Executive (Education, Training and Membership Services)

SUMMARY:
The purpose of the Education, Training, and Membership Executive is to ensure strategic oversight through scanning the global environment as well as ensuring state of the art systems are in place for the members of the institute.

POSITION INFO:

The purpose of the Education, Training, and Membership Executive is to ensure strategic oversight through scanning the global environment as well as ensuring state of the art systems are in place for the members of the institute. The role will also be responsible in ensuring that aspiring professionals, are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to meet the evolving demands of the accounting and financial sectors. The role supports both the professional development of individual members and the overall goals of the institute in maintaining high standards of practice and integrity within the accounting profession. The role will also be responsible for developing systems, standards, competency framework, IPDs, CDPs, curriculum, policies, procedures, and processes for the ETM initiatives that will support the company’s strategic objectives. These will comply to IFAC, IAESB, SAQA, FASSET, ETQA. OCTO as well as Quality Management Systems and Quality Assurance. Regular review the Institutes competency framework and benchmark against global best practice. Overall, the Education, Training, and Membership Executive plays a vital role in strengthening the financial services industry''s adherence to regulatory standards and enhancing the professional capabilities of its members

KPA’S & KPI’S

LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY

• Develop a strategy for cutting edge competency frameworks and logbooks that support Public and Private entities as well as those in Practice to have the necessary skills-set to add immeasurable value to the organisations they serve and the economy at large.
• Ensure user friendly systems that allow easy member engagements and safeguarding the company’s Intellectual Property.
• Guide the strategy and implement cutting-edge technology that ensures the content of examinations are evaluating mastery in the required field and the integrity of the evaluations are not compromised.
• Lead the drive to ensure upliftment of the previously disadvantaged individuals and enabling a pathway to Mastery up to Executive level.
• Lead the department to be a service delivery oriented and ensure that the membership focus of the organisation does not get lost.
• Continuously ensuring that the company serves its members.
• Developing and owning a ticketing system that will ensure emails sent by members are tracked to successful conclusion.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Develop and give strategic direction to the ETM Department:

• Lead the development and implementation of member-centric strategies that enhance the company position as a leading source of technical excellence in accountancy
• Develop a strategy for cutting edge competency frameworks and logbooks that support Public and Private entities as well as those in Practice
• Drive cultural transformation towards a service-oriented, member-focused organisation
• Develop and execute strategies for revenue diversification and membership growth
• Spearhead initiatives to create pathways for global professional mobility through strategic partnerships
• Champion the company vision of unimpeachable representation and ethical practice
• Foster innovation in service delivery and professional development programs
• Design and implement thought leadership initiatives in accounting and finance
• Lead the development of future-focused professional development frameworks
• Create strategies for expanding the company influence in emerging markets
• Develop programs to support work-life balance initiatives for members
• Guide technological advancement strategies for member services
• Establish and maintain frameworks for continuous professional development
• Lead initiatives for attracting diverse membership profiles
• Develop strategies for enhancing the prestige of professional designations

Design a Business Operations Framework and Models:

• Oversee the delivery and enhancement of member services including industry insights, technological resources, and professional development programs
• Manage the development and implementation of digital engagement platforms
• Manage departmental projects including Project Achiever
• Ensure efficient delivery of member benefits and services across district, digital, and in-person channels
• Establish and monitor service level standards for member support and engagement
• Implement systems for measuring and tracking member satisfaction and engagement
• Develop and manage operational budgets and resource allocation
• Oversee the implementation of technology platforms for member engagement
• Manage the delivery of continuing professional development programs
• Coordinate cross-functional teams for service delivery excellence
• Implement quality control systems for member services
• Develop operational frameworks for new member onboarding
• Establish processes for member retention and engagement
• Manage the development of educational content and resources
• Oversee the implementation of member feedback systems
• Direct the operations of district offices and service centers

Manage and build stakeholder relationships:

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with local and international Professional Accounting Organizations (PAOs)
• Negotiate and manage Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with global accounting bodies
• Develop relationships with key industry stakeholders, government bodies, and regulatory authorities
• Lead engagement initiatives with members across various channels
• Represent the organization in industry forums and professional gatherings
• Drive advocacy efforts for the profession and members'' interests
• Cultivate relationships with educational institutions and training providers
• Develop partnerships with technology service providers
• Engage with employer organizations to understand market needs
• Foster relationships with industry thought leaders and experts
• Manage media relations and public communication strategies
• Build connections with international accounting standard setters
• Develop engagement programs for emerging professionals
• Create networks for professional mentorship and development
• Establish relationships with research institutions and think tanks

Design Risk Management Framework

• Ensure compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Develop and implement risk management frameworks for member services and partnerships
• Monitor and manage reputational risks related to member services and professional standards
• Ensure ethical guidelines and professional standards are maintained in all operations
• Oversee the accreditation maintenance process
• Design a Business Operations Framework and Models:
• Oversee the delivery and enhancement of member services including industry insights, technological resources, and professional development programs
• Manage the development and implementation of digital engagement platforms
• Manage departmental projects including Project Achiever
• Ensure efficient delivery of member benefits and services across district, digital, and in-person channels
• Establish and monitor service level standards for member support and engagement
• Implement systems for measuring and tracking member satisfaction and engagement
• Develop and manage operational budgets and resource allocation
• Oversee the implementation of technology platforms for member engagement
• Manage the delivery of continuing professional development programs
• Coordinate cross-functional teams for service delivery excellence
• Implement quality control systems for member services
• Develop operational frameworks for new member onboarding
• Establish processes for member retention and engagement
• Manage the development of educational content and resources
• Oversee the implementation of member feedback systems
• Direct the operations of district offices and service centers

Manage and build stakeholder relationships:

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with local and international Professional Accounting Organizations (PAOs)
• Negotiate and manage Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with global accounting bodies
• Develop relationships with key industry stakeholders, government bodies, and regulatory authorities
• Lead engagement initiatives with members across various channels
• Represent the organization in industry forums and professional gatherings
• Drive advocacy efforts for the profession and members'' interests
• Cultivate relationships with educational institutions and training providers
• Develop partnerships with technology service providers
• Engage with employer organizations to understand market needs
• Foster relationships with industry thought leaders and experts
• Manage media relations and public communication strategies
• Build connections with international accounting standard setters
• Develop engagement programs for emerging professionals
• Create networks for professional mentorship and development
• Establish relationships with research institutions and think tanks

Design Risk Management Framework

• Ensure compliance with professional standards and regulatory requirements
• Develop and implement risk management frameworks for member services and partnerships
• Monitor and manage reputational risks related to member services and professional standards
• Ensure ethical guidelines and professional standards are maintained in all operations
• Oversee the accreditation maintenance process
• Implement controls for maintaining professional standards
• Develop crisis management protocols for member-related issues
• Establish data protection and privacy frameworks
• Monitor compliance with international partnership agreements
• Implement quality assurance systems for educational programs
• Develop risk assessment tools for new initiatives
• Create frameworks for ethical decision-making
• Monitor professional conduct compliance
• Establish systems for handling member complaints and disputes
• Develop protocols for managing professional misconduct cases

Reporting

• Generate analytics on member service utilization and effectiveness
• Provide regular updates on strategic initiative progress and outcomes
• Report on revenue diversification and growth initiatives
• Present financial performance metrics for member services division
• Create impact assessments of professional development programs
• Develop stakeholder engagement effectiveness reports
• Develop risk management effectiveness reports
• Generate member retention and growth analytic
• Prepare professional standards compliance reports
• Develop return on investment analyses for member initiatives

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

External

• Develop a Stakeholder engagement plan for the Institute in collaboration with other departments
• Manage relationships with department’s external service providers and ensuring stakeholders derive value from association and engagements with the company
• Manage contracts in conjunction with the Legal department for all external services providers
• Ensure compliance of Service Level Agreement by the service provider
• Manage relationship with the Institute’s external service providers

Internal

• Maintain relations with all members of the management team and staff
• Maintain relations with other departments within the organisation

RISK MANAGEMENT

• Adhere to the Institute’s legal and ethical requirements, policies, processes and procedures.
• Support departmental audits.
• Manage the risks associated with the services rendered by external service providers.

REPORTING

• Develop and present regular reports on member satisfaction and engagement metrics.
• Prepare strategic partnership performance reports and updates

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Lead and develop a team focused on member services and strategic partnerships
• Foster a culture of servant leadership and professional excellence
• Implement performance management systems aligned with organizational goals
• Drive talent development and succession planning
• Ensure staff embody the company commitment to member service
• Promote diversity and inclusion within the team and membership base
• Develop career progression pathways for team members
• Effective people planning, deployment and development within the ETM department with due regard to relevant legislations, policies, and best practice procedures.
• Reviewing individual performance; identifying training needs; including soft skills and developmental courses.
• Optimally use of IT systems, software and hardware for effective and efficient management and administration of the Department

Job Evaluation Criteria Educational Requirements:

• Master’s degree in business administration, Accounting, or related field
• Professional accounting qualification (required)
• Member of recognised professional accounting body.
• Additional qualifications in strategic management or leadership (advantageous)
• Digital transformation certification (advantageous)
• Change management qualifications (advantageous)
• Risk management certifications (desirable)
• Project management qualifications (desirable)

Experience Required

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in the accounting profession or professional body
• 8 - 10 years’ experience in leading and managing teams that integrate with Tertiary Institutions, including Franchise Learning Models.
• 8 - 10 years of experience in education, training, or membership management roles within a professional association, regulatory body, or corporate setting or academic institution.
• Ability to oversee the development and execution of member engagement strategies to increase retention and satisfaction.
• Strong background in strategic planning and the development of training programs or learning initiatives tailored to professional standards.
• Extensive knowledge of Quality Assurance, Education and Training Compliance (IFAC,FASSET, SAQA, QCTO)
• Demonstrate an ability to successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously, with a strong emphasis on time management, budgeting, and delivering results on time.
• Significant expertise and competence in academic accountancy profession
• Experience in the accounting or financial services sector is highly desirable, especially familiarity with regulatory standards such as IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, and South African financial regulations.
• Knowledge of professional development frameworks and the ability to design and implement CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programs for accounting professionals.
• Understanding of membership management systems, including CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms and membership databases.
• Solid understanding of the South African regulatory environment for professional accountants, and how to align training programs with these regulations.
• Proven experience in leading and managing cross-functional teams responsible for education, training, and membership services.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills for conducting training sessions, webinars, workshops, and addressing large groups – communication represent the professional org.
• Ability to network and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including corporate clients, educational providers, regulatory authorities, and professional accountants- stakeholder.
• Ability to innovate and think creatively to address the evolving needs of the membership base and the changing landscape of the accounting profession.
• Skilled in developing solutions for enhancing member engagement and expanding the reach of training and professional development programs.
• Knowledge of digital learning platforms and an understanding of the role of technology in professional education.
• In-depth knowledge of professional ethical standards and the importance of promoting these standards within the education and training offerings.
• Understanding of the legal requirements for financial reporting and compliance within the South African context.

Other Special Requirements

• Expected to work above normal working hours including Project Achiever deliverables.

Any Other Functions

• Perform any other functions that contributes to the achievement of the company’s objectives.