill Required: Accounts and Finance

The TRE Operations Chennai (TRECH) is an integral part of TRE and is responsible for a variety of duties providing vital support across its operational divisions. It works closely with the Headquarters in Washington D.C and another shared services center in Sofia, Bulgaria. Under the guidance and supervision of a Team Lead and/or Functional Lead, the incumbent will have responsibilities for specific individual tasks/projects as well as for working as an integral part of the team in executing the Treasury Operation’s work program, while maintaining close relationships with the other Treasury departments.

The role is in Cash Investigations, Reconciliation and Accounting team which is responsible for performing controls that include the reconciliation and bookkeeping of the majority of all WBG bank accounts. In performing these functions, the team works closely with internal partners and market counterparts as well as external service providers such as technology vendors, banks, and paying agents. As and when required, the team is also expected to facilitate the implementation of new products, markets, and business-related technology solutions. The incumbent will be expected to perform some combination of the following functions: 

Client Reconciliation and Reporting:

  • Perform daily cash reconciliation for cash flows (in several currencies) related to the asset management business i.e., money market transactions, repos, foreign exchange, buys and sells of fixed income, government and bond transactions and asset/mortgage-backed securities.
  • Investigate reconciliation differences, performing analysis, posting necessary adjustments for resolution of any differences, preparing commentaries on results / findings, and recommending solutions in a proactive manner.
  • Assist in the timely and accurate submission of monthly reconciliation reports comparing the World Bank’s Investments and Net Asset Value data against corresponding custodian records.
  • Effectively support the daily and monthly reconciliations process of World Bank’s Investment Asset positions against corresponding custodian records.
  • Support and maintain the static data and reporting templates in the World Bank’s securities reconciliation and client reporting system.

Cash Accounting:

  • Assist in the month-end book close process for cash including preparation of reports and necessary adjustments needed to ensure accuracy of data and balances that are sent to general ledger system (SAP)
  •  Assist in the prompt delivery of daily, monthly, quarterly, and year-end deliverables and other ad- hoc reporting requirements for Treasury's worldwide clients.
  • Prepare daily system-to-system reconciliations and controls reviews, investigate breaks and communicate findings promptly to ensure proper follow-up and timely resolutions of any identified differences and exceptions.

Process Re-engineering: 

  • Identify, analyze and prioritize automation opportunities focusing on enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
  • Support automation initiatives and projects relating to various sub-operational areas including maintenance of databases, dashboards, and reports using tools such as RPA, Power-Apps/Automate.
  • Other ad hoc tasks as may be assigned.

As determined by management, depending on business needs:

  • The work program is subject to change at any time and the candidate may be reassigned to another team.
  • The candidate is expected to work Singapore / London shift and at times will be required to provide extended support to overlap with Washington DC.
  • Candidate will be required to observe US Holiday calendar and might be required to work on designated holidays to meet reporting deadlines as per business needs.
  • The position requires candidate to work from office in Chennai and comply with WBG's return-to-office guidelines for staff.

Selection Criteria :

  • Bachelor’s degree in commerce, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or Computer applications with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience. Candidates with post-graduate degrees in similar disciplines will have an advantage.
  • Knowledge of and experience in financial instruments including fixed income securities like Mortgage- backed securities, fixed income derivatives products and with systems that support trading and reporting activities.
  • Knowledge of and experience in cash and custody reconciliation, and reporting processes with systems that support trading and reporting activities such as Bloomberg, Summit, Murex, Quantum, Intellimatch or other proprietary Banking Systems.
  • Knowledge of the payments processing space, including SWIFT payments, ACH clearing, and cross- border payments. A strong understanding of the common issues encountered in payments processing, and future trends (particularly ISO 20022), and technology shaping the payments industry.
  • Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including programming knowledge of Python, Power Query, Power Apps, and Excel Macro writing ability with a proven track record of successful process engineering/improvement projects.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact tactfully with clients and/or business associates across all levels, while exercising sound judgement in handling confidential information.
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new technology quickly and effectively for maximum productivity.
  • High level of initiative, self-confidence, and a self-starter; ability to apply a practical matured approach to problem solving with minimum supervision.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle a variety of concurrent activities with excellent organization and time management skills, mature judgment, attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
  • Diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills with strong commitment to work in a respectful team oriented and multi-cultural work environment.
  • Highest ethical standards.