South Africa Bank Treasurer

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time. With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group. Belonging at Absa Absa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds. In support of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) commitments and Employment Equity objectives, preference may be given to candidates from underrepresented designated groups, including persons with disabilities. We encourage applicants who may require reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process to let us know so that appropriate support can be provided. Job Summary The South Africa Bank Treasurer is accountable for the strategic stewardship of the South African banking entity balance sheet. The role integrates liquidity, funding, capital, HQLA portfolio management, banking book interest rate risk and ALM earnings management to support resilience, regulatory compliance and sustainable risk-adjusted returns. The role is the budget owner for both the ZAR and USD ALM positions and is responsible for actively steering those positions within approved risk appetite, limits, mandates and governance. The role provides senior Treasury leadership to South African businesses and acts as a key interface with Finance, Risk, business leadership, executive management, regulators and relevant industry forums. The role reports into the Group Treasurer. Job Description Key accountabilities The role oversees major procurement initiatives and drives the development and execution of commercial solutions that deliver significant value for the Group, ensuring alignment with service category and supplier strategies. Accountability: Asset Liability Management & Overall Banking Book Interest Rate Risk • Own the ZAR and USD ALM budgets and performance. • Steer structural interest rate and liquidity positions within approved limits. • Optimise net interest income, margin and economic value across the banking book. • Oversee IRRBB, including repricing, basis and optionality risks. • Use forecasts, scenarios and stress tests to guide positioning and corrective action. • Advise ALCO on balance sheet strategy, risk-reward trade-offs and management actions. • Assess the capital, liquidity and earnings impact of business plans and transactions. Accountability: Liquidity & Funding Oversight and Managing the Interaction with the Global Markets Business • Advise on the South African liquidity and funding strategy in normal and stressed conditions and consider contingency readiness. • Steer funding mix, tenor, concentration and cost across local and foreign currencies. • Set clear mandates and operating boundaries with Global Markets for execution and risk transfer. • Coordinate funding, hedging and market activity with Global Markets while retaining Treasury accountability. • Oversee the Intra-day Liquidity Desk and related controls. Accountability: HQLA Portfolio Responsibility • Own and manage the Bank’s HQLA portfolio within approved mandates and liquidity requirements. • Set asset allocation, duration, issuer concentration and liquidity positioning. • Optimise risk-adjusted returns while preserving liquidity, quality and eligibility. • Oversee portfolio performance, valuation, risk, limits and management information. • Ensure effective investment governance, execution controls and escalation. Accountability: Stakeholder Engagement • Act as a senior Treasury adviser to South African business and executive leadership. • Provide concise recommendations to ALCO and relevant governance forums. • Engage the Prudential Authority, South African Reserve Bank and industry forums. • Work closely with Finance, Risk, Global Markets, Legal, Tax, Compliance, Operations and Internal Audit. • Lead and develop a high-performing specialist Treasury team. Accountability: Governance & Compliance • Operate within approved risk appetite, mandates, limits and delegated authorities. • Maintain current policies, processes, controls and governance frameworks. • Ensure compliance with prudential, legal, accounting and internal requirements. • Oversee data quality, valuation, reporting and relevant model dependencies. • Escalate material risks, limit pressures and control weaknesses promptly. • Own audit and assurance actions through sustainable closure. Role/person specification Preferred Education Relevant postgraduate qualification in finance, economics, accounting, quantitative finance or a related discipline. CA(SA), CFA or equivalent is advantageous. Preferred Experience • Significant senior experience in Bank treasury, ALM, liquidity, funding, capital or balance sheet management. • Demonstrated accountability for material budgets, risk positions and executive decision support. • Proven leadership of specialist teams and delivery across complex stakeholder groups. • Experience engaging regulators, governance committees and senior executives. Knowledge and Skills • Deep knowledge of South African interest rate, money market and foreign exchange markets. • Expertise in HQLA, ALM, liquidity, funding and IRRBB. • Strong understanding of capital, RWA, transfer pricing and balance sheet economics. • Strategic judgement, commercial acumen and disciplined risk ownership. • Clear executive communication, influencing and stakeholder management. • Strong people leadership, succession planning and control mindset. Education Master's Degree: Business, Commerce and Management Studies