Head of Financial Analysis, Governance & Audit

SUMMARY:
A highly respected institution operating within the financial services and economic oversight environment is seeking an exceptional Divisional Head: Accounting, Auditing and Industry Analysis to join its executive leadership team based in Pretoria.

POSITION INFO:
This is a rare opportunity for a strategic, influential and commercially astute leader to shape the direction of accounting, auditing and industry intelligence within a complex, highly regulated environment. We are seeking an individual who combines strong technical expertise with executive gravitas — someone who can influence at the highest levels, build meaningful stakeholder relationships, and confidently drive strategic outcomes.

About the Role:
The successful incumbent will provide strategic leadership and direction to a highly specialised division responsible for accounting, auditing and financial industry analysis across a sophisticated operating environment.

You will oversee the interpretation and application of accounting and auditing standards, provide technical leadership on complex matters, drive analytical insight into industry developments, and partner with senior internal and external stakeholders to support sound governance, strategic decision-making and institutional objectives.

This role requires a leader who is highly strategic, technically credible and influential — someone capable of engaging confidently with senior executives, industry participants, professional bodies and technical specialists while leading a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Direction:
  • Drive the strategic vision and priorities of the division in alignment with broader organisational goals.
  • Develop and execute divisional strategies, operational plans and transformation initiatives.
  • Provide thought leadership on accounting, auditing and industry-related matters.
  • Champion innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Technical Leadership & Advisory:
  • Provide expert guidance on complex accounting, auditing and financial reporting matters.
  • Oversee the interpretation and application of relevant legislation, standards and governance requirements.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on technical and strategic issues affecting the financial services landscape.
  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality analytical and advisory support.
• Industry Analysis & Insights:
  • Oversee industry reporting, trend analysis and strategic publications.
  • Drive the development of executive reporting and analytical insights to support informed decision-making.
  • Monitor industry developments, market shifts and emerging risks.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence:
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
  • Represent the organisation in engagements with industry forums, professional bodies and sector participants.
  • Influence strategic outcomes through strong executive communication and technical credibility.
• Leadership & Team Development:
  • Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing specialist team.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, excellence and innovation.
  • Drive succession planning, capability development and team performance.
  • Ensure effective resource allocation and operational delivery.
• Governance, Risk & Compliance:
  • Ensure adherence to governance frameworks, legislation and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify and mitigate divisional and operational risks.
  • Oversee audit-related matters and ensure effective implementation of corrective actions.

• CA(SA) qualification or Fellowship qualification within the actuarial profession.

• 12–14 years’ experience within the financial services, banking, insurance, auditing, professional services or similarly regulated environment.
• A minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership capacity.
• Strong experience in accounting, auditing, financial reporting, governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead strategically within a complex and evolving environment.

• A charismatic and influential leader with strong executive presence
• Highly strategic and commercially aware
• Comfortable navigating complexity and ambiguity
• Technically strong in accounting, auditing and financial services governance
• An exceptional communicator with the ability to influence at the executive and Board levels
• Passionate about developing teams and driving meaningful impact

• Actuarial (Life, Short‑Term, Pensions, Health, Quant)
• Data Science & Advanced Analytics
• Pricing & Product Modelling
• Market, Credit & Quantitative Risk
• Machine Learning & AI Specialists