Consultant: Group Financial Analysis & Market Intelligence at MTN

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job

The Consultant Financial Analysis and Market Intelligence role is accountable to support the SM FP&A with insights-driven financial performance analytics. The responsibilities of this role include:

• Support development and improvement of advanced financial performance management framework, goals, targets, indicators and metrics
• Assist in generating analytics based financial performance and insights reports, variance investigations, benchmarked performance studies and recommendatory reports to support executive decision making
• Proactive adoption of critical forward-thinking tools, advanced analytics models, research techniques, benchmarking and market research studies, with the objective of providing value-based financial performance indicators and strategic insight

The role is part of the Group FP&A team and reports to the Senior Manager: Group Forecasting, Planning and Analysis

Key Performance Areas: Core, essential responsibilities / outputs of the position (KPA's)

As part the Group FP&A team, key responsibilities areas of the

• Assist Group FP&A team in strategic financial planning, developing budgets and forecasts, interpreting financial results, monitoring cash flow, management reporting systems development, special investigations/ reports, operating efficiency studies and feasibility studies
• Assist with the Group budget and business plan, including advanced analysis and data modelling of proposed targets/metrics and KPIs and providing benchmarked recommendations on budgets based on market studies (regional and external perspectives)
• Assist with independent review of business drivers in context to various internal/market factors and anticipated targets.
• Support with financial analysis and forecasting, and monitor key operational metrics to analyse financial data and create financial models for effective decision making
• Provide a clear interpretation of financial trends and historic data, by creating models to evaluate potential financial improvement opportunities for effective budget and forecast management
• Propose and execute on sound financial predictive modelling approach and techniques for improved business decisions. This includes statistical/financial modelling techniques, formulating baselines and assumptions, scenario-building and simulations and pattern trending based on historic data and market forecast indicators.
• For key operational and strategic financial performance indicators, conduct periodic comparative studies with industry leaders / competitors; perform market research, data mining, and study proposed changes in methods
• Evaluate financial performance by comparing and analysing actual results with plans and forecasts. Analyse past results, perform variance analysis, identify trends, and make recommendations for improvement
• On an annual basis, in line with the budgeting timelines, develop different financial scenarios for strategic financial planning purposes based on provided assumptions and business drivers
• Develop budget as well as forecasting templates and instructions for MTN Opcos in line with the defined Group Finance budgeting and forecasting timelines.
• Provide assistance to the Opcos with the preparation of performance reporting and consolidate performance reports received from the various MTN entities
• Undertake analysis of the business performance of different Opcos based on the performance reports generated
• Prepare reports on financial performance for periodic leadership reviews by creating spreadsheets and dashboards to aid in their analysis and decision making (e.g. budget versus actual, budget versus forecast, budget versus forecast etc.)
• Support the Senior Manager in preparation of Executive Insights reports, dashboards and presentations with respect to annual budgets, business performance metrics, etc. at Group Exco, Steering Committees and Board Sub-Committees (as applicable)
• Provide guidance and advisory services to Opco Finance Functions to proactively adopt advanced financial performance modelling and executive reporting techniques
• Support the implementation of Group defined standard framework, protocols, templates for developing analytics based financial models across the Opcos and thus ensure accurate and standardized financial analysis of key financial drivers
• Ensure open communication channels with Opco and implement change management interventions where necessary
• Support the FP&A team by providing assistance to Opcos during the budgets and forecasting cycles, dealing with queries, providing guidance on requirements etc.
• Identify and drive process improvements, including the creation of standard and ad-hoc reports, tools, and Excel dashboards. Increase productivity by developing automated reporting/forecasting tools
• Provide support in implementation of overall governance frameworks, definitions, and controls over financial BI environments
• Promote a ‘MTN centric’ and ‘partnership approach’ to develop strong relationships with other working groups and ensure adherence to Group governance

Job Requirements (Education, Experience and Competencies)

Education:

• Minimum of 3-year tertiary degree
• Qualified Chartered Accountant/Chartered Finance Analyst/Relevant Financial Management Professional Qualification (preferred)
• Relevant certification / accreditation / membership with professional body in Finance, Accounting, Corporate Finance bodies

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in management of Business Finance Planning/FP&A/Financial Analytics and Reporting/External Reporting
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies advantageous
• Experience in continuous improvement through the implementation of best practices
• Experience working in a global/multinational enterprise (understanding emerging markets advantageous)
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies
• Abreast of global mind-set and best practice

Functional Competencies:

• Financial Planning, Forecasting and Budgeting
• ICT Business