Accounting Policy Lead or Senior Specialist

About Inter-American Development Bank

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), established in 1959, is one of the leading sources of long-term financing for economic, social, and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB provides lending and grants to the public and private sectors, conducting cutting-edge research, technical assistance, and policy advice to promote sustainable development in the region. Through its collaborations with member countries, IDB aims to improve lives and foster economic progress. In addition to the IDB, the IDB Group includes IDB Invest, which focuses on private sector development, and IDB Lab, which incubates innovative projects that drive sustainable growth. The IDB Group is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, encouraging applications from all walks of life, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people.

About this Role

We are looking for an energetic and collaborative experienced professional with technical expertise in US GAAP to lead the accounting policy function. You will work in the Accounting Policy, Trust Fund, and Pension Reporting Group of the Finance Department. This team is responsible for the financial reporting and related internal controls of all funds under the Bank’s administration, including the IDB Lab and the Bank-sponsored benefit plans and programs, and ensuring the Bank’s compliance with applicable accounting policies and standards. As an Accounting Policy Lead or Senior Specialist, you will monitor the standards-setting processes of institutions such as the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). You will stay abreast of developments in the international arena and lead the implementation of new accounting policies and standards. You will evaluate alternative forms and content for financial disclosures that comply with US GAAP and determine the proper technical accounting treatment. You will assess the accounting and financial reporting impact of new and proposed products and processes, working closely with other areas of the Bank. Additionally, you will provide accounting consultation on complex technical matters, prepare and maintain the Bank’s accounting policy documentation, and serve as a liaison for technical accounting matters with both internal and external audit staff. Training on accounting and reporting matters will also be provided to various levels of the Bank’s staff, Senior Management, and the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the Bank’s compliance with standards established by authoritative accounting standards setters in the US.
• Monitor the standards-setting processes of institutions such as the FASB, SEC, and AICPA.
• Stay abreast of standard-setting developments in the international arena.
• Lead the implementation of new accounting policies and standards.
• Evaluate alternative forms and content for financial disclosures that comply with US GAAP.
• Determine the proper technical accounting treatment and assess the accounting and financial reporting impact of new and proposed products and processes.
• Provide accounting consultation on complex technical matters that may have a Bank-wide impact.
• Prepare and maintain the Bank’s accounting policy documentation, including manuals and position/issue papers.
• Provide accounting expertise for quarter-end and year-end financial reporting activities, including the review of quarterly and annual financial statements filed with the SEC and/or submitted to other stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison for technical accounting matters with both internal and external audit staff.
• Provide training on accounting and reporting matters to various levels of the Bank’s staff, Senior Management, and the Board of Directors.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in accounting or other fields relevant to the responsibilities of the role.
• CPA or equivalent professional accounting certification is required.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in accounting or a related field.
• Progressive experience in a Big 4 public accounting firm and/or technical accounting policy functions at financial institutions and multilateral organizations is highly preferred.
• Oral and written proficiency in English is required.
• Proficiency in another Bank language (Spanish, Portuguese, French) is desired.
• Citizenship of one of the IDB’s 48-member countries.
• No family members (up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and second degree of affinity, including spouse) working at the IDB, IDB Invest, or IDB Lab.

Benefits

• A competitive compensation package, including an annual base salary expressed on a net-of-tax basis.
• 24 days of paid time off + 8 personal days + sick leave + gender-neutral parental leave.
• A robust medical benefits program covering medical, dental, vision, preventive care, and prescription drugs for employees and eligible dependents.
• A defined benefit pension plan providing financial security and future planning support.
• Assistance with relocation and visa applications for employees and eligible dependents.
• Hybrid and flexible work schedules.
• Access to a Health Services Center offering preventive care and health education.
• Professional development tools, such as mentoring, 1:1 professional counseling, training, language classes, and mobility options.
• Additional perks, including a Lactation Room, Daycare Center, Gym, Bike Racks, Parking, and a Spouse Career Program.