Data Governance Manager

Audit & Risk Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 850 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm seeks a Finance Transformation and Data Governance Specialist in Johannesburg. The role requires 8+ years in finance, especially within multinational organizations. You will lead finance data governance, shape data standards, and drive improvements across complex systems. The opportunity offers global exposure in a collaborative culture and a chance to influence the data foundations of a world-leading firm. Applicants must be based in Johannesburg.

Benefits

Global exposure across finance functions

Collaborative culture

Opportunity to shape data foundations

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in finance or data governance.
• Experience working within a multinational organization or top 10 accountancy firm is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of finance data architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and governance of finance master data design.
• Maintain the data governance framework managing master data requests.
• Act as a subject matter expert on global initiatives.

Skills

Data governance

Finance transformation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in finance, accounting, or related field

Qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, CIA or equivalent)

Tools

SAP FICO

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

About the Role

The Audit & Risk Recruitmentare exclusively supporting a leading FTSE Global Resources organisation, looking to find a Finance Transformation and Data Governance Specialist in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The role will see you in the office three times a week and travel around 50% of the time, globally.

You'll play a key role in supporting and developing the global finance data agenda, maintaining and executing data governance frameworks, shaping data standards, and driving improvements across systems and processes.

This exposure is paired with having a key role in helping the firm transition to a global cloud environment, working across Finance and other business owners to transform data onto their SAP S4 / HANA Cloud ERP (Oracle or other SAP ERP product experience applicable).

What you'll gain

• Global exposure across multiple finance functions
• Work closely with Cloud Environments, ensuring data quality and governance
• The opportunity to shape the data foundations of a world-leading organisation and support AI transformation in the future
• Collaborative and inclusive culture that values continuous improvement

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, maintenance and governance of finance master data design
• Execute and maintain the data governance framework — managing master data requests, tracking risks and implementing remediation plans
• Act as a subject matter expert on key global initiatives (e.g. global chart of accounts, data governance embedment, finance transformation projects)
• Define and update roles and responsibilities of data owners, stewards and custodians
• Produce governance reporting to highlight data quality issues and risks
• Partner with global shared services and finance stakeholders to embed governance processes
• Support data management business cases and prepare submissions for leadership forums

Qualifications / Technical Requirements

• Degree-qualified (finance, accounting, or related field)
• 8+ years of experience in the field
• Work inside a multi-national organisation / top 10 accountancy firm highly desirable
• Qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, CIA or equivalent) preferred
• Strong understanding of finance data architecture — ideally with SAP FICO experience (S / 4HANA, BW, Datasphere)
• Proven experience in data governance, finance transformation, or large-scale ERP projects
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable operating across global teams and time zones

It is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys a proactive role and driving change across a complex landscape!

Unfortunately this role cannot provide visa sponsorship and you must be based in Johannesburg.

Details

• Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Accounting / Auditing and Finance
• Industries: Mining, Oil, Gas, and Manufacturing