Permanent Head of Compliance | Absa Vacancies
Job Description
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Absa Vacancies – Head of Compliance: Enterprise Corporate Functions
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Company: Absa
Job Type: Permanent
Job Sector: Legal & Compliance
Head of Compliance: Enterprise Corporate Functions
Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together… one story at a time.
With over a century of rich history and a strong local presence backed by regional and international expertise, a career at Absa offers the chance to shape Africa’s future. Join us in resetting our destiny as a proudly African group.
Job Summary
The Head of Compliance: Enterprise Corporate Functions leads strategic compliance risk management and advisory initiatives across Absa Group’s Enterprise Corporate Functions, ensuring adherence to South African, Pan-African, and international regulatory frameworks. This senior leadership role combines deep technical regulatory expertise, risk management, and business enablement to safeguard the bank’s integrity while driving compliance excellence.
Job Description
Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:
Technical Advisory
- Provide expert interpretation and management of compliance risks linked to key legislation (e.g., Banks Act, Financial Markets Act, FICA, POPIA, Companies Act).
- Advise Enterprise Corporate Functions on compliance implications for new products, services, and strategic initiatives.
- Lead regulatory change impact assessments and implementation planning.
- Serve as a subject matter expert in engagements with regulators (SARB, FSCA).
Managerial and Strategic Oversight
- Lead and mentor a high-performing compliance advisory team, setting objectives and driving accountability.
- Enhance the bank’s compliance governance structures and frameworks.
- Represent Compliance in executive forums and cross-functional committees.
- Foster a culture of compliance through stakeholder engagement and education.
Regulatory Interpretation & Compliance Risk Management
- Interpret and advise on evolving regulations (e.g., COFI, Basel IV, FSRA).
- Assess legislative changes and translate them into actionable business requirements.
- Draft compliance opinions and support regulatory submissions.
- Conduct risk assessments and recommend mitigation strategies.
Policy Development & Governance
- Contribute to the development of compliance policies, standards, and procedures.
- Ensure alignment with regulatory expectations and internal risk appetite.
- Monitor and report on control effectiveness and compliance performance.
Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and business units.
- Collaborate with Risk, Audit, and other functions under Combined Assurance.
- Mentor junior staff and promote a culture of compliance and ethical conduct.
- Lead compliance-related projects and capability-building initiatives.
Skills & Competencies
- Expert analytical and legal interpretation skills.
- Strong technical writing and attention to regulatory detail.
- Ability to influence without direct authority.
- Proficiency in compliance tools and risk management systems.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Finance, or Risk Management (LLB or Master’s preferred).
- 8-10 years in banking compliance, including 3+ years in a senior leadership role.
- Deep knowledge of South African and global financial regulations.
- Proven experience in regulatory interpretation and risk advisory.
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce, or Management Studies.
Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in line with the Employment Equity Act. Preference will be given to candidates from designated groups to enhance equitable representation. Absa reserves the right not to fill the role as advertised.
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How to Apply
To apply for this position, click the “Apply Now” button or follow the specific instructions provided in the job description. Ensure that your CV and supporting documents are up to date and relevant to the position.
Please note: This job posting may be closed at any time by the employer, either due to internal recruitment policies, legal requirements, or once a suitable candidate has been found. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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