Financial Analyst, Economic Research Bureau (Grade 7) at The Competition Commission

Minimum Requirements

We are looking for a dynamic, hardworking and committed individual who is in possession of:

• Honours Degree or equivalent in  Finance, Accounting or Management Accounting.
• Membership of a recognized professional body (SAICA, CFA, CIMA or ACCA) added advantage.
• A minimum of 2 - 3 years related work experience. Additionally, 2 years working experience in competition economics will be preferred.
• Specific experience in cost accounting/management or regulatory financial analysis will be an added advantage
• Strong analytical skills and experience in managing research are essential.
• Knowledge and understanding of the purpose and objectives of the Competition Act, the Competition Commission and the South African economy is highly recommended.
• Ability to deal with both higher and lower levels of management
• Knowledge of policy and legislative environment
• Strong project management / case management skills.

Other considerations:

• Practical work exposure to area of expertise will be further considered to balance against other requirements.

 The candidate must have the following attributes:

• Excellent high-level written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a highly-pressurised environment.
• An energetic, committed individual with strong attention to detail.
• Interpersonal and leadership skills. 
• Planning and organising skills
• Diplomacy, negotiation skills and ability to manage relationships with senior level / c-suite.
• Ability to think strategically. 
• Mature temperament/Emotional intelligent.

Duties and Key Responsibilities
Duties include, amongst others:
Management Support:

• Contribute to the efficient administration of the Division through compliance of protocols, procedures and systems, including knowledge management
  Assisting the Principal Economist: Economic Research Bureau in the supervision of Commission resources, including the management of assets and finances
• Contributing to promoting healthy team dynamics, cohesion and culture, in line with the Commission’s values.
• Provide meaningful input to annual strategic sessions in order to contribute to the overall success of the division.
• Identify research activities and priorities relevant to the development of policy and research.
• Contribute inputs to the setting of reliable and realistic targets for the division.
• Assist with office administration by gathering management information as well as compiling memorandums and documents, as requested.
• Draft components for input to specified Commission reports on case activities conducted within the division, meeting deadlines for submission.
• Assist managers in preparing an address to various Industry forums with respect to the economic implications of decisions taken on specific cases, participating in the meetings as appropriate, when required

Case analysis:

• Contribute to investigation plans compiled for cases/projects focused on financial analysis; confirming appropriateness of method and approach.
• Contribute to case investigation from time of request including but not limited to the the conceptualisation of the case through to the gathering evidence and/or information, and its analysis and write-up.
• Review case precedents and major jurisdictions in order to inform recommendations made on cases investigated.
• Provide guidance to investigation teams; ensuring that a sound case is established in terms of the analysis of financial principles.
• Identify possible problem areas and take appropriate action to ensure that the Commission can effectively execute its mandate.
• Maintain record keeping and data review of cases in accordance with stipulated procedures and systems.
• Compile a report highlighting conclusions and recommendations, reflecting a sound application of financial principles in analysis conducted, when required
• Maintain record keeping and data review of cases in accordance with stipulated procedures and systems.
• Compile a report highlighting conclusions and recommendations, reflecting a sound application of financial principles in analysis conducted, when required.

Research project analysis and input:

• Compile research plan for projects focused on financial analysis; confirming appropriateness of method and approach.
• Contribute to research from conceptualisation of the research through to the gathering of information, and its analysis and write-up.
• Identify possible problem areas and take appropriate action to ensure that the Commission can effectively execute its mandate.
• Ensure timely finalization of projects by monitoring progress in accordance with agreed timelines.
• Present research project outcomes to various forums; when required, conveying an understanding of complex economic issues.
• Maintain record keeping and data review of research project in accordance with stipulated procedures and systems.
• Compile a report highlighting conclusions and recommendations, reflecting a sound application of economic principles in analysis conducted, when required.

Expert Support:

• Undertake market research studies at a sectorial/industry level of company behaviour/market structure, providing an effective analysis to support expert testimony and litigation process.
• Provide support to experts in post referral cases, analysing the integrity of the conclusions reached from a financial perspective.
• Provide input into the compilation of expert reports to inform The Tribunal, based on a review of the facts of the case and additional information gathered to support an economically defensible recommendation.
• Provide assistance with the appropriate calculations and remedies, in order to justify the financial position taken in settlement cases.
• Assist in providing justification on the key elements of financial remedies suggested by the Commission, as appropriate.
• Provide comments to legal documents relevant for litigation.

Capacity Building

• Assist in the organisation and conduct of seminars, conferences, or events geared at transferring knowledge. This includes soliciting key presenters or speakers and preparing presentations for speakers where necessary.
• Keep abreast of developments such as guidelines and research in other jurisdictions, and their relevance in South Africa.
• Attend conferences and/training as scheduled, to enhance personal knowledge and skill and contribute expertise.
• Provide guidance to teams in other divisions on how to conduct research, analyse financial evidence and advise on economic framework, in the form of practice notes and toolkits
• Work with Cadets; providing constructive feedback to them, as appropriate, in order to achieve continuous improvement.

Personality and Attributes

Over and above well-developed technical skills in your specialisation areas, the incumbent must demonstrate, inter alia:

• Must demonstrate fit with the Commission's Values (Communication, Ownership, Making a difference, Professionalism, Employee Welfare, Teamwork, Efficiency.
• Be a Visionary. A strategic thinker.
• Have strong interpersonal skills.
• Have transformational leadership skills.
• Change management skills.

Closing Date 28 July 2023