Finance Specialist: Group Planning at Absa in South Africa

Finance Specialist: Group Planning Location: Sandton Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group. Job Summary The Planning team, a sub-team within Group FP&A, is responsible for overall financial planning across Absa Group (preparation and review of forecasts and short-and medium-term budgets that inform the Integrated Plan). Analysis of competitors, trends, revenues, new products/businesses etc. Preparation of briefing notes for annual results presentations. Ad hoc analysis and research, often related to presentations to Exco and other senior management. This role supports the preparation of these key deliverables and provides analysis and inputs into these processes. Job Description Group Planning is part of Group Financial Decision Support (Group FDS) and the Finance Specialist in this team supports the delivery of accurate, responsive and decision-useful forward-looking financial analysis at a Group level. The role contributes analytical input into in-year forecasts, peer benchmarking, medium-term plans, scenario analysis and executive reporting that inform senior leadership decision-making. The operating environment is fast-moving and often ambiguous, requiring the Finance Specialist to demonstrate personal resilience, adaptability and strong learning mindset. The role demands the ability to manage shifting priorities, respond constructively to changing requirements and maintain delivery standards during peak planning cycles. Working under guidance from senior team members, the Finance Specialist applies sound analytical judgement, attention to detail and collaboration skills to support planning outputs. Success in the role is reflected in the ability to remain effective under pressure, adapt quickly to change, support stakeholders and continuously build capacity (this includes understanding of the bank, the banking industry, stakeholder needs and planning processes and tools). Key Accountabilities: Planning Support and Analytical Delivery: Support the preparation and execution of Group planning deliverables, including revised annual forecasts (RAF), medium-term plan (MTP), group projections, scenario planning, peer benchmarking, briefing notes, stress testing and strategic execution plans. Perform financial analysis, data consolidation and scenario planning support under guidance, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Adapt analytical outputs in response to evolving assumptions, revised guidance or changing stakeholder requirements. Apply structured thinking and attention to detail when working with financial information, even under time pressure. Manage own deliverables effectively across multiple workstreams, meeting deadlines during peak planning periods. Remain focused and composed when priorities shift, demonstrating flexibility and a solutions-orientated mindset. Learn from feedback and experience, adjusting approach and improving outputs over time. Take ownership of assigned tasks, escalating issues early and constructively when support is required. Assist in the preparation of materials for Exco, senior management and committee engagements, including presentations and briefing notes. Attend meetings and forums to support senior colleagues, contributing analysis or insights where appropriate. Provide timely and accurate information to stakeholders such as Treasury, Risk, Financial Resource Management, Office of the CEO and the Productivity Programme, adapting formats to suit different needs. Collaboration and Enablement: Work collaboratively within the Group Planning team and Group FDS, contributing positively to team effectiveness. Build productive working relationships with Business Unit Central FDS teams and other stakeholders through reliability and responsiveness. Demonstrate openness to different perspectives and willingness to adjust approach when required. Learning, Adaptability and Continuous Improvement: Demonstrate curiosity and learning agility by building financial, analytical and business understanding. Embrace changes to planning processes, methodologies and tools, including new ways of working. Identify small-scale improvements to analysis, templates or processes and raise suggestions constructively. Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned. People Investment Accountabilities: Take responsibility for own development and performance, actively seeking feedback and learning opportunities. Contribute to an inclusive, respectful and collaborative team environment. Share knowledge and support peers, particularly during high-pressure delivery periods. Minimum Qualification and Experience: B-degree in accounting/ financial management (NQF level no.6) Three years technical experience (strategy and client coverage type roles are considered too far removed from the technical elements required for this role) Preferred qualification and experience CA (SA) One to two years’ experience as an audit manager or assistant audit manager at a Big 4 firm Minimum Knowledge and Skills: Financial accounting and analytical capability Strong attention to detail and data integrity Ability to manage deadlines and multiple deliverables concurrently Self-driven and good interpersonal skills Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills Preferred Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of financial markets and economics Working knowledge of Power Query, Power Automate, Power BI or similar tools is advantageous Competencies: Problem-solving: applies structured thinking, checks assumptions and seeks guidance where needed Business acumen: understands how own work contributes to broader financial outcomes Impactful communication: communicates clearly, listens actively and adjusts style to audience Networking and influencing: builds effective working relationships through credibility and reliability Collaborative team player: works well with others, remains open to feedback and adapts to change Change agent: supports new approaches, adjusts priorities and embraces evolving ways of working Drive results: demonstrates perseverance, maintains performance under pressure and learns from setbacks Digitally empowered: uses systems and tools effectively and builds digital confidence over time Education Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Financial Sciences (Required) Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank. Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised