Head of Strategy, Transformation & Cluster CFO (East Africa Cluster) at Ecobank Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

• The role is responsible for driving financial excellence, strategic planning, and leading transformation initiatives within EAC Cluster. 
• This role is crucial to the organization as it encompasses the responsibilities of driving strategic initiatives, overseeing transformation efforts, and ensuring financial excellence across the cluster.
• The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy, optimizing the financial performance, and supporting the overall business objectives for EAC.

JOB CONTEXT

• The Head of Strategy, Transformation & Finance for EAC will be responsible for driving financial excellence through strategic guidance and leadership. 
• This includes developing and executing strategic plans to identify growth opportunities and mitigate risks, optimizing financial performance in alignment with the overall business objectives, and leading transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and maintain a competitive edge. Staying updated on emerging trends and developing innovative solutions will also be crucial in driving future success for the organization.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong background in banking operations, strategic planning, and financial management. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Support the Regional Executive/ Managing Director in the development, communication, and execution the overall strategic vision and goals.
• Conduct thorough analysis of market trends, industry dynamics, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities and risks in the market.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to establish strategic priorities and action plans.
• Monitor progress towards strategic objectives and make necessary adjustments to ensure successful execution.
• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, partnerships, and potential acquisitions.
• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, and due diligence to assess the viability and potential impact of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the implementation of new initiatives.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track the effectiveness of strategic initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze industry trends, competitor activities, and customer insights to inform strategic decision-making.
• Provide regular reports and updates to the Leadership team on the progress and impact of strategic initiatives.
• Conduct economic analyses to assess the Bank’s financial performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement economic policies that align with the Bank’s overall strategic objectives.
• Forecast economic conditions and provide valuable insights and recommendations to management on potential risks and opportunities.
   

Transformation Initiatives & Change Management: 

• Lead and oversee major transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, driving digital transformation, and improving overall business performance.
• Identify and implement best practices and innovative solutions.
• Drive organizational change by championing the strategic vision and ensuring alignment across departments and teams.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with HR and other stakeholders to develop and implement change management strategies and programs.
• Act as a trusted advisor to other senior executives, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
• Develop strategic transformation initiatives and deliver data-driven insights for effective decision making. 
   

Team Leadership and Development:

• Build and develop a high-performing finance, strategy, and transformation team. 
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams involved in executing strategic initiatives.

Partnership & Stakeholder Management

• Engage and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Executive leadership, Board members, investors, and regulatory bodies. 
• Communicate financial insights, strategic recommendations, and progress updates effectively.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure economic goals align with the Bank’s overall strategy.
• Represent the Bank to external stakeholders, including government officials, industry groups, and investors.
• Take on a lead role developing and overseeing complex econometrics and technical analysis workstreams with robust outputs including forecasts, estimates and technical notes.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the business/ departments to provide high-quality advisory and differentiated services to our clients.
• Manage and deliver successful projects (time, cost, quality) or major workstreams in project leadership roles.
• Support business development and work winning through maintenance and development of client networks and contributions to high-quality proposals
• Represent the Bank in strategic discussions, negotiations, and partnerships.
   

Finance:

• Serve as the Cluster Chief Financial Officer, providing financial leadership and expertise
• Develop and implement a comprehensive financial strategy aligned with the Group’s overall strategy and objectives. 
• Provide strategic guidance and financial analysis to the Executive team of EAC and key stakeholders.
• Oversee the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring accuracy and providing timely and insightful financial analysis. 
• Monitor key financial metrics and KPIs to drive performance improvements and support decision-making.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Provide leadership in developing and implementing financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct thorough financial evaluations of business initiatives, investments, and potential acquisitions. 
• Provide recommendations and insights to drive profitability, cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Evaluate the performance of investment portfolios held by the Bank.
   

JOB PROFILE
Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. 
• A Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CFA, CPA) is preferred.
• Proven experience as a senior finance leader, with a track record of successfully driving financial strategy, transformation initiatives, and delivering results.
• Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and recommendations.
• In-depth knowledge of financial management principles, accounting standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and leading organizational change initiatives is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in industries such as finance, consulting, technology, or consumer goods is advantageous.

Skills, Capabilities & Personal attributes 

• Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically, analyze business situations, and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve high performance.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the Bank.
   

Application closes Tuesday June 27th, 2023, at 11.59pm GMT