Head Process Architect – Accounting Control at Absa South Africa

Job Description

Leadership & Strategy

• Support the Head of Accounting Control in the development of the strategic vision for the Accounting Control function, aligning it with broader finance and business objectives.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a diverse group of senior managers.
• Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance across all teams.

Process and Operational Oversight

• Oversee sub‑ledger control activities supporting the insurance business, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely close processes.
• Oversee the Accounting Functions team which includes Legal Entity Financial Statement preparation, ad hoc reporting requirements, process documentation assessment for improvement and analysis of process performance measures.
• Manage a team of accounting subject matter experts who serve as the link between Accounting Control and Business Finance.
• Ensure strong governance frameworks, controls, and reconciliations across all accounting control processes.
• Manage effective delivery of outputs to ensure high quality and efficient process.
• Enhance operating model for medium and long term requirements, in line with best practice.
• Allocate tasks and responsibilities appropriately to ensure the correct skills are assigned to the correct task in support of efficiency and productivity of the process and operating design.
• Play a leadership role in strategic projects as Accounting Control representation

Technical & Business Partnership

• Provide expert guidance on complex accounting matters, judgments, and treatments.
• Support business initiatives by ensuring accounting implications are well understood and appropriately managed from inception.
• Manage key relationships within Group Financial Control, Business Units and other parties within Group Finance to align outcomes and dependencies between units. Keep key stakeholders abreast with any relevant information deemed important.
• Support Financial Controllers and other areas of FC in managing and resolving issues in Accounting Control processes.
• IFRS, accounting and reporting
• Coaching
• SAP or similar ERP system
• Problem solving
• Interpersonal skills
• Management and leadership of big teams
• Honours/Masters-degree in (Accounting) (NQF level 7);
• CA SA (Preferable);
• Previous experience in leading a significant area within the Financial Industry;
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience management of a large team.
• Minimum 12 years post qualified