Head Finance ,Financial Future Ready Transformation
- Contract
- Business Segment: Group Functions
Company Description
Standard Bank Group is a leading Africa-focused financial services group, and an innovative player on the global stage, that offers a variety of career-enhancing opportunities – plus the chance to work alongside some of the sector’s most talented, motivated professionals. Our clients range from individuals, to businesses of all sizes, high net worth families and large multinational corporates and institutions. We’re passionate about creating growth in Africa. Bringing true, meaningful value to our clients and the communities we serve and creating a real sense of purpose for you.
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Finance to lead our financial transformation journey in Johannesburg, South Africa. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will drive the modernisation of our finance function, positioning the organisation for future growth through strategic digital transformation, process optimisation, and innovative financial practices. The successful candidate will combine strong financial acumen with transformational leadership capabilities, championing change whilst maintaining rigorous financial governance and control.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive financial transformation strategy aligned with organisational objectives, ensuring the finance function evolves to meet future business demands
- Lead the digital modernisation of financial processes, including the implementation and optimisation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and automation technologies
- Oversee financial planning, analysis, and forecasting activities, providing strategic insights to support executive decision-making and business planning
- Manage the full P&L responsibility, driving cost optimisation initiatives and identifying opportunities for improved financial efficiency without compromising quality or compliance
- Champion change management across the finance function, engaging stakeholders at all levels and building capability to embrace new systems, processes, and ways of working
- Establish and maintain robust risk management frameworks, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and governance standards applicable in South Africa
- Build and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, analytical excellence, and professional development
- Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to embed financial discipline and commercial awareness throughout the organisation
- Implement advanced financial modelling and data analytics capabilities to enhance decision-making and business intelligence
- Monitor emerging fintech solutions and industry best practices, evaluating opportunities for adoption and competitive advantage
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 -15 years' experience in senior finance leadership roles, with proven track record in financial transformation or organisational change initiatives
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial planning, analysis, and P&L management
- Strong experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation and digital finance transformation
- Proficiency in financial modelling, data analytics, and business intelligence tools
- Comprehensive knowledge of financial compliance, risk management, and governance frameworks, particularly within the South African regulatory environment
- Proven change management capabilities with ability to lead and motivate teams through transformation programmes
- Excellent people skills, with demonstrated ability to build, develop, and inspire high-performing teams
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic business thinking
- Advanced proficiency in financial systems and software; familiarity with emerging fintech and automation technologies is desirable
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with ability to articulate complex financial concepts to non-financial audiences
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical mindset and ability to translate data into actionable insights
- Decisive leadership style with ability to make sound judgements in ambiguous situations
Additional Information
Behavioural Competencies:
- Articulating Information
- Challenging Ideas
- Convincing People
- Developing Expertise
- Developing Strategies
- Directing People
- Embracing Change
- Empowering Individuals
- Establishing Rapport
- Generating Ideas
- Interacting with People
- Managing Tasks
Technical Competencies:
- Financial Management (Financial)
- Organization Change Management
- Project Management (Project Mgmt)
- Strategic Planning and Reporting