WFATA is responsible for accounts payable, fixed assets and lease accounting, quality assurance program, sanctions screening and travel accounting. It also provides strategic leadership and guidance to business units across the WBG on developing and maintaining an effective system of internal controls over these functions.
The QA Program assesses the World Bank Group Units’ compliance with administrative expense policies and procedures and recommends corrective actions as appropriate. In collaboration with the Units and stakeholders, the program strengthens internal controls by building awareness of compliance trends and exceptions. It identifies opportunities to strengthen controls and simplify processes through behavioral, policy, process and system changes. It also provides a basis for management’s annual assertions regarding controls over administrative expenses.
WFATA is currently seeking an Accounting Officer to join its team in Washington, DC, reporting to the team lead for Travel and Quality Assurance (QA). The Accounting Officer-Quality Assurance, functions as the HQ anchor for the QA program and performs a variety of tasks, including broader responsibilities of the Division as needed. Primary areas of responsibility are leadership of the QA program and providing administrative and accounting policy guidance. The position closely interacts with the offshore QA team in Chennai in delivering the work program.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Formulation of the QA work program including responsibility for developing the scope, sampling, and review methodologies, designing relevant reports and other products in support of the QA function, and determining and delivering against product delivery timetables, closely liaising with the offshore team.
Continuously monitors changes in policies, systems and processes relating to administrative expenses. Ensures that (i) the appropriate risks are assessed, (ii) timely and accurate information is provided for VPUs to take action as appropriate, and (iii) preventative programs are implemented in coordination with relevant stakeholders to address systemic issues identified during the QA review, through process improvements, policy revisions and system enhancements. Proactively introduces modern techniques for identifying and assessing risks, and performing the reviews, in order to improve the effectiveness of the QA Program.
Performs a key role in the assessment of control risks and ensures that adequate accounting and administrative controls are implemented with respect to the monitoring of WBG funds used for administrative expense purposes. Coordinates the Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) Reviews for the Division.
Coordinates the review and dissemination of compliance reports containing the results of the testing of controls for WBG Units. Develops recommendations for remediating control deficiencies relating to administrative expenses and monitors and reports on the implementation status of the respective Units’ action plans.
Functions as the primary liaison with the Bank Units’ Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and Resource Management staff, IFC’s CAOs/Regional Financial Controllers (RFCs) and Finance staff, and MIGA’s Controllers, which includes providing guidance on the development and execution of an effective internal controls program to help foster a sound control environment. Actively engages with the CAOs/RFCs to ensure the continuous improvement of the QA program and client satisfaction.
Proactively pursues the identification and development of new product and service offerings, benchmarks best practices and employs emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to modernize the QA program.
Performs as a key resource in providing technical guidance to the CAOs/RFCs as they endeavor to further develop staff and management’s familiarity with the WBG’s policies and procedures over administrative expenses. This includes, but is not limited to, participation in Units’ meetings and delivering presentations and training at various fora.
Performs periodic Quality Assurance Onsite Reviews at 120+ country offices on a rotational basis (approximately 15% travel) and trains other staff identified for performing such onsite reviews.
Partners with and provides guidance/support to the offshore team responsible for executing various aspects of the Quality Assurance program. Regularly communicates with and involves the team in QA activities, monitoring the program deliverables and timelines.
Designs and develops analytical reports necessary to effectively monitor the WBG’s administrative expenses from a financial statement as well as budget management perspective. Assesses the adequacy of monitoring reports and analytic/diagnostic tools, and designs new reports/tools to further the implementation of accounting and administrative controls.
Serves as a focal point and technical leader to the Division staff responsible for performing QA reviews.
Provides technical assistance on and leads the review and resolution of the more complex accounting and control issues that relate to administrative expense processing in SAP, PeopleSoft and other related systems.
Supports the interpretation and application of professional/ authoritative literature such as statements issued by the FASB and the IASB to complex business issues. In addition, assists in formulating Bank-specific policies and procedures such as the relevant Directives/Procedures/Guidelines to ensure that the WBG’s recording of administrative expenses remains compliant with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Selection Criteria:
Minimum:
Professional accounting qualification (ACA / ACCA / CPA or equivalent); AND
Bachelor’s or Master's degree in relevant discipline (Finance, Accounting) with 5 years of relevant experience
Specialized audit certifications such as CIA or CISA will be a plus.
Solid understanding of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and/or International Standards on Auditing (ISA) is a plus.
Extensive experience in auditing of, and reporting on, complex accounting transactions relating to administrative expenses and related processes.
Demonstrated ability to understand and apply professional auditing standards and accounting statements, as well as internal accounting and administrative policies and procedures. Ability to support the translation of accounting literature into clear business instructions or guidelines.
Demonstrated experience and ability to analyze process risks and compliance in a large organization, employing modern techniques leveraging technology and implementing control procedures to mitigate the risks.
Solid knowledge of internal controls and procedures related to administrative expenses in an international and automated environment is required.
Practical experience in analyzing large sets of quantitative and qualitative data, identifying the underlying control risks employing leading-edge techniques and translating findings into the formulation of solutions.
Experience in SAP, BW/BI, Tableau, Alteryx and PowerBI will be an advantage. Familiarity with data analytics and visualization techniques and principles. Practical experience in analyzing large sets of quantitative and qualitative data, identifying the underlying control risks, employing leading-edge techniques, and translating findings into the formulation of solutions.
Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technology quickly and effectively.
Skill managing complexity, leading by influence, proactivity, problem-solving, exercising judgment and discretion, and innovation, and detail orientation.
Diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills; commitment to work in a team-oriented, multi-cultural environment with an open and collegial work style and the ability to listen and integrate ideas from diverse views.
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to express views and opinions diplomatically and confidently. Ability to effectively communicate with clients and business partners to ensure quality results.
Experience leading and managing projects and managing associated change.
Ability to integrate and balance priorities, work activities, and resources for the benefit of multiple key stakeholders.
