K MENA A Targeted Assessment of Financial Accounting Capabilities at a Global Bank
Background
One of the world’s leading international banks, with a strong presence, recognized the need to enhance the effectiveness of its Global Financial Accounting division of over 900 employees. Managing a large and diverse workforce responsible for complex financial operations, the organization aimed to ensure that its teams possessed the appropriate level of technical proficiency aligned with global accounting standards (IFRS).
This highlighted the importance of building a workforce that was not only technically skilled but also adaptable to international frameworks. Ensuring the right people were in the right roles, equipped with the right knowledge, became a strategic priority for leadership.
To stay competitive and meet evolving business and regulatory demands, the bank recognized the importance of understanding its employees’ existing skill levels.
The Challenge
A prominent bank approached Kaplan with a specific objective: to evaluate the accounting proficiency of its workforce. The goals were twofold:
- To categorize employees into appropriate teams based on their accounting knowledge and skill sets.
- To identify current knowledge levels across the Financial Accounting division and determine targeted training needs.
Understanding individual and team proficiency levels was essential to drive data-informed upskilling initiatives and improve operational efficiency.
The Solution
Kaplan designed a structured, multi-part assessment framework tailored to the client’s unique context. The solution included:
Part 1: Technical Knowledge – MCQ Assessments
A combination of:
- Standalone multiple-choice questions to evaluate foundational technical concepts
- Scenario-based MCQs to assess the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Part 2: Tool Proficiency Assessments
Participants completed exercises involving transactional recording and data handling using Microsoft Excel. This measured functional tool usage and the ability to apply IFRS standards accurately.
Part 3: Skills-Based Case Work
Participants worked through detailed case studies involving data, facts, and figures. Tasks included:
- Performing accounting calculations aligned with relevant standards.
- Applying advanced IFRS concepts to deliver accurate, standards-compliant outputs.
The framework was aligned with three proficiency levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—mapped to participants’ roles and responsibilities.
Project Services
The process was supported by Kaplan’s Project Services team, who delivered a robust end-to-end project management solution. Their role ensured seamless coordination, stakeholder alignment, and consistent progress tracking throughout the project lifecycle.
Impact
The initiative delivered clear, measurable outcomes:
- Employees were segmented based on competencies, enabling more effective team structuring and role alignment.
- Skill gaps were identified within the Financial Accounting division, allowing the L&D team to design targeted, need-based training programs.
- Operational efficiency improved, with managers better able to delegate tasks based on skill levels, leading to faster turnaround times and increased accuracy.
- The transparent, skills-based evaluation process boosted employee confidence, motivation, and engagement, reinforcing a culture of continuous learning and development.
Importantly, the model, powered by Kaplan’s assessment and project delivery expertise, proved scalable and is now being considered for roll-out across other business units.
Curious how your teams measure up? Let’s design your own targeted assessment journey—get in touch with our experts today. Contact us here.
