The Senior Manager will play a critical leadership role within the IFRS advisory function, supporting the firm’s strategic growth in technical accounting advisory, with a particular focus on banking and complex financial instruments.
The role is designed to strengthen senior capacity within the IFRS team, addressing increasing demand for high-quality AFS reviews, complex technical consultations and external advisory services, while maintaining audit quality standards and supporting revenue growth.
This individual will work closely with Partners, Directors, audit teams and client senior management, acting as a trusted technical advisor in a dynamic business environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical IFRS Leadership
- Provide expert advice on complex IFRS matters, with a strong emphasis on:
- Financial instruments (IFRS 9, IFRS 7)
- Banking, treasury and funding structures
- Derivatives, structured products and embedded features
- Draft and review technical position papers, memos and accounting papers for audit and advisory purposes
- Review complex accounting positions and related disclosures in financial statements
- Review financial statements and other reports for compliance with relevant reporting requirements
- Support interpretation and implementation of new and amended IFRS standards
- Banking and Financial Instruments Specialisation
- Lead technical support for clients operating in the banking and financial services sector
- Analyse and advise on complex financial instrument transactions and portfolios
- Develop internal capability and thought leadership in the financial instruments space (aligned to the firm’s growth strategy)
- Support audit teams on high-risk engagements requiring deep financial instrument expertise
- Client Engagement and Senior Stakeholder Interaction
- Engage directly with client CFOs, finance executives and audit committees on complex accounting matters
- Present technical positions and recommendations in a clear, commercially relevant manner
- Work closely with senior management internally to deliver solutions within a business-oriented environment
- Support and contribute to audit committee meetings, board engagements and partner discussions
- Advisory and External Revenue Generation
- Drive IFRS advisory engagements, including:
- Technical consultations
- Accounting policy development
- Transaction support
- Training
- Contribute to revenue generation through billable advisory work and client development
- Support proposal development, tender processes and client presentations
- Build and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat and new business opportunities
- Financial Performance and Delivery
- Deliver against financial performance metrics, including:
- Revenue contribution and billable hours targets
- Effective management of billing, WIP and working capital
- Proactive management of write-offs and project profitability
- Support improved billing realisation and efficient delivery of engagements
- Quality, Risk and Governance
- Ensure compliance with ISQM1 and internal quality management requirements
- Identify and manage engagement risks proactively, particularly on complex transactions
- Contribute to maintaining audit quality and reducing risk of missed technical issues
- Support documentation standards and review processes across engagements
- Team Leadership and Development
- Manage, mentor and develop managers within the IFRS team
- Review deliverables and provide technical guidance
- Assist with recruitment, coaching and performance management
- Build technical capability within the team, particularly in financial instruments
- IFRS Technical and Industry Contribution
- Participate in local and global IFRS initiatives, including:
- IFRS technical working groups
- Financial instruments specialist forums
- SAICA and industry committees (as applicable)
- Contribute to internal thought leadership, training and knowledge sharing
- Africa and International Support
- Support IFRS technical consultations across Africa
- Contribute to global initiatives such as IFRS query platforms and cross-border advisory work
Qualifications
- CA(SA) or equivalent
- Strong IFRS technical expertise
Experience
- Significant experience in technical accounting / IFRS advisory or audit
- Proven experience in banking and/or financial services sector
- Deep expertise in complex financial instruments, including IFRS 9 classification, measurement and disclosures
- Experience engaging with senior management and governance structures in a business environment
- Experience engaging with regulators, audit committees or senior stakeholders on complex financial instrument matters
Technical Skills
- Advanced knowledge of:
- IFRS 9, IFRS 7 and related standards
- Complex financial structures and valuation considerations
- Strong ability to analyse complex transactions and develop defensible technical positions
Core Competencies
- Strong commercial awareness and ability to translate technical issues into business insight
- Excellent stakeholder management at senior level
- Strong project and time management capabilities
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to manage high-pressure workloads
Key Success Factors
- Ability to operate at senior level across technical, commercial and client-facing dimensions
- Demonstrated capability to drive revenue while maintaining quality
- Strong contribution to the firm’s financial instruments and banking growth strategy
- Effective leadership and development of team members
