Senior Accounting Assistant
- Recruiter
- World Bank Group
- Location
- Chennai, India
- Salary
- Competitive salary
- Posted
- 25 Sep 2020
- Closes
- 27 Sep 2020
- Ref
- req8561
- Job role
- Accounts assistant
- Experience level
- Qualified accountant
Senior Accounting Assistant
Job #: req8561 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: 9/30/2020 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a careerthat is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a uniqueopportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest developmentchallenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding andknowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of fiveinstitutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperityand promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners,investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technologyto develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For moreinformation, visit www.worldbank.org
The WBG's twin goals of endingextreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity reflect a new global landscape:one in which developing countries have an unprecedented opportunity to endextreme poverty within a generation.
World Bank Group Finance andAccounting (WFA) is led by the Vice President and Controller, who reports tothe Chief Financial Officer. WFA in the Bank comprises the following functions:Financial Instruments Accounting and Valuation; Loan and Trust Fund Operations;Accounting Business Services; Financial Reporting; Accounting Policy;Documentation and Communication; Advisory Services; and Risks and Controls.These units collectively include approximately 450 staff, of which 100 are inWashington, D.C. with the remainder in regional offices including the largestin Chennai, India.
WFA Financial Controls (WFAFC) isa business division in WFA and is responsible for the fair recording andreporting of the WBG's administrative expenses and fixed assets, which have acombined financial statement value of nearly $4.0B. This includes deliveringcore accounting services, maintaining an effective system of internal controls,and providing strategic leadership on complex business issues pertaining to thefollowing administrative expenses and functions: (i) Travel Accounting,Accounts Payable, Fixed Asset and Lease Accounting, Quality Assurance andCountry Office Accounting (together known as WFATA) (ii) Accounts Receivable, Payrolland Tax Allowance Administration and (iii) Helpdesk Operations (WFAAN)
Unit Overview
WFAGP is located at Chennai andresponsible for processing vendor payments for all HQ units in Washington DCand around 120+ County offices. WFAGPreports functionally to WFATA. This teamcomplements and works with WFAFC's other functional teams in Chennai: Payroll, Tax and AR (WFAPA), the Assuranceand Client Support team (WFAAC), which deliver core transaction processingservices related to Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Tax, provide advisory andsupport services to country office accountants, travelers and WBG staff inaccounting and compliance activities through training, reviews and help deskoperations (WFAAN).
WFAGPis looking to recruit suitable candidates for the Senior Accounting Assistantpositions in the global payments team.
TheSenior Accounting Assistant will be responsible for processing payments tovendors and staff located at HQ or Country offices. The job requires extensive interaction withHQ (or) the country offices accounting staff and vendors.
Duties & Responsibilities
* Process payments to staff and vendors within service standards and contractual terms, which includes invoice review, data entry, and payment proposal preparation, review, and release in accordance with established guidelines.
* Track and clear invoice work items assigned in the SAP inbox; check emails received from clients and take immediate action; resolve cases that require special attention.
* Follow up with TTLs, managers, other staff, and vendors regarding pending workflow items.
* Apply provisions of US GAAP for accrual accounting.
* Adopt best practices to set off vendor receivables.
* Research and initiate action for vendor debit balances; work with vendor on refunds.
* Investigate and resolve cases for failed payment executions, stop payment requests, and stale-dated checks.
* Execute vendor down-payments, as needed for prepaid expenses and advances and ensure these are netted against subsequent invoices; monitor and resolve open down-payments.
* Execute daily Evaluated Receipts Settlement (ERS) process to generate invoice documents in SAP from electronically approved service entry sheets.
* Provide resolution to vendor claims relating to non-payment or incomplete payment or insufficient information to apply payments.
* Respond to queries from vendors, units, relating to invoice payments.
* Analyze / research / act on requests for accounting adjustments relating to accounts payable, engage in discussion as needed to understand and determine action required.
* Submit employee reimbursement request for miscellaneous payments to consultant and non-PO payments to firms.
* Coordinate with the vendor master team to update banking information
Maintain excellent client rapport and demonstrate client service skills in resolving issues.
* Participate in ad-hoc activities such as system testing and other assigned tasks.
Note: The Working Hour will be 8.5hours between 07.00 AM to 10.30 PM (IST). The candidate should be willing towork in any of the slots as per business requirement.
Selection Criteria
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor'sdegree in Accounting, Commerce or related field with a minimum of 3 years ofrelevant experience.
Core Technical Knowledge and Skills:
• Substantialwork experience with transaction processing using integrated, automatedaccounting systems with a comparable level of complexity to the SAP system; aproven track record of problem-solving skills in an automated accountingenvironment; experience with SAP is desirable, but not required.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Windows applications, such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Demonstratedability to learn new technology quickly and effectively.
• Strongverbal and written communication skills.
• Shouldbe client focused, flexible and work effectively work with other staff in theunit and outside.
• MeetWFA Core Competencies at GD level (given below).
WFA Core Competencies:
• DeliverResults for Clients - Takes full ownership to address client needs.Demonstrates initiative, independence and autonomy in addressing client needsin changing business contexts and environments. Has knowledge of departmentstrategy, vision, and goals and can link them to those of the largerorganization. Allocates and prioritizes resources according to areas of mosturgent need and greatest impact for the client.
• Collaboratewithin Teams and Across Boundaries - Contributes to wider collaborativeefforts. Adopts a collaborative approach to improve overall effectivenessoutside one's department and displays an open helpful attitude toward others.Approaches conflicts as common problems to be solved. Demonstratesunderstanding of and acts to incorporate multiple perspectives. Framesthinking/actions with a WBG corporate perspective in mind.
• Leadand Innovate - Initiates changes to work processes to improve efficiency andperformance. Applies creativity, flexibility and persistence to develop new,considers own behavior in context of WBG's values and mission and recognizesimpact on others. Frames problems and recommends solutions.
• Create,Apply and Share Knowledge - Takes ownership for organization of knowledge-sharingand learning activities. Contributes to the knowledge of the work group andbeyond. Uses feedback to develop self and mentor others. Builds personal andprofessional networks within and beyond the work group.
• MakeSmart Decision - Analyzes data to support and enable decision-makingAnticipates, researches, reviews, and analyzes available data and relevantempirical evidence, including lessons learned. Understands risk and can provide basic assessment using cost-benefitanalysis. Uses critical thinking and good judgment to make decisions. Supportsdecisions, takes action and ensures appropriate follow-up actions are taken.
• ClientUnderstanding and Advising - Follows through on client inquiries, requests, andaddresses problems promptly and non-defensively. Proactively keeps the clientup-to-date on the progress of projects. Makes decisions to meet the needs ofthe situation by considering all available resources and information.
• BroadBusiness Thinking - Keeps informed on business operations. Inquiries about therelationship of delivered support/services to the business as it pertains toassigned area of responsibility and related projects. Seeks out relevantinformation related to clients from available sources including supervisors, peers,clients, intranet/Internet, and documentation. Provides a business-basedrationale for determining the necessity of incremental improvements andcommunicates viewpoint using the client's own terminology with limited jargon.
• ProjectManagement - Demonstrates an understanding of the key principles of projectmanagement. Assists in the management of projects where the objectives,milestones and time scales. Shares knowledge regarding project managementprotocols and duties.
• AnalyticalThinking - Gathers and links data. Reviews for non-conformity and gathersfurther information in response to problems. Collates and reports information.Identifies direct cause-and-effect relationships. Identifies trends andexceptions. Investigates to define problems more accurately. When looking atinformation, sees patterns, trends, or missing pieces. Recognizes when acurrent situation is similar to a past situation. Will accept other solutions when conventionalmethodology does not work. Makes ideas or situations clear, simple, and/orunderstandable. Assembles ideas, issues, and observations into a clear anduseful explanation. Restates and/or interprets existing observations orknowledge in a simpler fashion. Is prepared to look beyond the data for solutions.
• Policiesand Procedures - Exhibit working knowledge of policies and proceduresapplicable to carrying out daily responsibilities. Abide by relevant policiesand procedures in completing various tasks. Can exercise independent judgmentregarding relevant policies and procedures.
• Riskand Controls - Demonstrate understanding of key risks and internal controlprocedures in the related processes. Able to identify key risks and mitigatingcontrol steps in own functional areas. Perform internal control procedures incompliance with the overall risk and control framework. Ensure compliance withoverall risk and internal control procedures.
• InformationTechnology and Systems - Exhibit working knowledge of key informationtechnology and main systems in own function areas. Effectively utilize suchtechnologies and systems to successfully carry out work programs.
• Communication- Express and exchange information in a clear and concise manner (Writesclearly and concisely simple work related documents). Listen actively andconfirm understanding. Recognize own biases and assumptions and make an effortto understand the impact of others' cultural norms on communication styles.Contribute to a transparent and engaging work environment by sharing views and ideasopenly and professionally. Uses clear and easily understood writing styles whencommunicating technical information to non-technical individuals. Understandsthat different writing styles are required for different documents oraudiences.
Povertyhas no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differencesand we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgroundsfrom around the globe.
Job #: req8561 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: 9/30/2020 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC
Description
Do you want to build a careerthat is truly worthwhile? Working at the World Bank Group provides a uniqueopportunity for you to help our clients solve their greatest developmentchallenges. The World Bank Group is one of the largest sources of funding andknowledge for developing countries; a unique global partnership of fiveinstitutions dedicated to ending extreme poverty, increasing shared prosperityand promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than120 offices worldwide, we work with public and private sector partners,investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technologyto develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. For moreinformation, visit www.worldbank.org
The WBG's twin goals of endingextreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity reflect a new global landscape:one in which developing countries have an unprecedented opportunity to endextreme poverty within a generation.
World Bank Group Finance andAccounting (WFA) is led by the Vice President and Controller, who reports tothe Chief Financial Officer. WFA in the Bank comprises the following functions:Financial Instruments Accounting and Valuation; Loan and Trust Fund Operations;Accounting Business Services; Financial Reporting; Accounting Policy;Documentation and Communication; Advisory Services; and Risks and Controls.These units collectively include approximately 450 staff, of which 100 are inWashington, D.C. with the remainder in regional offices including the largestin Chennai, India.
WFA Financial Controls (WFAFC) isa business division in WFA and is responsible for the fair recording andreporting of the WBG's administrative expenses and fixed assets, which have acombined financial statement value of nearly $4.0B. This includes deliveringcore accounting services, maintaining an effective system of internal controls,and providing strategic leadership on complex business issues pertaining to thefollowing administrative expenses and functions: (i) Travel Accounting,Accounts Payable, Fixed Asset and Lease Accounting, Quality Assurance andCountry Office Accounting (together known as WFATA) (ii) Accounts Receivable, Payrolland Tax Allowance Administration and (iii) Helpdesk Operations (WFAAN)
Unit Overview
WFAGP is located at Chennai andresponsible for processing vendor payments for all HQ units in Washington DCand around 120+ County offices. WFAGPreports functionally to WFATA. This teamcomplements and works with WFAFC's other functional teams in Chennai: Payroll, Tax and AR (WFAPA), the Assuranceand Client Support team (WFAAC), which deliver core transaction processingservices related to Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Tax, provide advisory andsupport services to country office accountants, travelers and WBG staff inaccounting and compliance activities through training, reviews and help deskoperations (WFAAN).
WFAGPis looking to recruit suitable candidates for the Senior Accounting Assistantpositions in the global payments team.
TheSenior Accounting Assistant will be responsible for processing payments tovendors and staff located at HQ or Country offices. The job requires extensive interaction withHQ (or) the country offices accounting staff and vendors.
Duties & Responsibilities
* Process payments to staff and vendors within service standards and contractual terms, which includes invoice review, data entry, and payment proposal preparation, review, and release in accordance with established guidelines.
* Track and clear invoice work items assigned in the SAP inbox; check emails received from clients and take immediate action; resolve cases that require special attention.
* Follow up with TTLs, managers, other staff, and vendors regarding pending workflow items.
* Apply provisions of US GAAP for accrual accounting.
* Adopt best practices to set off vendor receivables.
* Research and initiate action for vendor debit balances; work with vendor on refunds.
* Investigate and resolve cases for failed payment executions, stop payment requests, and stale-dated checks.
* Execute vendor down-payments, as needed for prepaid expenses and advances and ensure these are netted against subsequent invoices; monitor and resolve open down-payments.
* Execute daily Evaluated Receipts Settlement (ERS) process to generate invoice documents in SAP from electronically approved service entry sheets.
* Provide resolution to vendor claims relating to non-payment or incomplete payment or insufficient information to apply payments.
* Respond to queries from vendors, units, relating to invoice payments.
* Analyze / research / act on requests for accounting adjustments relating to accounts payable, engage in discussion as needed to understand and determine action required.
* Submit employee reimbursement request for miscellaneous payments to consultant and non-PO payments to firms.
* Coordinate with the vendor master team to update banking information
Maintain excellent client rapport and demonstrate client service skills in resolving issues.
* Participate in ad-hoc activities such as system testing and other assigned tasks.
Note: The Working Hour will be 8.5hours between 07.00 AM to 10.30 PM (IST). The candidate should be willing towork in any of the slots as per business requirement.
Selection Criteria
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor'sdegree in Accounting, Commerce or related field with a minimum of 3 years ofrelevant experience.
Core Technical Knowledge and Skills:
• Substantialwork experience with transaction processing using integrated, automatedaccounting systems with a comparable level of complexity to the SAP system; aproven track record of problem-solving skills in an automated accountingenvironment; experience with SAP is desirable, but not required.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Windows applications, such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Demonstratedability to learn new technology quickly and effectively.
• Strongverbal and written communication skills.
• Shouldbe client focused, flexible and work effectively work with other staff in theunit and outside.
• MeetWFA Core Competencies at GD level (given below).
WFA Core Competencies:
• DeliverResults for Clients - Takes full ownership to address client needs.Demonstrates initiative, independence and autonomy in addressing client needsin changing business contexts and environments. Has knowledge of departmentstrategy, vision, and goals and can link them to those of the largerorganization. Allocates and prioritizes resources according to areas of mosturgent need and greatest impact for the client.
• Collaboratewithin Teams and Across Boundaries - Contributes to wider collaborativeefforts. Adopts a collaborative approach to improve overall effectivenessoutside one's department and displays an open helpful attitude toward others.Approaches conflicts as common problems to be solved. Demonstratesunderstanding of and acts to incorporate multiple perspectives. Framesthinking/actions with a WBG corporate perspective in mind.
• Leadand Innovate - Initiates changes to work processes to improve efficiency andperformance. Applies creativity, flexibility and persistence to develop new,considers own behavior in context of WBG's values and mission and recognizesimpact on others. Frames problems and recommends solutions.
• Create,Apply and Share Knowledge - Takes ownership for organization of knowledge-sharingand learning activities. Contributes to the knowledge of the work group andbeyond. Uses feedback to develop self and mentor others. Builds personal andprofessional networks within and beyond the work group.
• MakeSmart Decision - Analyzes data to support and enable decision-makingAnticipates, researches, reviews, and analyzes available data and relevantempirical evidence, including lessons learned. Understands risk and can provide basic assessment using cost-benefitanalysis. Uses critical thinking and good judgment to make decisions. Supportsdecisions, takes action and ensures appropriate follow-up actions are taken.
• ClientUnderstanding and Advising - Follows through on client inquiries, requests, andaddresses problems promptly and non-defensively. Proactively keeps the clientup-to-date on the progress of projects. Makes decisions to meet the needs ofthe situation by considering all available resources and information.
• BroadBusiness Thinking - Keeps informed on business operations. Inquiries about therelationship of delivered support/services to the business as it pertains toassigned area of responsibility and related projects. Seeks out relevantinformation related to clients from available sources including supervisors, peers,clients, intranet/Internet, and documentation. Provides a business-basedrationale for determining the necessity of incremental improvements andcommunicates viewpoint using the client's own terminology with limited jargon.
• ProjectManagement - Demonstrates an understanding of the key principles of projectmanagement. Assists in the management of projects where the objectives,milestones and time scales. Shares knowledge regarding project managementprotocols and duties.
• AnalyticalThinking - Gathers and links data. Reviews for non-conformity and gathersfurther information in response to problems. Collates and reports information.Identifies direct cause-and-effect relationships. Identifies trends andexceptions. Investigates to define problems more accurately. When looking atinformation, sees patterns, trends, or missing pieces. Recognizes when acurrent situation is similar to a past situation. Will accept other solutions when conventionalmethodology does not work. Makes ideas or situations clear, simple, and/orunderstandable. Assembles ideas, issues, and observations into a clear anduseful explanation. Restates and/or interprets existing observations orknowledge in a simpler fashion. Is prepared to look beyond the data for solutions.
• Policiesand Procedures - Exhibit working knowledge of policies and proceduresapplicable to carrying out daily responsibilities. Abide by relevant policiesand procedures in completing various tasks. Can exercise independent judgmentregarding relevant policies and procedures.
• Riskand Controls - Demonstrate understanding of key risks and internal controlprocedures in the related processes. Able to identify key risks and mitigatingcontrol steps in own functional areas. Perform internal control procedures incompliance with the overall risk and control framework. Ensure compliance withoverall risk and internal control procedures.
• InformationTechnology and Systems - Exhibit working knowledge of key informationtechnology and main systems in own function areas. Effectively utilize suchtechnologies and systems to successfully carry out work programs.
• Communication- Express and exchange information in a clear and concise manner (Writesclearly and concisely simple work related documents). Listen actively andconfirm understanding. Recognize own biases and assumptions and make an effortto understand the impact of others' cultural norms on communication styles.Contribute to a transparent and engaging work environment by sharing views and ideasopenly and professionally. Uses clear and easily understood writing styles whencommunicating technical information to non-technical individuals. Understandsthat different writing styles are required for different documents oraudiences.
Povertyhas no borders, neither does excellence. We succeed because of our differencesand we continuously search for qualified individuals with diverse backgroundsfrom around the globe.