Finance Business Partner Senior Manager

Job Description

About the Role

As Finance Business Partner: Senior Manager, you will be a strategic finance leader driving financial excellence and business growth across Deloitte's Africa Service Area. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, translating complex financial insights into actionable business intelligence that shapes strategic decision-making and competitive positioning.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance Leadership

• Deliver compelling financial intelligence and strategic insights to the Service Area Leader and Lead Finance Business Partner, enabling informed decision-making aligned with the Africa operating model
• Serve as a credible advisor and skilled negotiator, bridging business objectives with finance priorities to drive growth and competitiveness
• Provide significant strategic support to Service Area leadership, playing a critical role in aligning finance across Africa's complex service portfolio
• Advise on innovative solutions to emerging challenges, leveraging your expertise and experience

Financial Operations & Oversight

• Lead the operations and activities of the Service Area Project Services and General Accounting function, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting
• Consolidate financial results for the Service Area across Africa, maintaining robust internal controls and compliance
• Oversee a high-performing accounting team, providing clear direction, professional development, and career growth opportunities
• Manage risk issues proactively, escalating concerns promptly to ensure swift resolution

Monthly Management Accounting & Performance Analysis

• Analyse monthly Service Area results, providing actionable insights on performance, threats, and opportunities
• Review income statements and key performance indicators including utilisation rates, revenue per fee earner, and North Star metrics
• Prepare bespoke financial reports and present agenda items at Service Area management meetings
• Interrogate working capital, revenue performance, and debtors monthly, flagging high-risk accounts and recovery opportunities

Strategic Financial Planning & Target Achievement

• Manage comprehensive budgeting and forecasting for the Service Area, finalising plans with the Service Area Leader
• Cascade Service Line targets across the organisation, including productivity and revenue objectives at partner, staff, and project levels
• Conduct financial analysis to drive improved profitability, implement cost reduction initiatives, and optimise working capital management
• Provide budget and forecast insights, supporting the Senior Finance Manager with Service Line consolidation

Controllership & Technology Implementation

• Align, implement, and embed Controllership and Shared Service Centre-driven initiatives, training, and technologies at the Service Area level
• Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness through process improvements and technology solutions
• Develop and enforce effective Project Services and General Accounting frameworks, policies, and procedures
• Support the achievement of Service Level Agreements and monitor compliance with finance-wide policies

Team Development & Talent Growth

• Identify, recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing team members, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement
• Act as a coach and counsellor to junior and middle-level staff, supporting career development and growth
• Maintain robust succession plans for critical resources, ensuring organisational resilience
• Lead by example, demonstrating Deloitte's values and commitment to transformation

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships across the Service Area to understand business context and priorities
• Establish collaborative partnerships within and outside the Service Area to share best practice and drive innovation
• Communicate effectively with Finance and Client leadership on project status, implementation progress, and strategic initiatives
• Provide consistent recognition and encouragement to teams, fostering engagement and accountability

Finance Projects & Deadline Management

• Contribute to Finance-wide projects and strategic initiatives aligned with organisational objectives
• Manage stakeholder expectations, coordinate team communications, and ensure month-end and reporting deadlines are met

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

Relevant Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related discipline

Experience

Minimum 7 years of progressive finance experience, ideally within professional services, with demonstrated success in strategic finance leadership and team management

Technical Competencies

• Recognised authority in financial management with deep functional expertise and commercial acumen
• Proven track record in leading and executing complex financial projects with measurable outcomes
• Advanced proficiency in financial analysis, reporting, and strategic planning with the ability to translate data into compelling business narratives
• Demonstrated excellence in financial systems, controls, and compliance frameworks
• Strong capability in stakeholder communication, presenting complex financial concepts with clarity and impact
• Skilled in team leadership, performance management, and developing high-performing finance functions

Behavioural Competencies

• Exceptional communicator with outstanding written and verbal skills, capable of influencing at all organisational levels
• Natural relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish trust and credibility quickly
• Passionate mentor and coach with genuine commitment to developing talent and fostering team excellence
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to balance financial rigour with commercial pragmatism
• Resilient and adaptable, thriving in complex, fast-paced environments and managing ambiguity with confidence
• Proactive problem-solver with a keen focus on quality, risk management, and continuous improvement
• Committed to delivering exceptional client and stakeholder value with unwavering attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent)
• Experience in a Big Four professional services environment or similar complex, matrix-driven organisation
• Exposure to finance transformation, process improvement, or shared service centre implementations
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams across multiple markets

Additional Information

Note: The list of tasks / duties and responsibilities contained in this document is not necessarily exhaustive.  Deloitte may ask the employee to carry out additional duties or responsibilities, which may fall reasonably within the ambit of the role profile, depending on operational requirements.

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We are committed to employment equity and building a diverse and inclusive workplace across the African continent. Our recruitment processes are aligned with our Employment Equity Plan and the principles of the Employment Equity Act. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups.

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