Business Finance Partner - CRES at Absa

The role for a Business Finance Partner is now open in GCF. This role entails assisting in the preparation and analysis of financial performance of the Corporate Real Estate Services function within Group Centre Finance. The role includes oversight of past, present and future financial performance of the division across Southern Africa. Stakeholder and relationship management is a key driver in order to deliver financial objectives. The role will be required to identify trends and financial risks. Delivering and presenting of accurate financial information in order to assist in strategic decisions for the GCF Division

Job Description
Financial management and Business Partnering

• Produce of regular, high quality, standardised financial and non-financial reporting and analytics to Business and Finance.
• Ensure appropriate, quality and timeous delivery of accurate financial and non-financial management information and valid and insightful comments.
• Build trust in the finance function through the creation of a single source of financial information which is corroborated by related management information sources and alignment to the agreed accounting principles and methodologies
• Take a commercial view on business and provide insights into management reports.
• Generate finance narratives and insights driving business that will assist in building new proposition.
• Align to processes around month-end and year-end across the GCF finance community based on the requirements from Group.
• Execute strategic objectives as articulated by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
• First line of operational support to internal and external auditors within scope of work; and all queries addressed effectively and efficiently.
• Work with Business Unit Commercial Manager to ensure appropriate, accurate and timeous delivery of financial information from Outsource partners

Business Planning

• Align to processes around planning cycles across the GCF finance community and Business Unit based on the requirements from Group. Prepare for all cycles in advance and ensure adequate engagement with the relevant finance and Business Unit teams.
• Ensure Business Unit commitment and thorough input is obtained for these activities and support them with translating strategy into financial objectives on request
• Partner with the departments and the Business Unit line managers to complete sound financial plans within the agreed timeframes ensuring that the plans align to the Company’s and Business Unit strategy
• Analysing existing budgets against actual spend and note any key risk and opportunities is identified and communicated to the Business Unit and ensure this is accounted for into the annual financial plans

Support to business and Financial leadership

• Drive change proactively aimed at continuous improvement in all areas of the reporting and business. Embrace digital solutions
• Provide financial advice and guidance to line managers and Finance Business Partners on new initiatives, current budget management practices and trends in expenditure in their areas of accountability.
• Explain targets and take accountability for the monitoring and achievement of own objectives in terms of financial risk, financial planning and governance.
• Address any process failures specific to the department under management.
• Drive continuous process efficiency, financial rigor and controls.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on accounting processes, analysis and reporting for end-to-end Financial Management in business area.
• Develop and sustain knowledge and experience on the end to end processes, including relevant systems within scope of work.
• Ensure that the CFO is appraised of key financial issues that need to be raised with executive leadership to enable integrity and timely management the BU.

Governance

• Ensure that processes, control requirements and risk management frameworks that have been designed for the area are understood and that these are adhered to on a monthly basis.
• Implement required governance forums to support improved financial management practices within own area of responsibility. (e.g. monthly finance reporting, monthly finance meetings.)
• Develop and implement control procedures as deficiencies or exceptions are identified. Assess and drive improvement of business accounting practices and policies.

Education And Experience Required

• NQF Level 7: CA / Degree BCom Accounts
• Minimum 3 years financial management experience
• Exposure to dealing with Key stakeholders & Senior Management

Competencies: (Maximum of 8 competencies)

• Writing & reporting
• Presentation skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication skill
• Excellent analytical ability
• Learning and researching
• Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking
• Relating and networking
• Adapting and responding to change
• Persuading and influencing
• Creative Problem Solving
• Digitally Empowered