Job Description

Who are we?

Sanlam was established as a life insurance company in South Africa but has since transformed into a diversified financial services group that operates across the African continent, India, Malaysia and selected developed markets, with listings on the Johannesburg, A2X and Namibian stock exchanges. In 2018 the Group celebrated its centenary as well as 20 years since demutualisation and listing in South Africa and Namibia. Sanlam is one of the largest internationally active insurance groups in the world with a presence in 31 countries and has the biggest non-banking financial services footprint on the African continent.

The Group's five business clusters (Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz and Santam) house the Group's business operations. The Group Office provides strategic direction and support to the five clusters, assisting them in realising their strategies and meeting their business objectives. The Group Office is responsible for governance and for the Group's centralised functions, which include: Finance, Actuarial and Risk Management, Strategy, Human Resources, Market Development and Sustainability.

What will you do?

The role involves the preparation of accurate financial statements (income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements) that comply with IFRS, managing quarterly and annual reporting processes for Sanlam Limited, Sanlam Life Group, and subsidiaries. It includes ensuring adherence to financial regulations, staying updated on changes, and facilitating the Sanlam Group's Share Scheme administration. The role also focuses on maintaining strong internal control systems to prevent inaccuracies and fraud, coordinating audits, addressing findings, and implementing improvements. Additionally, it involves identifying and mitigating financial risks, ensuring financial stability through strategic planning, and leading the financial reporting team by fostering a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement. Clear and transparent communication with stakeholders is key to maintaining trust and accountability.

A challenging mind set A good understanding of IFRS and a complex consolidation process A good understanding of Investor Relations processes A good understanding of Insurance Regulatory requirements

What will make you successful in this role?

Responsibilities:

Financial Statement Preparation: + Preparation of accurate and timely financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
+ Ensure that financial reports comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
+ Manage quarterly and annual reporting processes, including regulatory filings for both the Sanlam Limited and Sanlam Life Group as well as certain subsidiary entities.
Compliance and Regulation: + Ensure adherence to all relevant financial regulations and standards, and other regulatory requirements.
+ Stay abreast of changes in financial regulations and implement necessary changes within the organisation.
+ Facilitation of the Sanlam Group's Share Scheme administration and reporting.
Internal Controls: + Develop and maintain robust internal control systems to prevent inaccuracies, fraud, and ensure the integrity of financial information.
+ Conduct regular reviews and updates of internal controls to adapt to evolving risks and regulatory changes.
Audit Coordination: + Coordinate with internal and external auditors to facilitate comprehensive and efficient audits.
+ Address audit findings and implement recommendations to improve financial reporting and controls.
Risk Management: + Identify financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.
+ Ensure the organisation's financial stability through prudent financial planning and risk management practices.
Team Leadership and Development: + Oversight over the financial reporting team members, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
+ Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the financial reporting function.
Stakeholder Communication: + Ensure transparency and accuracy in all financial communications and disclosures.

Qualification and Experience

CA (SA) with a minimum of 10-12 years of experience in accounting or financial reporting. Technical Skills: + Deep understanding of IFRS, and other relevant accounting standards.
+ Proficiency in financial reporting software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
Analytical Skills: + Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
+ Ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
Leadership Skills: + Proven leadership and team management experience.
+ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at all organisational levels.
+ In-depth knowledge of financial regulations

Knowledge and Skills

Strategic management information planning
Analyse Operating efficiencies
Budget management and forecasting
Capital expenditure management
Cash flow monitoring and management
Management of employees

Personal Attributes

Builds effective teams - Contributing strategically
Business insight - Contributing strategically
Courage - Contributing strategically
Manages complexity - Contributing strategically

Build a successful career with us

We're all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future - your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters - Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office - the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Being resilient - Contributing strategically
Collaborates - Contributing strategically
Cultivates innovation - Contributing strategically
Customer focus - Contributing strategically
Drives results - Contributing strategically

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.


The closing date for applications is 01 April 2025.

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.