Lead Specialist: Records, Risk and Reporting

Absa, a prominent African financial institution with a legacy spanning over a century, is seeking a dedicated professional to join its team as a Lead Specialist in Records, Risk, and Reporting. This role is pivotal in ensuring the bank's adherence to regulatory requirements, robust data risk management, and efficient record-keeping practices across its operations. The position is based in Sandton, a key business hub in South Africa.

Absa is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, they welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and encourage those who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to reach out for support. In line with their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to individuals from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities.

About the Role

The Lead Specialist will play a crucial role in overseeing and enhancing the bank's governance frameworks for records, data risk controls, and reporting obligations. This involves ensuring the business is not only compliant with all relevant regulations but also audit-ready and operationally sound. The focus areas are broad, encompassing the lifecycle of data and records, from their inception and management to their eventual destruction. This includes deep dives into processes like BRIAR (Business-Related Information Assurance and Records) oversight, EUDA (Electronic Use and Data Access) governance, records retention policies, and evidence management. The successful candidate will be instrumental in coordinating activities, monitoring compliance, and engaging with various stakeholders to achieve these objectives.

The day-to-day responsibilities of this role are multifaceted and require a meticulous approach to governance and risk management. Key activities include:

• **BRIAR and EUDA Coordination:** Providing oversight and coordination for BRIAR activities, ensuring reviews are conducted promptly, evidence is systematically maintained, and all associated actions are tracked to completion. Similarly, supporting EUDA reviews by confirming the accuracy and completeness of inventories, assessments, approvals, and remediation efforts.
• **Records Management:** Spearheading the implementation of records retention policies, collaborating with business units to identify, classify, and manage records according to approved schedules. This also involves supporting the planning, tracking, and execution of records destruction activities, including validation and control checks.
• **Risk and Reporting:** Developing and maintaining accurate records of risks, issues, actions, and decisions, along with associated control evidence. Preparing regular management reports, insightful dashboards, and comprehensive governance packs that detail progress on records, risk, BRIAR, EUDA, retention, and destruction initiatives.
• **Audit and Compliance:** Tracking audit findings, risk-related actions, and remediation commitments to ensure their timely closure. Supporting the implementation and adherence to established data and records management standards, policies, and procedures. Identifying control gaps and process weaknesses for escalation.
• **Process Improvement and Stakeholder Engagement:** Continuously seeking ways to improve records, risk, and reporting processes, including exploring opportunities for automation and simplification of manual reporting tasks. Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders across business units, risk, compliance, technology, and operations, providing clear guidance and practical support.

What They're Looking For

Absa is looking for a candidate with a solid foundation in records management, risk, and governance, coupled with practical experience in a regulated environment. A relevant diploma or degree is essential, and additional certifications in areas such as Records Management, Risk Management, Data Governance, Compliance, or Information Governance would be highly beneficial.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• **Experience:** Between 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in records management, risk management, governance, compliance, data governance, or reporting. Previous exposure to systems or processes like BRIAR, EUDA, Records Retention, or Records Destruction is advantageous. Experience in preparing management reports, dashboards, and governance packs, as well as tracking audit findings and remediation actions, is expected. Working within the financial services or banking sector is preferred.
• **Skills and Competencies:** A strong understanding of governance, risk, and control (GRC) principles. Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy are paramount. The ability to implement policies, monitor controls, and manage evidence effectively is crucial. Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills are required to collaborate effectively across different levels and departments of the organisation.

This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to the operational integrity and regulatory standing of a leading African bank. In South Africa, specialist roles in risk, governance, and compliance within the banking sector often command competitive salaries, reflecting the critical nature of these functions and the required expertise. Career progression typically involves moving into more senior management roles within these departments or transitioning into broader operational leadership positions.

Qualifications and Education

• Relevant diploma or degree 
• Additional certification in Records Management, Risk Management, Data Governance, Compliance, Audit or Information Governance would be advantageous.

Field of Study

Preferred fields include:

• Records and Information Management
• Data Management or Data Governance
• Risk Management
• Compliance or Governance
• Business Administration
• Information Systems
• Auditing or Internal Controls

Work Experience

• 5 - 8 years’ experience in Records Management, Risk Management, Governance, Compliance, Data Governance or Reporting.
• Experience working with BRIAR, EUDA, Records Retention, Records Destruction or similar Governance/Control processes would be advantageous.
• Experience preparing management reports, dashboards, governance packs or risk committee updates.
• Experience tracking audit findings, remediation actions, risks and control evidence.
• Experience working in a regulated environment, preferably financial services or banking.
• Strong understanding of policy implementation, control monitoring and evidence management.

Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Good understanding of Governance, Risk and Control principles.
• Strong reporting and Analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and follow-up skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and escalate appropriately.
• Good problem-solving and process improvement mindset.
• High level of accountability, discipline and professionalism.
• Experience with Power BI would be advantageous.

Education

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