Head: Finance Strategy & Transformation

at  Sanlam

OVERALL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provides strategic support to the Santam Group Chief Financial Officer, including ad hoc assignments
• Oversees the group finance enablement, financial planning & analysis and financial operations teams
• Implementation of various strategic initiatives supporting the transformation of the finance function (automation, process standardisation and data analytics)
• Provides motivational and inspirational leadership to more than 100 team members, developing high performing teams
• Drive engagement and communication with the wider finance community across the Santam group, including the setting and implementation of relevant goals in support of the group’s finance strategy

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• CA (SA)
• At least 10 years’ experience on a senior management level in a similar role.
• At least five years financial services experience (preferably insurance)
• Relevant experience in leading large change initiatives, project delivery and implementation of financial technology or data solutions
• Experience in dealing with diverse and senior stakeholders
• Experience in leading diverse teams
• Extensive financial reporting, planning and management experience
• Experience in data analytics/science will be advantageous.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• High levels of business acumen and leadership skills
• Sound relationship building and management skills, at different levels
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills
• Collaborates well with colleagues and demonstrating strong social skills
• Excellent analytical, financial and quantitative skills required
• Excellent reporting, presentation, communication and influencing skills required
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver consistently on deadlines
• Ability to effectively apply project management and change management skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

The Head: Finance and Strategy Transformation is responsible to ensure the transformation of Santam Group’s finance functions, inclusive of standardisation and automation of processes, and drives the Finance vision to deliver exceptional value that supports profitable growth for all our stakeholders as strategic business partners. The role provides strategic support to the Santam Group Chief Financial Officer and directly oversees the group finance enablement, financial planning & analysis and financial operations teams. It also works closely with the group financial reporting and tax teams, business unit Chief Financial Officers, underwriting and actuarial teams to deliver on its mandate.
The Santam financial environment is complex and extends beyond Santam to its subsidiaries. The incumbent will work closely with senior stakeholders across the Santam group, and across multiple functions, to ensure delivery of the financial strategy.
The role is based at our head office, in Bellville, Cape Town, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer.