Ernst & Young

The Ernst and Young Finance function in South Africa manages Africa and reports into EMEIA.

The function is led by the Africa Regional Finance Lead. An opportunity has arisen for a Southern Cluster Finance and Operations Business Partner Lead. Reporting to the Africa Regional Finance Lead and working in close collaboration with the Country Managing Partners, the Southern Cluster Finance and Operations Business Partner Lead is responsible for oversight of all finance, accounting, reporting and operations for the EY Southern Cluster in Africa. This includes offices and/or entities located in Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

The Southern Cluster Finance and Operations Business Partner Lead is a key member of the Regional Finance leadership team, responsible for strategic and operational oversight of all Southern Cluster based accounting, financial planning and operational integrity, and financial planning. This is a position working at both the strategic and detailed level within the Cluster and will oversee, support and/or directly perform, when necessary, the controlling, payroll, financial reporting, planning and budgeting and tax compliance.

The incumbent must have the passion, willingness and ability to deal with an extensive number of people at both senior and junior levels that require financial information and reports. Exceptional client service is required, whilst simultaneously upholding and maintaining appropriate corporate governance standards and principles.

The position requires an accountant that has broad knowledge on various accounting concepts, IFRS standards, accounting and taxation principles, knowledge of system controls and procedures, knowledge of valuations and discounted cashflows, ability to review financial records and reconciliations (general ledger / creditors).

The incumbent must in have the ability to interact with legal teams, bankers and external auditors and work with minimal supervision. 

Reporting Relationships:

Reporting to the Africa Regional Finance Lead and working in close collaboration with the Country Managing Partner.

There is close interaction with the Regional Finance team, the Country Finance teams and Africa Operations team.

Principal Responsibilities: 

• Oversee and manage the finance function of the respective Countries in collaboration with the Country Managing Partner
• Conduct weekly and monthly review of financial results across the sub-area and engage Country Leaders and Finance teams for feedback on specific questions/ queries, including items raised by Regional Finance and Operations
• Oversee, directly support and/or perform when necessary, all Country ledgers, and reporting ensuring compliance with appropriate standards and regulatory requirements for respective Southern Cluster legal entities
• Working closely with the Regional Finance team, this position ensures that there are effective financial and accounting system controls and consistent standards in place in the countries where programs are operating. The accountability of this position is to drive excellence in business operations, finance, systems and processes
• Oversee, directly support and/or perform when necessary the budgeting and planning process for firms and operations in close collaboration with respective country Service Lines and Country Finance
• The incumbent must also have a basic understanding of the creditors, debtors, general ledger, and payroll functions with an ability to obtain a detailed understanding / ability to make process/ procedure recommendations through interactions with the various teams. 
• Assist in the rollout of any financial and operational models/ tools developed by the Regional team across the sub-area
• Provide financial information to meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders including producing customized financial reports, trend analysis on an as needed, monthly, quarterly and annual basis
• Develop and maintain internal control and safeguards, including policies and procedures
• In partnership with the Country Managing Partner, manage cash flow forecasting
• Compile presentations as and when required from the Regional Finance Lead and Country Managing Partner
• Execute on financial and operational projects as required from time to time meeting relevant quality standards and deadlines.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Leader serving in management positions of accounting, finance and administration, with experience gathering, evaluating, presenting and reporting financial information to management teams and external stakeholders
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, a proactive, hands-on strategic thinker who will own, in partnership with the Regional Finance Lead and Country Managing Partners, the responsibility for finance and operations
• Solid experience coordinating and managing reporting, budget and financial planning development and analysis, accounts payable, general ledger, payroll and business operations
• Technology savvy with SAP experience desirable
• Demonstrate ability to recruit, mentor, train and retain a diverse team; the foresight and ability to delegate accordingly
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; experience in effectively communicating key data 

Key Attributes: 

• Travel required – 30% to 40% in the Southern Cluster
• Quality focused and output oriented
• Self-starter, with initiative to manage with minimal direction
• Challenging and curious mindset, with a business/commercial outlook
• Able to interact with senior management and support teams and leaders outside the boundaries of South Africa
• Team player
• Passionate and professional communicator
• Professional services background would be advantageous
• Excellent knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
• Working knowledge of SAP would be advantageous