Manager: ESG Transformation and Reporting at KPMG South Africa

Description of the role and purpose of the job

KPMG South Africa is a multinational firm with an ambition to be the most trusted and trustworthy professional services firm in the world.

ESG affects every client of the firm, in every sector, and in every geography. Our ESG strategy is ambitious and we aim to embed ESG in our existing services and developing new ones in line with the market demand. We have an opportunity to support clients in their ESG Transformation journeys as they gearing up for new reporting requirements.

Our Digital Consulting business needs a strong self-driven Manager, who is as passionate as us about ESG and helping clients in their ESG journey. The role will provide opportunity to be involved in various stages of the client’s ESG journey including advising on ESG strategy, transition, and implementation – including in specialist areas like climate change, decarbonisation, just transition and helping clients to understand their ESG readiness / prepare for ESG reporting.

At KPMG, providing clients with the best possible solution to the challenges which they face is paramount, thus the role will enable you to collaborate with a wide variety of staff members (e.g. data, technology specialists, climate change specialists) from various KPMG business units.

This collaborative approach in everything that we do helps to distinguish us in the market place.

Key responsibilities

• Management and delivery of ESG transformation and reporting engagements.  From advising clients with assessing, planning, implementing and reporting on areas of ESG;
• Assist clients to understand their ESG readiness and prepare for ESG reporting;
• ESG SME and ambassador for the firm;
• Participate in market activities to grow the ESG market for the firm;
• Develop and train team;
• Vision through to target operating model development design (including future state validation and deployment) to the evolution of implemented operating models;
• Interpret client requirements and support the team with the sales process of ESG projects engagements including an appropriate tailored approach and methodology;
• Understand how technology enables the ESG function of the future etc;
• Display diligence during the execution of any work of KPMG’s internal risk management processes at all times;
• Contribute effectively to the discussions around the ESG Agenda and actively participate in generating creative ideas and thoughts; and
• Other ad-hoc tasks as assigned.

Skills and attributes required for the role

• High level of drive and resilience;
• High level of attention to detail and a desire to drive quality;
• Strong organisation skills; a self-starter with initiative, ability to foster innovation and a common-sense approach to problem solving;
• Project management skills and experience;
• Ability to multi-task and reprioritise tasks as and when required;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Very good business writing skills, numerical skills, communication and interpretation skills;
• Executes excellent “first review” skills;
• Business development skills;
• Client liaison with strong relationship management skills;
• Presentation skills;
• Analytical thinker and problem-solving ability;
• Excellent ability to compile PowerPoint decks and able to present with confidence and passion;
• The ability to build collaborative relationships with good interpersonal skills and the ability to relate well to colleagues with differing levels of expertise and skills while championing inclusion and diversity;
• The ability to adapt to a changing work environment and accommodate changing client demands.

Minimum requirements to apply for the role

• Undergraduate degree in either commerce, accounting, economics, development economics, finance, social science, business administration, environmental science, engineering or management or equivalent.
• Postgraduate diploma / degree is advantageous.
• Interest is business applications
• 2 - 3 years experience working on ESG related engagements in areas of NetZero, Circular Economy, Energy Transition, Just Transition or Sustainable Supply Chain.
• 2 - 3 years project management experience in a similar environment.
• Experience in people management and business development is necessary.
• Passionate about working on ESG Transformation and ESG Reporting.