Analyst, Reporting

The role of an Analyst, Reporting is crucial in supporting strategic decision-making within Liberty. This position is designed to assist Reporting & Control (R&C) Managers in generating comprehensive reports, insights, and analytics. The primary goal is to equip Financial Insights Leads, the Head of Reporting & Control, and various business units with the necessary information to achieve their strategic objectives. The scope of this role encompasses all aspects of profit and loss statements and balance sheets.

About the role

This analyst will play a key part in the production of regular financial reporting. A significant responsibility will be to conduct analytical reviews of data, assessing it against predefined materiality and metrics. During the annual planning cycle, the Analyst, Reporting will be involved in producing budget reporting. This involves not just generating the figures, but also interpreting them, providing commentary, and highlighting key drivers that influence management decisions. This deep dive into financial data is essential for understanding the financial health and performance of the organisation, and for identifying areas of opportunity or concern. The role demands a thorough understanding of financial statements and the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights for stakeholders across the business.

The Analyst, Reporting will be responsible for:

• Assisting R&C Managers in the creation of regular financial reports and analytical insights.
• Producing detailed reporting on all elements of the profit and loss statement and balance sheet.
• Contributing to the budget reporting process during the planning cycle.
• Conducting analytical reviews of financial data, ensuring accuracy and relevance against established benchmarks.
• Developing commentary and insights based on financial analysis to support strategic objectives.
• Interpreting key financial drivers and their impact on management decisions, particularly within the financial services sector.
• Ensuring a broad understanding of the relationships between various financial transactions, costs, revenue, balance sheet items, and liquidity.

What they're looking for

To excel in this role, candidates will need a solid foundation in accounting, ideally with an Accounting degree qualification (such as CA (SA) or equivalent, or a BCom or CIMA Post Graduate Degree). They should possess between 5 to 10 years of experience in several key areas. This includes extensive experience in producing high-quality, regular reporting coupled with insightful commentary and analysis. A proven track record in Financial Insights & Analytics and Finance & Value Management is essential.

Furthermore, candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of the key drivers that influence typical management decisions, especially within the banking or a similar industry. Experience within the Financial/Statutory accounting field is also required, providing a good grasp of accounting requirements for diverse transactions, including costs, revenue, balance sheet, and liquidity. This comprehensive understanding of financial mechanics will enable the individual to analyse the interconnectedness of various financial elements, thereby enhancing the depth of analytical reporting.

Essential behavioural competencies include a meticulous approach to checking details, documenting facts accurately, and consistently following procedures. The ability to effectively interact with people, interpret data, invite and incorporate feedback, and manage tasks while meeting deadlines are vital. Candidates must be adept at producing clear output and providing insightful analysis, while also being strong team players who uphold high standards.

On the technical front, proficiency in Data Management (Administration), Financial Accounting, Financial Consolidation, Interpreting Financial Statements, Management Accounting, and Quality Orientation is expected. The ability to reconcile financial records and strong Written Communication skills are also critical for this position.

In South Africa, roles like this typically require a strong financial acumen and analytical capability. Employers often include major financial institutions, insurance companies, and large corporations. The salary for an Analyst, Reporting can vary widely depending on experience, qualifications, and the specific organisation, but generally falls within a competitive range for experienced finance professionals. Career progression often leads to more senior analytical, management, or specialised financial roles within an organisation.

• Accounting degree qualification (CA (SA) or Equivalent or BCOM or CIMA
• Post Graduate Degree

Experience Required

• 5-10 years Experience working with Financial Insights & Analytics
• 5-10 years Experience in Finance & Value Management
• 5-10 years Experience in producing high quality regular reporting and additional analysis which will include the provision of insight via commentary. This will have allowed the individual to have a deep understanding of key drivers which influence typical management decisions, specifically within the banking or similar industry.
• 5-10 years Experience within the Financial/Statutory accounting field will have enabled the individual to have a good understanding of the accounting requirements for the functions various types of transactions (Including costs, revenue, balance sheet and liquidity).
• This will allow the individual to have a broader understanding of relationships between the aforementioned transactions and other items on the Balance Sheet/Income Statement which will enhance the depth of analytical reporting.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Checking Things
• Documenting Facts
• Following Procedures
• Interacting with People
• Interpreting Data
• Inviting Feedback
• Managing Tasks
• Meeting Timescales
• Producing Output
• Providing Insights
• Team Working
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Data Management (Administration)
• Financial Accounting
• Financial Consolidation
• Interpreting Financial Statements
• Management Accounting
• Quality Orientation
• Reconciling Financial Records
• Written Communication