Head of Finance Reporting and Analysis : Personal and Private Banking Group Central

This senior finance role within Liberty's Personal and Private Banking Group offers a significant opportunity to shape financial strategy and execution at a pivotal level. The successful candidate will be instrumental in translating the group's overarching finance strategy into tangible actions and ensuring its effective implementation within the supported business areas. This position demands a forward-thinking leader who can provide clear vision, direction, and robust support to the financial management team, driving a holistic value-adding approach. The ultimate goal is to empower the business to effectively execute its strategic objectives through sound financial management.

Leading Financial Operations and Strategy

The Head of Finance Reporting and Analysis will steer the financial management team, fostering an environment of excellence and accountability. A core responsibility will be to embed a value management philosophy, ensuring that financial insights and processes actively contribute to the achievement of business goals. This involves not only overseeing day-to-day financial operations but also proactively identifying opportunities for financial optimisation and strategic alignment. The role requires the ability to influence and direct a team, instilling best practices in financial planning, reporting, and analysis. A key aspect will be championing continuous process improvement within financial functions, ensuring efficiency and accuracy across all activities.

Driving Insight and Decision-Making

A critical component of this role is the interpretation and communication of complex financial and non-financial data. You will be expected to translate raw data into actionable insights, presenting them clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders. This requires a deep understanding of financial acumen, including robust financial and accounting control, financial management principles, and proficiency in planning, forecasting, and budgeting. The ability to analyse root causes of financial variances and to implement statistical and mathematical analysis will be vital for informed decision-making. Furthermore, an understanding of process governance and quality management is essential to ensure the integrity and reliability of financial reporting and analysis.

The ideal candidate will possess a postgraduate degree in Finance and Accounting, with a Chartered Accountant (SA) designation being highly preferred. A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in finance is required, with a substantial portion dedicated to leading finance teams. This experience should encompass executing a broad range of financial management activities, including tax, reporting, and forecasting, ideally across multiple jurisdictions. Proven experience in interpreting and communicating financial and non-financial information to senior leadership is essential. Behavioural competencies such as challenging ideas, convincing others, directing teams, embracing change, empowering individuals, establishing rapport, exploring possibilities, generating ideas, interacting effectively with people, interpreting data, making sound decisions, and providing insightful recommendations are paramount for success in this dynamic role.

In South Africa, a role at this level within a major financial institution typically commands a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the significant responsibility and expertise required. Financial reporting and analysis leadership positions are often found within the country's large banking groups, insurance companies, and diversified financial services firms. Career progression from this role could lead to broader executive finance positions, such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) within a business unit or even at a group level, depending on individual performance and organisational opportunities.

Type of Qualification: Post Graduate Degree
Field of Study: Finance and Accounting

CA (SA) Preferred

Experience Required
Finance Business Partnering

8- 10 years
Significant experience in leading finance teams in executing financial management activities and processes that cut across multiple finance capabilities (tax, reporting, forecasting etc.) and jurisdictions. Experience in interpreting and communicating financial  and non financial data to senior stakeholders.