The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the international organization for public-private cooperation.The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.Why we are recruitingAs a Finance Specialist for Grant Accounting, you will be part of the Finance team, responsible for e the governance, accounting, administration, reporting and overall tracking of the grants that the Forum receives each year to run various projects.Reporting Lines and InteractionsThe Finance Specialist role will be part of the Finance Team and will report to the Accounting Manager responsible for grant accounting. The position will interact daily with the Forum’s Grant Funding and Governance team, different teams operationally running and administering grants and the Financial Planning, Performance and Partnering team. Building and maintaining robust working relationships with external and internal auditors will also be part of the role’s responsibilities.Main responsibilitiesGrant ManagementResponsible for the financial management and accounting of grants throughout the whole grant lifecycleResponsible for all daily accounting entries, month end, quarter end, year-end closing, accruals, account reconciliations and various analysisEnsure compliance with grant terms and conditions in collaboration with the Grant Funding and Governance team, operational and project teams and the Financial Planning, Partnering and Performance teamFinancial ReportingResponsible for the preparation and submission of financial reports to grantors as required.Ensure accurate and timely reporting in line with grant requirementsEnsure complete and accurate supporting documentationManage communications with grantors as requiredAudit and ComplianceLead and prepare for internal and external grant auditsManage communication with internal and external auditorsEnsure complete and accurate supporting documentationEnsure compliance and maintain subject matter expertise on grant regulations and guidelinesInnovation and Continuous ImprovementContribute to the redesign of the grant accounting and reporting processes to enhance agility, responsiveness and alignment with dynamic business needs, while ensuring robust financial controlsPromote process excellence, continuous improvement and a robust control cultureEncourage the use of financial technologies and innovative solutions, where appropriate, to enhance efficiency and effectivenessRelationship Building:Develop robust working relationships with Forum’s Grant Funding and Governance team, different teams operationally running and administering grants and the Financial Planning, Performance and Partnering team, enhancing collaboration and partnershipDevelop role as ‘go-to’, trusted advisor, value-add, customer focused enabler and informed challengerTeam Contribution:Contribute and collaborate with other members of the Finance team to enhance positive team culture and behaviours, including respect, trust, integrity, diversity, openness and constructive conversationsContribute and enhance customer focused, service provider, change and continuous improvement mindset and behavioursThe successful candidate will be assessed onExceptional accounting skills and knowledgeAbility to work efficiently with a large quantity of data and be able to translate and communicate that data meaningfullyAbility to compile numbers reliably and present them in a complete, accurate and confident mannerCapacity to build strong relationships and collaborate with all relevant stakeholdersAdaptability and ability to interface with various levels across the organization and show high emotional intelligenceFlexibility, maturity and the interpersonal and cross-cultural collaboration skills needed to work in a demanding and international environmentCapability to assess and challenge requests from third partiesRequirements and ExperienceHigher education with Masters degree in finance or accountingProfessional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)3+ years of relevant professional experience in financial project accounting and controlling or financial grant accounting and controlling preferably in a global company with international exposure or in external audit with a Big Four FirmDemonstrated experience with grant management procedures and donor relationsOutstanding strategic thinking and practical problem-solving abilities, complemented by exceptional technical accounting, analytical and organisational skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a dynamic environmentStrong controls mindset and behavior and attention to detail, along with being proactive, practical, pragmatic, flexible, hands-on, customer-focused, solution-based, and results-orientedHigh level proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, knowledge of Salesforce a plusDemonstrated track record in promoting process excellence, and implementing continuous improvement practicesExcellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, coupled with active listening abilities and a high degree of emotional intelligence, enabling effective stakeholder engagementProficient presentation skills, capable of articulating complex issues clearly and conciselyFluent in English and excellent oral/written communication skills#LinkedInWhy work at the Forum:The Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and cooperation, shaping mindsets and agendas, and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!
