Grant Accounting Manager

Grant Accounting ManagerThe World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is an international organization for public-private cooperation.The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas.Why we are recruitingTo support continued business growth and increasing operational complexity, the Finance team is strengthening its Grant Accounting capability. This role is critical to ensuring strong team leadership, operational excellence, and robust controls, while maintaining a high level of service across the organization.Reporting Lines & InteractionsThe Grant Accounting Manager reports to the Head of Finance and has full responsibility for leading, developing, and overseeing the Grant Accounting team.This role requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders across the organization, as well as with Forum’s Grant Funding, Governance and Financial Planning Performance and Partnering teams.The successful candidate will combine strong people leadership with deep technical expertise, leading the team while remaining sufficiently hands-on to ensure quality, control, and operational continuity.Main ResponsibilitiesLead, develop, and manage the Grant Accounting team, setting clear priorities, expectations, and performance standardsEnsure the effective and efficient delivery of all Grant Accounting operations, maintaining high levels of accuracy, compliance, and serviceOversee month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities, ensuring timelines and quality standards are metAct as the primary point of accountability for Grant Accounting, ensuring adherence to policies, controls, and accounting standardsDrive continuous improvement across processes, systems, and team capabilitiesLead and contribute to projects impacting Grant Accounting, including process optimization and system enhancementsDetailed ResponsibilitiesProvide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and development to the Grant Accounting team, fostering accountability, engagement, and high performanceMaintain appropriate oversight of operations while actively supporting key tasks when required, particularly during peak periods or complex casesEnsure completion, accuracy, and review of balance sheet reconciliations related to the grant activityEnsure compliance with expenses and grantors requirements, taking corrective action where requiredEnsure consistent and accurate report processingLead or contribute to cross-functional initiatives with Grant Accounting impact, ensuring alignment and deliveryContribute to the implementation of the grant accounting and reporting processes to enhance agility and responsivenessPromote process excellence, continuous improvement and a robust control cultureLead and prepare for internal and external grant audits and manage communication with auditors​RequirementsDegree in Finance, Accounting, or Business AdministrationProfessional accounting qua...