Job Description

The Manager of Process Optimization and Automation is responsible for overseeing the optimisation and automation of processes within the finance function. They will ensure that processes are aligned with best practices and that they are efficient and cost-effective. They will also build a center of excellence for process improvement and share knowledge with others in the organisation. This will involve developing and delivering training programs, creating, and maintaining a knowledge repository, and providing support to process improvement teams.

The Manager will research and identify best practices in process optimisation and automation. They will then work with stakeholders to align the organization's processes with these best practices. The Manager will work with stakeholders to identify processes that can be automated. They will then oversee the implementation of automation solutions.

Key stakeholders with whom the role will engage are:

External

• Suppliers
• Customers
• Banks

Internal

• Executive Officers
• Business Unit Managers
• Department Managers
• Department Employees

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Process Optimisation and Design

• Compilation and implementation of standardised business process improvement and re-engineering methodologies.
• Undertake business process improvement initiatives aimed at improving efficiencies and effectiveness of operations.
• Conduct Finance Performance Diagnostics to assess Process Maturity Levels across the team.
• Apply scientific principles and business inputs to refine and re-engineer as-is finance process (as well as newly to-be refined processes) into best scenario to-be processes to enhance customer experience.
• Conduct pro-active detection of process bottlenecks and high-level operational value chain.
• Act as coach to the finance team regarding process re-engineering and improvement methodologies and principles.
• Identify process improvement opportunities in the Finance function regarding Quality, Cost, time & Delivery.

System architecture and data

• Finance System management
• Monitor all finance systems and ensure flow of information across systems
• Ensure that processes and procedures as well as system designs are integrated into a single business solution.
• Manage financial system development & configuration.
• Ensure Financial systems optimisation.
• Ensure that processes and procedures as well as system designs are integrated into a single business solution.
• Manage financial system development & configuration.

Research and Development

Continuous improvement

• Research Process Improvement best practices and methodologies locally and internationally.
• Research Architectural Landscapes and related supporting Technologies for finance functions
• Attend Seminars, Conferences and Public invitations related to Process, Improvement Methodologies, Technology, Systems Engineering and Industry Related.
• Engage with Technology Partners for technology related matters hardware, software, infrastructure, and support.

Management of resource

Data Management and Financial Analysis

• Data mining: Extract data from multiple sources that can be primary or secondary. Organize the data in a proper format that can be easily understood.
• Maintaining databases: Design and maintain database systems. This includes creating, updating, reading, and deleting a database.
• Quality assurance: Ensure that the data collected from multiple sources is relevant to the business.
• Collaborating with other teams: coordinate with teams to convey the necessary information related to the data.
• Maintaining the confidentiality of data: maintain data and information security
• Preparing reports: Prepare reports that represent crucial information. These reports consist of graphs and charts to represent factors associated with the business.
• Use data visualization tools to present insights and recommendations to business stakeholders.
• Continuously improve data collection.

Change Management

Finance

• Lead and implement change management to support the changes to business processes, systems and technology impacted by Robotics Process Automation/ Finance Tools
• Define and measure success metrics and monitor progress.
• Identify and manage potential resistance to the automation of processes.
• Facilitate RPA/Power platforms educational workshops and training for business units.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Manage and maintain good stakeholder relationships.
• Understand customer needs and supplier contribution and utilize to drive optimal operational results

Compliance and Risk

Compliance

• Policies and procedures: Develop, amend and implement relevant policies and procedures
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant policies & procedures, regulations and legislation
• Risk: Manage and maintain good stakeholder relationships
• Understand customer needs and supplier contribution and utilize to drive optimal operational results

People

People Management

• People Processes: Manage employees through the employee lifecycle including, recruit, manage performance and reward
• People Development: Build a high-performance team through regular individual and team engagement sessions. Identify talent, coach and develop to ensure talent retention policies and procedures: Develop, amend and implement relevant policies and procedures

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE

• Bcom /Bsc Accounting
• Post Graduate degree or CA(SA) advantageous
• I-Server Process Design.
• Project management qualification.
• Scientific methodologies associated with efficiency improvements, i.e. Lean Six Sigma, Agile method, Systems thinking, Process Modelling, Customer journeys and Lean methodologies.
• Microsoft 365
• Creative Problem Solving, Office 365 Modern workplace, PowerBI, Sharepoint
• Power Query and DAX in Excel

Digital Skills:

• Expertise in data analysis and visualization tools, such as Microsoft Office 365, Power BI, PowerApps, and Power Query, to interpret process data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Experience in implementing digital solutions to automate tasks, streamline workflows, and improve decision-making.
• Ability to leverage digital tools to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders

EXPERIENCE

• 10 Years experience spread across Business Improvement initiatives, Business Analysis, , and Project Management within the financial services industry.
• Prior experience managing Financial Systems (ERP and reporting tools) Advantageous.
• Prior experience in leading process definition and re-engineering initiatives and producing high-quality material.
• Prior experience in delivering large-scale process re-engineering or change management projects and leading of delivery teams

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