Snr Finance Business Partner at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Summary

• To provide advice and support in financial practice formulation and associated best practice improvement tactics; enabling the provision of specialist expertise.

Job Description

Accountability: Financial Leadership and Support to business 30% 

• Provide direction to the business executive committee members (all Infra heads) based on analytical review of the business performance and an understanding of key cost drivers.
• Provide clear direction to business heads on what the business requirements and imperatives are by translating current business performance into actionable business objectives aimed at driving, improving performance.
• Represent the business units to negotiate and secure the costs budget and plans for the business unit and together with the Business ME take accountability to ensure the delivery on the promised business results.
• Negotiate with the various stakeholders on their cost targets set and drive the overall achievement of their performance objectives in the business unit through the performance management function within the required business parameters.
• Drive change proactively aimed at continuous improvement and cost saving initiatives in all areas of the business.
• Management and reporting of the Group recharges and recoveries
• Negotiation and management of Group recharges, and driving of interlocks between Business Units
• Management and finalisation of the Group recharges and recoveries during the planning process

Accountability: Risk Management 10%

• Act as sponsor for the area’s Risk Management Control Framework and manage and ensure compliance of the relevant policies
• Implement areas identified in the review of audit issue/findings logs and ensure adequate attention is given to closure within the agreed timelines by the accountable incumbent within the team.

 Accountability: Financial management and Business Partnering 30% 

• Working with business unit heads to define the cost centre structures and rollup/consolidation to effectively manage the businesses’ performance
• Working with business unit heads to determine their performance reporting (financial and non-financial) needs and agree deliverables on an annual basis
• Define and design BU’s management reports
• Ensure "one version of the truth" for all reporting and that management reporting reconciles/agrees to reports produced within other areas of the business
• Review management reports for the different business units and discuss major variances on cost with business unit heads to gain an understanding of the reasons
• Review quality of and provide input into the BU’s Exco pack with a focus on the variances, reasons for variances and overall business performance of the cluster.
• Review transfer pricing arrangements in place for group functions charging to the BU’s and recharges from the cluster to other business areas.
• Lead investigations into cost saving initiatives and make comprehensive recommendations to the business

Accountability: Planning Processes and Stakeholders management 20% 

• Preparation and planning of the planning cycle in line with the Group timelines
• Socialising and interlocking the Infra cost drivers with Front Office
• Preparation and consolidation of budget packs, and the arrangement and coordination of the Budget meetings
• Management and the finalisation of the cost shape, through the check and challenge of the Business Unit’s costs.

Accountability: People management 10%

• Talent Retention and performance management
• Coaching and mentoring

Education and Experience Required

• Minimum B-degree (NQF level no.7) Desired Post Graduate Degree (NQF level no.8+), CA (SA) or CIMA or MBA qualification preferred.
• 5+ years professional financial management experience
• 5+ years Banking Experience at a management level
• Preferred team lead in Finance Function teams or in professional environments
• Broad Finance including strategic, commercial, legal, risk and operational aspects
• Ability to build, develop & lead professional level teams
• Understanding of the financial services sector within a professional business environment
• Knowledge of people change management

Knowledge & Skills: 

• Banking regulation
• Writing & reporting
• Presentation skills
• Understanding of systems used
• Understanding of relevant legislation
• Understanding of corporate controls and checks
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Relationship management and networking
• Strong performance management and coaching skills
• Ability to think creatively
• Ability to react positively under pressure

Education

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