Senior Manager: Risk Assurance, Governance and Reporting

Africa's financial landscape is constantly evolving, and Absa is at the forefront, seeking a seasoned professional to champion robust risk assurance, governance, and reporting practices within its Business Banking division. This is a pivotal role, designed for an individual who can shape and execute a comprehensive risk strategy, ensuring the organisation remains resilient and compliant in an increasingly complex environment. Reporting to the Head of Operational Risk Enablement, Governance and Reporting, the Senior Manager will be instrumental in elevating the standard of risk management across the business.

Leading the Charge in Risk Assurance

At its core, this position involves leading the Business Banking Risk Assurance capability. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing the division's strategy for risk assurance, embedding effective risk methodologies, and upholding stringent governance standards. This includes orchestrating the annual risk-based assurance planning process, identifying key areas for review, and ensuring these align with Business Banking's strategic objectives and inherent risk profile.

A significant aspect of the role is driving the Combined Assurance Plan across the organisation's three lines of defence. This involves overseeing and monitoring the execution and effectiveness of this plan, ensuring a cohesive and integrated approach to risk management. The Senior Manager will provide independent assurance and critical challenge over key risk management processes, control environments, and governance frameworks. This oversight extends to monitoring the implementation of core operational risk and assurance activities, fostering a proactive and robust risk culture throughout Business Banking.

Strengthening Governance and Operational Resilience

Beyond assurance, this role demands a deep understanding of operational and resilience risk frameworks. The Senior Manager will guide and oversee the implementation of these frameworks, policies, and standards across Business Banking. This includes offering coaching, training, and advisory services to business units, helping them navigate and adhere to key operational risk disciplines. A crucial element is ensuring compliance with relevant risk frameworks, policies, and regulatory mandates.

The incumbent will champion the strategic use of data analytics and insights to drive operational risk and assurance activities, ensuring effective adoption and utilisation of risk management systems, tools, and reporting capabilities. Furthermore, the role involves spearheading emerging risk identification and horizon-scanning efforts by leveraging both internal and external intelligence sources. This forward-thinking approach is essential for anticipating and mitigating future threats to the organisation.

The Senior Manager will also play a key part in strategy development, providing thought leadership on best practices in risk assurance, governance, and operational risk management. Influencing the development and consistent application of risk standards, methodologies, and governance practices across Business Banking will be critical. This includes ensuring risk considerations are integrated into strategic planning and day-to-day business decision-making. The role requires representation at relevant governance forums and committees, advocating for sound risk management principles.

Driving Excellence Through Insights and Innovation

A key responsibility is the delivery of meaningful risk and assurance insights to support informed decision-making, robust governance, and accurate regulatory reporting. This involves reviewing, validating, and analysing assurance information to present a clear picture of the risk landscape. The Senior Manager will be accountable for ensuring appropriate escalation and reporting of significant risks, control weaknesses, and overarching assurance themes through established governance channels.

The role also entails overseeing the execution of end-to-end risk assurance reviews, managing the Combined Assurance Programme, and leading thorough root cause analyses when required. Challenging remediation plans and monitoring the timely delivery of corrective actions are integral to this process. Moreover, the Senior Manager will oversee issue management, risk events, and key risk indicators, ensuring the integrity of operational risk event reporting. A continuous assessment of current and emerging operational risk exposures across Business Banking is paramount, as is supporting major business initiatives and change programmes from a risk perspective.

In South Africa, senior risk assurance roles within large financial institutions typically command competitive remuneration packages, reflecting the specialised skills and significant responsibilities involved. The growth path often involves progressing to more senior leadership positions within risk management or operational oversight, potentially moving into executive committee roles. Absa, as a major player in the South African banking sector, offers a dynamic environment for professionals looking to make a substantial impact on organisational resilience and strategic direction.

Education and Experience (Required)

•  Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Risk Management, Auditing, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years' experience in Risk Assurance, Operational Risk Management, Internal Audit, or a related assurance function.
• Proven experience leading assurance activities, governance initiatives, and stakeholder engagement at a senior level.
• Business Banking or Financial Services experience.
• Experience working with Operational Risk Frameworks, Combined Assurance, and Risk Governance structures.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Advantageous

• Postgraduate qualification.Conformance Review, or IT Audit experience.
• Professional certifications and/or membership of recognised risk or assurance professional bodies.

Education

Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised