Affiliate Finance Director

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: About Abbott At Abbott , we are a global healthcare leader creating breakthrough science to improve people's health. We continuously innovate and anticipate changes in medical science and technology to help people live healthier lives Working at Abbott When you join Abbott, you become part of a company where you can grow your career, make a meaningful impact, and be your authentic self. We offer: Career development opportunities within a leading global healthcare organization. Exposure to international teams and leadership. An inclusive culture recognized globally for diversity and employee development. The opportunity to influence business strategy and financial performance at a senior leadership level. The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced and strategic Affiliate Finance Director to lead the finance function for South Africa and Kenya . Based in Roodepoort, South Africa , this role serves as a key member of the affiliate leadership team, providing financial stewardship, governance oversight, and strategic business partnership across multiple divisions. The successful candidate will represent the affiliate both internally and externally, ensuring compliance with all legal, statutory, regulatory, and tax requirements while driving sustainable business growth and operational excellence. The role also serves on key governance forums, including Board-level structures and affiliate leadership committees. What you will do: Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership Provide financial leadership and strategic counsel to senior business leaders. Support decision-making through financial insights, analysis, and forecasting. Evaluate strategic growth initiatives and business opportunities. Anticipate economic, fiscal, and market changes that may impact the affiliate. Financial Management & Compliance Ensure the integrity of financial books, records, and reporting processes. Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting in compliance with US GAAP , local GAAP, and corporate reporting requirements. Oversee tax, treasury, payroll, statutory reporting, and audit activities. Act as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities, including SARS . Ensure full compliance with local financial regulations and tax requirements across South Africa and Kenya. Governance & Risk Management Serve as a member of the local Board of Directors and governance committees. Maintain strong internal controls and financial governance practices. Lead affiliate-level financial compliance and risk management initiatives. Partner with internal and external auditors and ensure implementation of recommendations. Transformation & Operational Excellence Drive finance transformation and change management initiatives. Lead cross-divisional projects, including ERP implementations, regulatory changes, accounting standard updates, and business reorganizations. Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and simplify operations. Collaborate with Shared Services and advocate for the Finance Operating Model within the affiliate. People Leadership Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing finance team. Foster collaboration across divisions and functions. Build finance capability and strengthen the broader Abbott finance organization. Qualifications & Experience Required Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field. Qualified Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) or equivalent professional accounting qualification. Minimum 10 years' experience in senior finance leadership and entity reporting roles. Strong expertise in US GAAP , local GAAP, corporate tax, VAT, and statutory reporting. Proven experience in a multinational, multi-functional business environment. Demonstrated experience leading finance teams and influencing senior stakeholders. a minimum of 4 years people management Preferred Experience working across multiple divisions or business units. Exposure to shared services environments. Experience leading complex transformation, compliance, or systems implementation projects. Strong understanding of healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device, or similarly regulated industries. What We're Looking For You are a commercially minded finance leader who combines technical excellence with strategic thinking. You thrive in complex environments, build strong relationships across all levels of an organization, and can translate financial information into actionable business insights. You bring a continuous improvement mindset, exceptional leadership capability, and a passion for driving high standards of governance and performanc The base pay for this position is N/A In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Accounting & Reporting DIVISION: IFO International Finance LOCATION: South Africa > Johannesburg : Abbott Place ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Yes, 10 % of the Time MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: No SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Not Applicable