Analyst: Strategic Non-Financial Reporting at Old Mutual South Africa

Job Description

• The Reporting team is responsible for all reporting deliverables to internal and external stakeholders. This is achieved through the coordination of inputs from various functions within finance and across the Group.
• Non-financial reporting and non-financial KPI’s are more topical with the recent publication of various disclosure standards. We are now being held more to account for both financial and non-financial metrics being a measure on a "shared value" basis.
• As such, Companies globally are moving towards formal reporting of non-financial metrics which support their strategy with a view to giving more insight to their investors and other stakeholders on how sustainable their business strategies are and what they consider to be value drivers in their business.
• We are building our capability to report on these strategic value drivers and to be best placed to adopt the required disclosure standards when they become mandatory.
• We therefore have an exciting opportunity for a team member within our external reporting team responsible for assisting with completion of the Annual Reporting Suite, the non-financial KPI  roll out, and the data collation process, and will report to the Senior Manager: Strategic Non-Financial Reporting.
•  Given the evolving nature of the reporting frameworks, this role may also evolve to ensure that we remain relevant in terms of the broader landscape. The role will also work closely with the senior members across the Group, responsible for collating pertinent non-financial information.
• The role is crucial in overseeing the development and implementation of integrated reporting within an organization and is pivotal in enhancing transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement through the integrated reporting process and requires a combination of technical expertise, communication skills, and strategic vision to effectively fulfil their responsibilities and drive continuous improvement in corporate reporting practices.

The main function of the role is to:

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand their information needs and ensure that the Integrated Report and the Reporting Suite provides relevant and meaningful insights into the organization's performance and impact.
• Interpret and communicate disclosure guidance requirements to all stakeholders,
• Assist with driving the implementation of non-financial KPI’s into the organisation and into the respective internal processes.
• Collate non-financial KPI’s approved in and bring into the annual reporting process as and when ready. Assist with tracking the implementation status of each non-financial KPI.
• Assist with collating the inputs for certain annual reports, using required tools such as Workiva for collating information, drafting and placing information in the appropriate spaces for design of the reports, checking of changes to the reports, assisting with finalising the reports for publication.
• Assist content and data owners in navigating the Workiva system
• Be responsible for the data collection process for the Reporting suite from various departments within the organisation and escalate material issues to address before reporting.
• Liaising with all data owners across the group ensuring appropriate completion of the templates, review and approval mechanisms adhered to, appropriate evidence uploaded for review by group internal audit and signoffs obtained
• Assist the organisation in preparing for the external audit of non-financial KPIs in the future
• Reviewing the reports to ensure uniformity of data points across the reporting suite when disclosing similar metrics, targets or content to maintain consistency and reliability in presentation of content and data.
• Produce and/or support other formal internal and external reporting deliverables as required, as well as the preparation of documents to support these deliverables
• Key points person in the relationship with the segment finance team for the respective allocated segment.
• Reviewing of segment information for interim and year-end results as well as providing input for the integrated report.

Key Result Areas

Annual Reporting Suite

Accountable for the deliverables of the Annual Reporting Suite, which includes inter alia:

• Collation and collection of the data points required for the reporting suite, from all stakeholders across OML, running the quarterly collection process, arrangement of audits where required with group internal audit, and external auditors in future. Ensure adherence to the internal controls’ framework for Group Finance
• Liaising with the stakeholders to obtain inputs for the required reports
• Assisting with driving the implementation of the Non-Financial KPI work into the organisation, by tracking completion of work for each KPI.
• Building controls and governance requirements around non-financial KPI’s and incorporating the approved non-financial KPI’s into the data collation process for the annual reporting suite.
• Reviewing business unit quarterly submissions, for relevant information for the reporting suite.
• Preparation of quality submission for ad hoc information, presentations or reports where required.
• Becoming proficient with Workiva
• Setting up the reports on the relevant system and manage versions, permissions and edits of the reports.
• Preparation of ancillary information around the interim and year end reporting as appropriate
• Keeping abreast of current disclosure requirements and developments for the Annual Reporting Suite reports, sharing the knowledge and guidance with stakeholders in OML.

Segment reviews

• Key points person in the relationship with the segment finance team for the respective allocated segment.
• Reviewing of segment information for interim and year-end results as well as providing input for the integrated report.
• Involved in the preparation/review of quarterly reporting packs to the Exco and Board

Management effectiveness

• Creating, maintaining and enhancing productive working relationships with all stakeholders and the wider Reporting Team
• Actively engaging with the teams in addressing key issues and to provide advice on resolving those issues that may impact the outcome of the reporting suite.
• Managing interdependencies and relationships with key stakeholders across the group.
• Liaising with auditors, internal and external, ensuring the timely and accurate proofs, and audit trail for the data used in the reporting suite, including preparing engagement letters, defining internal audit scope and review and approval of internal audit plans
• Participating and/or lead on other ad hoc projects and activities as appropriate
• Managing and prioritizing multiple tasks

Requirements: Skills, Qualifications, Experience required

• Qualified CA (SA)
• Approximately 3-5 years post-qualification experience
• Experience in financial reporting and accounting
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, maintaining data integrity and interpretation, including the ability to use data visualization tools to present information effectively.
• Experience working across different departments within an organization, such as finance, sustainability, investor relations, and corporate communications.
• Understanding of the industry dynamics, market trends, and competitive landscape relevant to the organization's business sector.
• Strong project management skills to oversee the integrated reporting process from data collection to report publication, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines. Basic knowledge of how costs and risks are managed on the project.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, accounting standards, and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience in managing data sets and processes with an appreciation of the need for process disciplines and controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner to diverse audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including executives
• Experience in report collation and design would be an advantage.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and integrity of the information presented in the Reporting Suite.
• Flexibility and willingness to work outside strictly defined role and hours when required
• Willing and able to learn fast and assimilate a significant amount of information
• Able to work constructively under pressure and adapt to change
• Team player
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to cut through complex issues, proactive approach to the resolution of problems and obstacles
• Maintains suitable control environment. Responsible for internal audit liaisons