Executive Financial Specialist

SUMMARY:
Our highly reputable client in the property development industry is seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Executive Financial Assistant, who must be a qualified CA, to join their team in Durban.

POSITION INFO:
Executive Support
- Completes a broad variety of administrative tasks for the CEO including: managing an extremely active calendar of appointments; composing and preparing correspondence that is sometimes confidential; and ensuring itineraries /agendas / documents for travel-related meetings have been compiled.
- Plans, coordinates and ensures the CEO's schedule is followed and respected. Provides "gatekeeper" and "gateway" role, creating win-win situations for direct access to the CEO's time and office
- Communicates directly, and on behalf of the CEO, with Investment Committee members, senior executives, and others, on matters related to the CEO's programme and initiatives.
- Researches, prioritizes, and follows up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the CEO, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determines appropriate course of action, referral, or response.
- Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the CEO's office, senior management and internal departments; demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust and support with senior management staff.
- Works closely and effectively with the CEO to keep him/her well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately. Acts as a "barometer," having a sense for the issues taking place in the business and keeping the CEO updated.
- Provides leadership to build relationships crucial to the success of the organization, and manages a variety of special projects for the CEO, some of which may have organizational impact.
- Successfully completes critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, including drafting acknowledgement letters, personal correspondence, and other tasks that facilitate the CEO's ability to effectively lead the company.
- Prioritizes conflicting needs; handles matters expeditiously, proactively, and follows-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures.
Investment Committee Support and Liaison
- Serves as the CEO's administrative liaison to our Investment Committee/EXCO
- Maintains discretion and confidentiality in relationships with all EXCO members
- Adheres to compliance with applicable rules and regulations set in bylaws regarding Investment Committee matters, including advance distribution of materials before meetings in electronic/paper format.
Senior Management Liaison
- Participates as an adjunct member of the Executive Team including assisting in scheduling meetings and attending all meetings
- Assists in coordinating the agenda of senior management team meetings and off-sites
Communications, Partnerships, and Outreach
- Ensures that the CEO's and Senior Management bios are kept updated and responds to requests for materials regarding the CEO and the organization in general
- Edits and completes first drafts for written communications to external stake holders
- Handles special projects on behalf of the CEO, such as execution of community outreach events that are on brand and aligned to the vision/ strategic direction of the business

Strategic Initiatives
- Works with the Senior Management team in coordinating the CEO’s strategic business development activities
- Follows up on contacts made by the CEO and supports the cultivation of ongoing relationships
- Edits all, and creates acknowledgement letters from the CEO to external stakeholders (thank you notes, invitations, acknowledgement of receipt, introduction to other internal team members etc)
Qualities
- Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion
- Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, investment committee members and senior executives, external partners and clients
- Expert level written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability
- Emotional maturity
- Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be effective independently
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response
- Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment
- Forward looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions

Education and Experience Requirements
- CA (SA) qualification
- Strong work tenure: five to 10 years of experience supporting C-Level Executives, preferably in a real estate or infrastructure company (would be an advantage)
- Experience and interest in internal and external communications, partnership development, and business development
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms.