Technical and Standards Executive

SUMMARY:
The purpose of this role is to lead and manage the Technical & Standards Department, ensuring alignment with the broader organisational strategy.

POSITION INFO:

Key Purpose

The purpose of this role is to lead and manage the Technical & Standards Department, ensuring alignment with the broader organisational strategy. The Executive is responsible for developing and implementing the department’s strategy, managing the Accountancy and Assurance (AA) functions, and overseeing the provision of high-quality technical support and guidance to members.

This includes ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory and professional standards (such as IASB, IAESB, IESBA, IFAC SMP, PAFA, IRBA, SARS, and FRSC) and delivering thought leadership that positions THE COMPANY at the forefront of the accountancy profession. The role also involves managing departmental budgets and financial controls, maintaining up-to-date technical content on THE COMPANY platforms, and contributing to the development and promotion of best practices within the profession.

The Executive will lead initiatives that enable members to deliver quality Accounting and Assurance (AA) services and will ensure THE COMPANY provides timely and effective technical responses, commentary, and submissions on relevant legislative, regulatory, and professional matters.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy

• Develop and oversee the implementation of the Technical and Standards strategy for all THE COMPANY designations.
• Develop the Technical and Standards workplan aligned to THE COMPANY’s overall workplan.
• Identify channels to market the Technical and Standards Centre of Excellence.
• Ensure departmental compliance with FRSC, IFAC, IASB, SARS, CIPC, PAFA, and other accreditation bodies.
• Identify relevant bodies for potential accreditation, recognition, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with ETM/CoFE departments on accreditation initiatives.
• Liaise with IFAC Standard Setting Boards on EDCOM discussion outcomes (in consultation with Faith).
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and expenditure control.
• Develop policies and supporting documentation aligned to the operational plan.
• Oversee implementation of compliance systems and structures.

Advisory Services

• Establish a Technical Committee comprising reputable members from industry, commerce, and academia.
• Ensure effective management of the Technical Committee and sub-committees.
• Oversee publication of technical books, articles, and professional content.
• Ensure distribution of technical updates, newsletters, and information briefs.
• Develop technical products and services aligned to member needs.
• Draft practice notes and implementation guidelines.
• Ensure continuous improvement of professional offerings.

Technical

• Establish a Technical Committee comprising reputable members from industry, commerce, and academia.
• Ensure effective management of the Technical Committee and sub-committees.
• Oversee publication of technical books, articles, and professional content.
• Ensure distribution of technical updates, newsletters, and information briefs.
• Develop technical products and services aligned to member needs.
• Draft practice notes and implementation guidelines.
• Ensure continuous improvement of professional offerings.

Research

• Conduct and oversee high-quality research on relevant technical topics.
• Deliver thought leadership research to influence the profession.
• Review competitor products and services, including 4IR developments.
• Analyse member needs, challenges, and industry practices.
• Make submissions to IFAC Standard Setting Boards where appropriate.
• Review applicable legislation and assess impact on members and the Institute.

Advocacy

• Maintain updated legislative content on the Institute website.
• Monitor draft legislation and assess impact on the profession.
• Draft and submit comments on legislation and regulatory proposals.
• Prepare presentations and submissions to relevant stakeholder bodies.
• Stay updated on all relevant South African legislation and developments.

Qualifications, Exams & Assessment

• Draft discussion papers on standards changes for EDCOM review.

Workshops, CPD, Webinars & Conferences

• Manage CPD events and webinars.
• Oversee content development for CPD programmes.
• Present workshops, CPD sessions, and webinars.
• Coordinate technical aspects of THE COMPANY conferences.

Publications

• Oversee editorial content for professional articles and practice notes.

Business Development

• Identify growth opportunities in member services.
• Generate revenue through seminars and projects.
• Oversee revenue generation across Centres of Excellence.
• Engage with QCTO and SETAs on qualifications and skills programmes.
• Develop training and industry partnership opportunities.

Reporting

• Generate analytics on member service usage and effectiveness.
• Provide updates on strategic initiatives and outcomes.
• Report on revenue diversification and growth.
• Present financial performance metrics.
• Develop impact assessments for professional development programmes.
• Produce stakeholder engagement and risk management reports.
• Analyse member retention and growth trends.
• Prepare compliance and ROI reports for initiatives.

People Management

• Lead and develop a high-performing technical team.
• Foster a culture of servant leadership and excellence.
• Implement performance management systems aligned to strategy.
• Drive talent development and succession planning.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and professional ethics.
• Develop career progression pathways.
• Ensure effective workforce planning and deployment.
• Manage performance reviews and training needs.
• Ensure effective use of IT systems and tools

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant Honours or Master’s degree or professional qualification.
• Minimum 10 years’ relevant experience.
• Strong expertise in the accountancy profession and financial sector.
• Proven managerial experience.

Knowledge and Attributes

• Strong understanding of business environment and key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of THE COMPANY policies, governance, and compliance frameworks.
• Understanding of finance principles and financial systems.
• Ability to use data analytics for decision-making.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficiency in relevant IT systems and software.
• Strong leadership, planning, and organisational skills.
• Negotiation and conflict-resolution capability.
• High ethical standards and professionalism.
• Strategic thinking and ability to anticipate operational issues.
• Strong decision-making ability and sound judgement.