Head of External Reporting at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• As the Head of External Reporting, you will own the end-to-end process of Group financial reporting, ensuring compliance with IFRS and regulatory requirements while driving efficiency, accuracy, and innovation.
• This role is pivotal in shortening the time to complete financial statements by implementing data-driven disclosures—where information flows directly from governed systems with minimal manual intervention.
• You will also maintain and continuously challenge process documentation to ensure alignment with Financial Control’s operating model and embed a culture of continuous improvement..

Job Description

External Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the preparation and sign-off of annual and interim financial statements, SENS announcements, and the financial results booklet in compliance with IFRS, JSE, Companies Act and other requirements.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and confidentiality of all published financial information.

Data-Driven Disclosures & Automation

• Implement a zero-touch disclosure model, automating financial statement notes directly from governed system data.
• Drive integration of disclosure management tools with ERP platforms and establish exception-based workflows with full audit trails.

Process Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and continuously review end-to-end process documentation, ensuring alignment with Financial Control’s operating model.
• Challenge and improve processes for efficiency, accuracy, and compliance, leveraging automation and best practices.

Governance & Control of Financial Structures

• Oversee and approve the creation of General Ledger accounts, Exco codes, and reporting structures, ensuring strict governance and preventing unnecessary proliferation.
• Maintain tight controls over GL structures to safeguard reporting integrity and alignment with the operating model.

Leadership & Capability Development

• Build and lead a high-performing team of financial specialists and data-driven reporting experts.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Education

• Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Financial Sciences (Required)

End Date: August 29, 2025