Product Controller at Absa in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Product Controller Location: Johannesburg 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 purpose of the role is to ensure effective Product management and collaboration with the wider Finance and Business operations in conjunction with Senior Product Controller. Design the controls that will adequately mitigate risks. Ensure compliance with Group Policies, standard, finance policies and procedures that are applicable in the finance world. Job Description Accountability 1: Product to General Ledger support Assist in validating Product Income statement and Balance sheet balances. Provide support to CFO over month ends and significant reporting periods Design the controls that will adequately mitigate risks from Product to General ledger Comply with Group Policies and Standard that are applicable in the finance world Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures Manage risk by ensuring that financial policies and procedures, regulatory and statutory requirements are being complied with Drive resolution of Product to GL breaks on behalf of Finance. Accountability 2: New and Amended Product (NAPA) governance process Ensure that Relationship Banking complies with the Product Risk Standard Provide inputs in the Product Control Finance: monthly NAPA forum on the impact the new and amended products will have on the settlement GL reconciliations Ensure that new products introduced are successfully incorporated into the reconciliations /balancing landscape (i.e., GL flows, etc.) Co-ordinate the audit in conjunction with the Head of the depart as well as with CFO. Accountability 3: Control Environment and Audit support Ensure that control environment remains stable Provide Internal and external audit support and ensure that the audit process is well managed and co-ordinated with no inefficiencies (audit overruns) Ensure that the external and internal audit issues raised by assurance providers are remediated sustainably and within the agreed timelines (no overdue audit issues) Ensure that IT incidents as a result of GL issues or product system glitches are investigated and resolved timeously to minimize risk in the Balance Sheet. Identify critical manual or semi manual processes that should be automated or streamlined Liaise with internal and external compliance functions, e.g. Internal Audit, Group Compliance in order to stay up to date with developments in the Risk environment Data retention management: Ensure adherence to DRM Group policy. Execution of EUDA’s and BRIAR’s. Compilation of yearly JSE attestations in conjunction with the Head of the Department. Accountability 4: Stakeholder Management Develop stakeholder relationships using effective communication plans and forums Build and maintain relationships with multiple stakeholders across all Business Units Establish and agree SLAs with various stakeholders Attend to stakeholders’ queries and ensure that their expectations are met or exceeded Assist Business and Finance with audit issue remediation. Accountability 5:  People Provide adequate support to the Head of the Department and Senior Product Controllers. Education and Experience Required Banking experience is required Financial Systems: Millenium (Preferable) and SAP S4 knowledge is required Strong financial and product control background Bachelor’s degree in finance and/or auditing Skills: Collaboration and influencing Analytical and detail oriented in all operations Able to meet deadlines and communicate delays or manage expectations of stakeholders A proactive thinker anticipating needs of all departments and stakeholders Able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently Able to juggle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects on a daily basis Comfortable working independently but also take direction as well Competencies: Personal & Interpersonal Skills IFRS knowledge Business process re-engineering/streamlining and digitization Drives development and efficiency of processes and reporting tools Planning and Organizing Coping with pressure and setbacks Working with People and Teams Adhering to principles and values Adapting and responding to change Education Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Financial Sciences (Required) CA(SA) Advantageous Minimum Requirements Minimum 3 years banking/ financial services experience 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