Head of Finance: Internal Financial Control at Nedbank

Job Purpose

• This newly created role is designed to strengthen the financial control environment across the Personal and Private Banking (PPB) cluster. The Head of Internal Financial Controls will be responsible for reviewing existing control processes, identifying gaps, and recommending improvements that enhance assurance and reduce risk. The role was established in response to a strategic need to improve financial governance and proactively address control weaknesses. Operating within the greater Finance function and engaging closely with Business Unit CFOs, the incumbent will play a key role in shaping the control landscape and delivering insights that support sound financial decision-making. This is an ideal opportunity for a self-starter with a strong audit and financial services background who thrives in dynamic environments and is passionate about creating value through robust financial oversight.

Job Responsibilities
Control Environment & Assurance

• Partner with CFOs across business units to document and assess existing financial control environments.
• Independently test controls and perform reconciliations to evaluate effectiveness.
• Provide detailed recommendations to improve control frameworks and address identified gaps.
• Deliver insights and assurance to the Cluster CFO and Managing Executive (SIQU), ensuring recommendations create tangible value.
• Review of IFRS application where relevant and recommendations to align where opportunities for improvement are identified. 

Financial Performance & Reporting

• Manage daily activities to ensure accuracy and completeness of financials.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, especially CFOs, through hands-on collaboration.
• Engage in forums and committees to share insights and influence financial control strategy.
• Translate business strategy into financial plans aligned with Group and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to Group Risk and Compliance policies and regulatory requirements.
• Stay abreast of changes in accounting standards and regulatory frameworks to mitigate financial risk.

Process Improvement & Innovation

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
• Promote multi-skilling and address capacity gaps through improved work processes.

Leadership & Development

• Operate as a self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of independently identifying and solving problems.
• Coach and mentor audit trainees and newly qualified CA(SA)s.
• Drive a client-centric culture and contribute to transformation goals through inclusive recruitment and development practices.

Essential Qualifications - NQF Level

• Professional Qualifications/Honour’s Degree

Essential Qualification Detail

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA))

Minimum Experience Level

• A minimum of 5 years post-articles experience is required, ideally gained within a financial services environment with exposure to both commercial and retail banking.
• Proven ability to work closely with senior leadership, including Managing Executives and CFOs, to align financial strategy with business objectives.
• Demonstrated success in setting and reporting against budgets and rolling forecasts, and using financial insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Experience in business analysis and performance reporting, including the development of commercialised analytics for frontline sales teams.
• Strong track record in driving headline earnings through revenue growth and cost containment initiatives.
• Previous accountability for producing monthly performance management reports under tight deadlines, with metrics such as sales acquisitions, cross-sell ratios, banker-level contribution statements, and regression analysis.
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights that support business strategy and improve market share.

Skills & Attributes

• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify control gaps and inconsistencies across complex financial environments.
• Advanced analytical capability, enabling deep interrogation of financial data and control processes to produce meaningful insights.
• Strong reconciliation skills, with the ability to independently validate financial transactions and assess control effectiveness.
• High levels of accountability and integrity, consistently delivering quality outputs and taking ownership of recommendations.
• Self-driven and proactive, able to work independently, lead initiatives, and operate effectively without a predefined framework.
• Hands-on approach, with a willingness to engage directly with data, processes, and stakeholders to understand root causes and drive improvements.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, capable of shaping the role, identifying opportunities for value creation, and influencing outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, essential for engaging with senior stakeholders and presenting findings with clarity and impact.

Technical / Professional Knowledge

• Business administration and management
• Client service management
• Financial Accounting Principles
• Governance, Risk and Controls
• Principles of project management
• Relevant regulatory knowledge
• Stakeholder management
• Strategic planning
• Talent management