Senior Strategy Analyst

Absa Group; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic analyst to drive business growth through insightful economic and market analysis. This role involves collaborating with senior management to develop and execute strategies that enhance performance and identify new opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proven experience in financial analysis, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Join this dynamic team and contribute to shaping the future of banking through innovative strategies and impactful insights.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in strategy development and financial analysis.
• Strong analytical skills with a comprehensive understanding of the banking sector.

Responsibilities

• Research and analyze economic, market, and competitive data to support business strategies.
• Assist in developing and monitoring strategic projects across the bank.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Financial Analysis

Problem Solving

Report Writing

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economics

Master’s degree in Economics

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.

My Career Development Portal: Wherever you are in your career, we are here for you. Design your future. Discover leading-edge guidance, tools and support to unlock your potential. You are Absa.You are possibility.

Job Summary

• To research, analyse and interpret, for the purpose of supporting the crafting of business strategies:
- the operating environment (economic, political, legal and regulatory landscapes)
- market trends (segments profiling, sizing and potential)
- the competitive landscape (strategies, models, propositions, activities)
- and consumer needs, expectations and behaviours
• To provide support to the Business and Strategy Manager in leading and influencing the formulation and monitoring the delivery of strategic projects and initiatives across all aspects of the bank’s activities.
• To identify and make recommendations to the bank with regards to new business opportunities for the organisation.
• To proactively provide internal stakeholders with the relevant support as part of the strategy management process.

Job Description

Economic Analysis, Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis

• Support the Business and Strategy Manager to uncover new business opportunities and/or issues which might impact business strategies and financial performance, and provide timely intelligence with a view to inform decision making by:

  • keeping abreast of the macro-economic, political and legal and regulatory environments and monitor and analyse changes, trends and developments

  • continuously monitoring the local and international financial and banking sectors, identifying and assessing business and consumer trends

  • keeping track of competitor activities, analysing financial statements and performing competitive benchmarking and analysis

• Support the Business and Strategy Manager to develop economic and financial forecasts, assess the impact of economic developments, and develop recommendations to guide decision-making

• Assist the Business and Strategy Manager to build a network with economic expects, i.e. economists, other banks, independent economists, etc.

Strategy Development, Execution and Monitoring

• Provide economic, market and competitive insights and analysis which will help guide the business in taking strategic decisions

• Assist the Business and Strategy Manager to manage the strategy development and planning process

• Conduct analysis of industry, financial and competitor data to help formulate the business strategy detailing business opportunities and scenarios

• Proactively identify key drivers of business growth and formulate strategies aimed at further growing the business organically and/or inorganically

• Work with business heads and finance teams in the preparation of Short and Medium Term Plans (STP/MTP)

• Provide value adding feedback in respect of performance measures and objectives and support the development and implementation of robust scorecards for measuring business performance – financial and non-financial

• Complete data and feasibility analysis to support commercial strategic decisions

• Partner with the business to provide ongoing advice in the implementation of business strategy

• Develop and implement strategic performance management tools to track the performance and impact of key strategic initiatives

• Develop a robust tracking mechanism to monitor strategy execution for the different business lines, flag any key strategy execution risks and recommend mitigating actions

• Conduct performance analysis and prepare monthly performance reports with the support of the Finance department, assessing and highlighting improvements/deteriorations in performance, and ensure regular and timely cascading to all relevant stakeholders

• Present findings to senior management in a coherent and compelling manner, via presentations, written reports, supporting tables, graphics and appendices

Preferred Experience:

• A completed Bachelor’s degree, in Economics, Accounting, Finance, Banking or other Business-related field, with a strong academic record from a recognised academic institution.

• A Master’s degree in Economics, Accounting, Finance, Banking or other Business-related field from a recognised academic institution would be an advantage.

• A minimum 3-5 years of relevance experience.

Experience & Skills:

• Proven experience in developing evidence-based strategy through analysis, and communicating strategy to a wide range of audiences, including senior executives

• Proven experience in financial analysis and project management

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong report writing, verbal communication, facilitation and presentation skills

• A comprehensive understanding of the banking and financial services sector

• Deep understanding of the macroeconomic, political, legal and regulatory environments, and potential impact thereof on the bank’s strategies, activities and performance

Behavioural Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with good business acumen

• Good team player willing to contribute to the team’s work and culture, supporting colleagues and playing a vocal part in team meetings

• Engaging and persuasive with excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Credible presence and strong ability to communicate with senior leaders

• Able to dynamically manage concurrent demands within short time frames in a fast-paced environment

Education

Higher Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)