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31 May
2026
Permanant Head Finance Operations | Absa Vacancies
Job Description
Absa Vacancies – Head Finance Operations
Job Type: Full Time
Company: Absa Group
Head Finance Operations
The Head Finance Operations role is a senior leadership position responsible for driving the strategy, transformation, and execution of finance operations across Finance Shared Services in Africa. This role partners closely with the Regional Head of FSSA to build a scalable, efficient, and future-ready finance operations model that supports business growth, operational excellence, and digital transformation.
This position plays a critical role in shaping the finance operating model, leading transformation initiatives, and ensuring alignment between finance operations, business stakeholders, and executive leadership across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Finance Operations Leadership and Strategy
- Lead and manage end-to-end finance operations including financial control, fixed assets, CRES finance, and related functions.
- Define and execute the vision and strategy for Finance Shared Services operations across the region.
- Develop and implement a scalable finance target operating model aligned with global finance strategy.
- Drive consolidation opportunities and operational integration across finance functions.
- Ensure efficient structuring and optimisation of finance operational processes.
Transformation and Automation
- Identify and deliver finance transformation and automation initiatives across shared services.
- Lead robotics, process automation, and digital transformation programmes across finance operations.
- Drive continuous improvement using lean, Six Sigma, and process optimisation methodologies.
- Develop and implement solutions to improve efficiency, controls, and cost effectiveness.
- Champion innovative thinking to enhance financial operations and service delivery.
Stakeholder Engagement and Business Partnership
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Finance Executives, Business CFOs, and senior stakeholders.
- Develop and manage a structured engagement and communication model across all levels of management.
- Ensure alignment between finance operations and business priorities.
- Present performance updates, transformation progress, and strategic outcomes to senior leadership.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business requirements and service improvements.
Financial Governance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and operational risk frameworks.
- Establish and monitor operational standards, controls, and performance metrics.
- Strengthen governance structures within finance operations.
- Ensure audit readiness and robust financial control environments.
- Maintain accountability for budget management and financial performance of transformation initiatives.
People Leadership and Capability Development
- Lead, coach, and develop high-performing finance operations teams.
- Drive talent development, succession planning, and capability building within the function.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Support change management initiatives across finance operations.
- Inspire and motivate teams to achieve operational and strategic objectives.
Programme and Project Management
- Lead large-scale finance transformation programmes across multiple geographies.
- Manage end-to-end project delivery including planning, execution, and benefits realisation.
- Define and monitor KPIs, SLAs, and performance metrics for finance operations.
- Ensure successful implementation of new operating models and business processes.
- Manage budgets for transformation initiatives and track return on investment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree with CA(SA) or equivalent (NQF Level 7).
- Postgraduate qualification in Financial Sciences or related field is preferred.
- Minimum of 12 years’ experience in finance operations within banking or financial services.
- At least 7 years’ experience in senior people leadership roles.
- Proven track record in leading finance transformation programmes.
Technical Skills and Expertise
- Strong understanding of finance shared services and operating models.
- Experience with automation, robotics, and digital transformation in finance.
- Strong project management capabilities (PMBOK or equivalent).
- Knowledge of lean, Six Sigma, and process optimisation methodologies.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Understanding of financial systems, processes, and governance frameworks.
Leadership and Behavioural Competencies
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to lead change in complex and dynamic environments.
- Innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Ability to build strong internal and external networks.
What This Role Offers
- Opportunity to lead large-scale finance transformation across Africa.
- Exposure to senior executive leadership and strategic decision-making.
- Opportunity to shape future finance operating models.
- High-impact role driving efficiency, automation, and innovation.
- Leadership of diverse and high-performing teams.
Conditions of Employment
- Compliance with all regulatory, risk, and governance requirements.
- Commitment to ethical leadership and organisational standards.
The Head Finance Operations role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of finance shared services through innovation, transformation, and strategic leadership across a complex and evolving financial services environment.
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