Financial Services Strategy and Payments Transformation

PwC - Global; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global consulting firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Associate to join their finance consulting team. The role involves providing comprehensive guidance to clients in optimizing financial performance and decision-making. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate on transformative strategies for financial services clients across Africa.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of professional experience in any industry.
• Experience in delivering client-facing projects or internal transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in problem-solving and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Support the timely delivery of client engagements by managing workstreams.
• Conduct research and data analysis to inform recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality client deliverables including presentations and reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Interpersonal communication

Project management principles

Cultural awareness

Flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or related field

Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA, CFA, CA)

Tools

Microsoft Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Management Level

Senior Associate

Job Description & Summary

At PwC, our people in finance consulting specialise in providing consulting services related to financial management and strategy. These individuals analyse client needs, develop financial solutions, and offer guidance and support to help clients optimise their financial performance, improve decision-making, and achieve their financial goals.

As a finance consulting generalist at PwC, you will possess a broad understanding of various aspects of finance consulting. Your work will involve providing comprehensive guidance and support to clients in optimising their financial performance, improving decision-making, and achieving their financial goals. You will be responsible for analysing client needs, developing financial solutions, and offering recommendations tailored to specific business requirements.

Focused on relationships, you are building meaningful client connections, and learning how to manage and inspire others. Navigating increasingly complex situations, you are growing your personal brand, deepening technical expertise and awareness of your strengths. You are expected to anticipate the needs of your teams and clients, and to deliver quality. Embracing increased ambiguity, you are comfortable when the path forward isn’t clear, you ask questions, and you use these moments as opportunities to grow.

Examples of the skills, knowledge, and experiences you need to lead and deliver value at this level include but are not limited to:

• Respond effectively to the diverse perspectives, needs, and feelings of others.
• Use a broad range of tools, methodologies and techniques to generate new ideas and solve problems.
• Use critical thinking to break down complex concepts.
• Understand the broader objectives of your project or role and how your work fits into the overall strategy.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the business context and how it is changing.
• Use reflection to develop self awareness, enhance strengths and address development areas.
• Interpret data to inform insights and recommendations.
• Uphold and reinforce professional and technical standards (e.g. refer to specific PwC tax and audit guidance), the Firm's code of conduct, and independence requirements.

Role Summary

Join Strategy&, PwC’s prestigious global strategy consulting branch, as a Senior Associate in our Financial Services (FS) Strategy and Payments Transformation team. This dynamic team is instrumental in shaping the financial services landscape in South Africa and across the African continent. We work with prominent FS clients to establish transformative strategies and implement wide-reaching industry programmes aligned with critical policy goals such as boosting competition and enhancing financial inclusion. This aligns with PwC’s purpose to “build trust in society and solve important problems.”

Collaborating closely with our global counterparts, we support international FS clients in their complete transformation journey from strategy design to execution. Our expertise includes crafting innovative business models, developing target operating models, performing market entry assessments, and establishing strategic transformation offices with robust governance frameworks. We also excel in modernising payment systems, enabling digital ecosystems, and implementing cutting‑edge payment solutions.

As part of one of the top strategy consultancies internationally, we bring unparalleled strategic insights to help clients tackle their most challenging issues and develop the critical capabilities required to excel beyond their competition. You will play a crucial role in formulating actionable strategies that enable our clients to thrive in competitive global markets.

Strategy& offers a unique career path enriched by world‑class training, structured mentorship, and advanced people processes. By joining us, you become part of a global team with a legacy of generating groundbreaking ideas and thought leadership. Our focus is on developing high‑impact, pragmatic strategies that address complex challenges, maximize market potential, and differentiate our clients. This involves enhancing core business capabilities to drive sustainable stakeholder value and significant impact on the bottom line.

Qualifications / Certifications required

• Bachelor’s degree in Business , Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field (required)

• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA, CFA, CA, or equivalent) and professional certifications (e.g., PASA Academy, PMP, Six Sigma, Agile) are advantageous

Experience required

• 2– 4 years of professional experience in any industry
• Experience in delivering client‑facing projects or internal transformation initiatives
• Exposure to strategy consulting , management consulting and financial services (banking, payments ) is preferred but not mandatory
• Demonstrated experience in problem‑solving, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities of role

You will work as part of a team of problem solvers with extensive consulting and industry experience, helping our clients solve their complex business issues from strategy to execution. Your responsibilities will include:

• Support the timely and effective delivery of client engagements by owning and managing workstreams or project components
• Conduct research and data analysis to inform strategic recommendations
• Prepare high‑quality client deliverables including presentations, reports, and dashboards
• Participate in client meetings, workshops, and stakeholder interviews
• Contribute to internal initiatives and business development effortsContribute to a collaborative team environment
• Build productive and lasting relationships within Strategy& , PwC and with clients

Skill sets required

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools with a strong focus on Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel ; familiarity with data visualisation tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Excellent oral , written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure
• Understanding of project management principles and tools
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and support for diversity, particularly within South African and broader African contexts
• Exhibit flexibility and a commercial mindset, capable of managing a broad spectrum of responsibilities in a dynamic, results‑driven environment
• Show adaptability in handling diverse projects, with the ability to quickly learn and integrate into new industries and functions

Role related attributes

• Eagerness to learn and grow in a consulting environment
• Client‑focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Collaborative team player with a proactive attitude
• High ethical standards and professional integrity

Industry experience required

Payments and financial services experience is preferred, but not required.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%

Available for Work Visa Sponsorship?

No

Job Posting End Date

November 5, 2025