Compliance Officer: Africa at ASSA ABLOY Group

Purpose of the role:

The Africa Regional Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring that all ASSA ABLOY African legal entities comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. The role involves developing and implementing an effective compliance program, conducting regular audits, and providing guidance to employees on compliance matters.

Responsibilities:

General:

• The Compliance Officer will be responsible for ensuring compliance across all existing ASSA ABLOY legal entities incorporated in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana. Additionally, as the business may decide to expand its footprint into other African countries, these will also become part of the incumbent's future accountabilities.
• The main responsibility is to monitor and support the Finance, Operational and Commercial functions to ensure adherence to local and Group policies. The candidate will therefore be expected to engage various key stakeholders in the business and within the Group (outside of the Africa Region) daily and might be expected to travel from time to time.
• It is also expected that the candidate has extensive experience in the finance domain, given that the ASSA ABLOY finance community is responsible for compliance. Additionally, the role encompasses compliance to various Group reporting requirements.
• Monitor business adherence of key deliverables as required by the Group Internal Audit and Balance Sheet Review agendas.
• The Compliance Officer will also be responsible for reviewing various legal agreements and coordinating external reviews with any necessary external law firms if deemed necessary.

Develop and Implement Compliance Policies:

• Formulate, revise, and implement company-wide compliance policies and procedures.
• Ensure that policies align with applicable local laws and regulations.
• Ensure that the following Regional and ASSA ABLOY Group internal policies are implemented and adhered to:
• Export Control  and Sanctions
• Data Protection
• Group Trade Policy
• Business Partners
• Entity Internal Control Self-Assessment (ICSA)
• Africa Regional Delegation of Authority (DoA)

Compliance Monitoring and Auditing:

• Conduct regular compliance audits to identify and address potential areas of risk.
• Ensure compliance with all Group deadlines, including those related to internal policies, Internal Audit, Business Balance Sheet Review, or any other Group compliance-related deadline.
• Maintain and update a compliance risk register.

Training and Awareness:

• Provide training to employees on compliance-related matters.
• Raise awareness of compliance standards and expectations.
• Assist the HR function to monitor adherence to the Group compliance training requirements

Regulatory Reporting:

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of required regulatory reports.
• Stay informed about changes in relevant laws and regulations.

Investigations and Resolutions:

• Investigate reports of potential non-compliance and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with relevant departments to resolve compliance issues.

Documentation and Record-Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records related to compliance activities.
• Develop and maintain a document control system for compliance documents.

Communication:

• Serve as the primary contact and attend various internal meetings with ASSA ABLOY Group or Divisional compliance stakeholders.
• Regularly communicate with Africa Regional stakeholders regarding compliance updates and changes.
• Collaborate with internal departments to promote a culture of compliance.

External Relationships:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies.
• Coordinate external reviews and audits with law firms and regulatory bodies.

Professional Qualifications & Experience:

Essential Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business, or law.
• CA(SA) with articles will be advantageous.

Experience and Competencies:

• Several years of relevant work experience in compliance, regulatory affairs, risk management, or a related field.
• Experience in developing and implementing compliance programs.
• Familiarity with industry-specific regulations and standards.

Key Competencies & Personal Attributes:

• Good team player who understands the importance of meeting deadlines.
• Thrives in a busy, challenging environment.
• An excellent communicator who can explain sometimes complicated concepts to business leaders across the region.
• Fluent in English.
• Ability to understand broader business issues and risks.
• Commercial awareness.
• Highly organized
• Problem –solving skills