Valuations Product Control Head, CIB Finance

Leading Valuation Control for CIB Finance

This pivotal role calls for a seasoned finance professional to spearhead the Valuation Control function within the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) division. The successful candidate will be instrumental in safeguarding the integrity of the balance sheet and ensuring strict adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This is a leadership position requiring deep technical expertise and a strategic approach to managing complex financial valuations.

The Head of Valuations Product Control will serve as the primary technical liaison, bridging the gap between business units, finance departments, risk management, and quantitative analysis teams. A key aspect of the role involves resolving intricate valuation challenges, thereby ensuring accurate reporting of valuations for Global Markets activities. This includes meticulous oversight of balance sheet valuations, profit and loss reporting and substantiation, and acting as the authoritative technical representative when interacting with external auditors and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities and Technical Oversight

The scope of this position is broad, encompassing a range of critical functions aimed at maintaining financial accuracy and compliance:

• Providing specialist technical leadership and comprehensive oversight for the Valuation Control function across the CIB.
• Acting as the lead intermediary between business, finance, risk, and quants to address and resolve complex technical valuation issues.
• Protecting the integrity of the balance sheet through expert supervision of Global Markets balance sheet valuations.
• Ensuring full compliance with IFRS for all valuation and disclosure processes.
• Overseeing the accuracy and substantiation of Profit & Loss reporting.
• Representing the organisation technically in engagements with external auditors and regulatory authorities.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this demanding role, candidates will need a robust academic background and extensive practical experience in financial markets and valuation control. A postgraduate degree in Finance and Accounting, Mathematical Sciences, or Quantitative Studies is essential. Furthermore, holding a professional qualification such as CA(SA), CFA, or FRM is a significant advantage.

The ideal candidate will possess over ten years of progressive experience in areas such as Product Control, Valuation Control, Market Risk, or Front Office Finance, with a specific focus on Global Markets or investment banking environments. A proven history of managing exceptionally complex transactions and structured products is required, alongside in-depth technical knowledge of IFRS 9 and IFRS 13 fair value measurement principles.

Crucially, candidates must demonstrate over ten years of experience as a lead technical representative engaging with external auditors and regulatory bodies like the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) or equivalent international authorities on valuation methodologies. Experience in harmonising internal valuation frameworks with global investment banking best practices and adapting to evolving international regulatory standards will also be highly valued.

In South Africa, a role at this senior level within finance and investment banking typically commands a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the specialised skills and extensive experience required. Employers often include major banking groups, investment houses, and large financial services firms. Career progression from such a position can lead into broader finance leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer responsibilities or heading up larger finance divisions within the financial sector.

Type of Qualification: Post Graduate Degree
Field of Study: Finance and Accounting, Mathematical Sciences, Quantitative Studies
Licenses & Certifications: CA (SA) / CFA / FRM 

Experience Required

More than 10 years experience of progressive experience within Product Control, Valuation Control, Market Risk, or Front Office Finance, specifically within a Global Markets or Investment Banking environment. Proven track record of managing extremely complex transactions and structured products, with deep technical knowledge of IFRS 9 and IFRS 13 fair value measurement principles.

More than 10 years experience acting as a lead technical representative when engaging with External Auditors and Regulatory bodies, such as the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) or equivalent international authorities, on valuation methodologies. Experience in aligning internal valuation frameworks with global investment banking best practices and evolving international regulatory standards.