Specialist Product Controller (Corporate Investment Banking) - 6 month contract

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Job Purpose Description:
To ensure the governance and risk assessments related to new and structured product introductions are identified and addressed before execution for CIB across all business units and geographies (South Africa and Africa Regions). This role supports both the SBSA and Africa Region New Products Committees, which are attended by senior CIB executives, and drives collaboration between the business and stakeholders for successful product rollouts

Key Responsibilities

1. Upholding Governance and Effective Decision-Making

• Support the line manager in driving CIB business compliance with the Group Change Risk Management (CRM) Policy across geographies and product lines.
• Ensure the CIB Governance Standard is current and aligned with Group policy, incorporating changes in the Bank and its environment.
• Ensure NPC processes are embedded across business units, providing guidance on policy and governance standards.
• Develop thorough knowledge of CIB operating models and control environments to support risk management and decision-making in the new products process.
• Exhibit cross-product expertise to analyse the impact of new products on the current operating environment.
• Continuously explain new products to committee members.
• Manage NPC committee meetings, preparing minutes and reviewing stakeholder minutes.

2. Maintaining a Strong Control Environment

• Challenge new product information from the business to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Manage stakeholder requirements, formal product sign-off, and updates for any changes or risks during the process.
• Oversee the post-implementation review process, addressing and monitoring issues.
• Identify control weaknesses and drive remedial actions.
• Escalate policy breaches and urgent concerns to the line manager.

3. Ensuring Efficient and Effective Stakeholder Management

• Maintain clear communication with stakeholders and the line manager to align expectations and ensure awareness of timelines.
• Develop and manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Hold meetings with business and risk/operational areas to discuss product requirements and go-live actions.
• Support successful and timely completion of internal and external audits.
• Liaise with internal risk and governance forums to provide necessary information.

4. Driving Process Efficiencies and Prioritization

• Drive continuous improvements in the NPC process and operating environment.
• Highlight urgent issues to the line manager and enforce solutions for prioritisation of new products and investigations.

5. Providing Useful Management Information & Reporting

• Prepare management information that provides feedback on new products and approval processes.
• Assist the line manager in reviewing MI reports, highlighting key information and challenges.
• Prepare submissions and presentations for various CIB Business Governance and Risk and Control committees.
• Maintain internal product schedules and records.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Minimum: CA(SA) / BCom Finance / CFA / CIMA or equivalent
• Preferred: CA(SA)

Experience:

• Required:
  • 3-4 years in Finance with an accounting/finance background.
  • 3-4 years in Business Support with a broad understanding of CIB business operations.
  • 1-2 years in Risk Management with an understanding of organisational risks.
• Preferred: Experience in specific functions related to the role (if applicable).