Senior Specialist: Transaction Accountant

Absa, a financial institution with a deep-rooted history spanning over a century, is seeking to welcome a seasoned professional to its Active Portfolio Management team. As a leading African financial group, Absa is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can flourish, aligning with their commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Employment Equity objectives. The organisation actively encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, with a particular emphasis on candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. Should you require any reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, Absa is committed to providing the necessary support.

About the Role

This pivotal role as a Senior Specialist: Transaction Accountant is integral to the PPB division's Active Portfolio Management team. You will play a crucial part in the successful execution of strategic portfolio optimisation initiatives. This includes involvement in significant financial activities such as portfolio sales, securitisations, and various other structured transactions. The core function of this position is to ensure that all transactions undertaken are not only financially robust and operationally feasible but also accurately and appropriately represented from both an accounting and reporting standpoint. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining the integrity and transparency of these complex financial dealings.

The responsibilities of the Senior Specialist: Transaction Accountant are multifaceted and demand a high level of financial acumen and collaborative engagement. Your primary duties will encompass:

• **Assessing Financial and Accounting Implications:** Thoroughly evaluate the financial and accounting consequences of structured finance transactions, ensuring all potential impacts are understood and managed.
• **Supporting Transaction Execution:** Actively contribute to and support the entire lifecycle of transaction execution, from initial planning through to implementation and finalisation.
• **Stakeholder Engagement:** Foster strong working relationships and collaborate effectively with various internal departments, including Finance, Technical Accounting, Treasury, and operational teams.
• **Reporting and Governance:** Contribute to the preparation of comprehensive reports, conduct insightful analyses, and uphold stringent governance requirements related to transactions.
• **Performance and Risk Review:** Assist in the systematic review of transaction performance, identifying and assessing associated risks to inform future strategies.
• **Capability Development:** Contribute to the continuous improvement and development of the team's capabilities in structuring and managing complex transactions.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates will need a strong foundation in financial sciences and a proven track record in relevant professional environments. The ideal candidate will possess:

• **Professional Qualification:** A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) designation is a mandatory requirement.
• **Experience:** A minimum of five years of experience within the financial services sector is essential. Experience in related fields such as finance, corporate finance, or treasury would be considered advantageous.
• **Financial Modelling and Analytical Skills:** Exceptional proficiency in financial modelling and robust analytical capabilities are crucial for assessing complex financial scenarios.
• **Communication Skills:** The ability to grasp intricate technical financial concepts and articulate them clearly and concisely to diverse audiences is highly valued.
• **Attention to Detail:** A meticulous approach to work, with a keen eye for detail, is paramount in managing financial transactions accurately.
• **Stakeholder Management:** Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills are necessary for effective collaboration across different teams and departments.
• **Commercial Acumen:** A sharp commercial mindset, coupled with a proactive and adaptable approach and a genuine willingness to learn and grow, is expected.
• **Education:** A postgraduate degree or professional qualification in Financial Sciences is a requirement for this position.

In South Africa, a Senior Transaction Accountant with these qualifications and experience typically commands a competitive salary, reflecting the specialised nature of the role and the significant responsibility involved. Such positions are commonly found within the banking sector, including major institutions like Absa, as well as in large corporate finance departments and specialised financial advisory firms. Career progression in this field often leads to roles in financial management, corporate finance leadership, or specialised advisory services, offering a clear path for professional advancement within the financial services industry.

Qualifications & Experience

• CA(SA).
• Experience in financial services, finance, corporate finance, treasury or related environments would be advantageous.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years financial services experience

What We're Looking For

• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills.
• Ability to understand complex technical concepts and communicate them clearly.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commercial mindset and willingness to learn.

Education

Postgraduate Degrees and Professional Qualifications: Financial Sciences (Required)