Financial Controller – ABSA Regional Offices (ARO) at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Accountabilities:

• Act as the liaison to external and internal audit and provide assurance to Financial Control and all relevant risk committees that all controls are appropriate and financial statements are fairly stated.
• Provide support to cluster stakeholders, functional heads in Financial Control, in country Financial Controllers and ARO Financial Controller on the following strategic matters:
• Implementation and embedment of cluster initiatives and projects.
• Changes in Accounting Standards.
• Changes in Regulatory Standards. Changes in systems, IT platforms, processes and controls.
• Provide decision making support and recommendations regarding the MI presented to cluster, to relevant EXCO’s / MANCO’s and the CFO’s.
• Facilitate any scenario planning to cluster Management teams / other forums that may be required regarding the actions that could be taken in various economic environments.
• Manage the cluster Finance Risk and Reporting Committee (FRRC) to ensure that issues pertaining to cluster are appropriately addressed.
• Facilitate and build relationships with senior executives and resolve disputes in a professional manner.
• Ensure collaboration between all stakeholders with respect to Financial Control related matters.

With the assistance and guidance of the Head of Financial Control Cluster: ARO, attend to the following:

• Together with the Financial Control Functional Heads and HR determine the people management strategy for the resources in Financial Control that need be focused on cluster, with a focus on talent management, development, resourcing and retention.
• Review training needs for resources within Financial Control that are responsible for cluster support and ensure that the Finance Training Framework is appropriately updated to include new training requirements.
• Review effectiveness of the formal Talent Management process.
• Provide leadership and support to initiatives implemented by the FC MANCO.
• Evaluate resources based on an assessment of resource gaps in existing roles. Ensure Financial Control MANCO understands evaluation of resource gaps pertaining to resources dedicated to cluster, with the assistance and guidance and support of the Head of Financial Control Cluster: ARO.
• Act as key sponsor for Financial Control’s overall Risk Management Control Framework, as it pertains to the cluster.
• Review audit scopes defined by managers in the team and Absa Internal Audit or Management Assurance prior to audits commencing.
• Review audit issue/findings logs to ensure adequate attention is given to closure within the agreed timelines.
• Complete attestations to testify to the adequacy of controls on request.
• Oversee the management of key financial risks within cluster. Actively work to minimise risks and maximise capital efficiencies.
• Ensure that principles of the Financial Control TOM are complied with & sustained with the support of Head of Financial Control Cluster: ARO.
• Standardise, where practical, approaches and controls across cluster.

Knowledge & Skills: 

• Knowledge of Absa Group
• Knowledge of IFRS
• Understanding and knowledge of the Banks Act Regulations
• Knowledge of Tax Law and regulations
• Presentation skills
• Conflict Management skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Communication Skills
• Leadership and management skills

Education and Experience Required

• CA(SA)
• 5 to 7 years PQE experience
• Business experience in a Banking environment gained from a Finance, Product Management or Front /Middle office role preferable
• Experience in running multi-faceted projects