Senior Specialist: Compliance

Absa Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 850,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Compliance Officer to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. The role involves governance reporting, risk oversight, regulatory engagement, and business advisory. Candidates require a Bachelor’s Degree and 5–7 years in compliance, along with strong report writing skills and the ability to influence stakeholders. Join us to drive meaningful change in the banking sector.

Benefits

Collaborative, high-performing team environment

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or governance roles.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Expertise in regulatory analysis and risk-based advisory.

Responsibilities

• Prepare compliance reports and track regulatory developments.
• Identify and advise on conduct and reputational risks.
• Deliver training on compliance policies and obligations.

Skills

Strong report writing skills

Regulatory analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (LLB preferred)

Advanced Diplomas in Business, Commerce and Management

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.

Overview

Job Summary

At Absa Bank, we are committed to building a resilient, responsible, and forward-thinking financial institution. We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Senior Compliance Officer to join our Business Banking team. This role is critical in ensuring that all compliance activities are executed in full alignment with applicable regulatory requirements, the Enterprise-Wide Risk Management Framework, and Absa’s internal policies and standards. You will play a key role in governance reporting, conduct risk oversight, regulatory engagement, and business enablement.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance Reporting
   • Prepare and present compliance reports to Business Banking and Group Compliance forums.
   • Track regulatory developments, policy compliance, and training outcomes.
   • Monitor and report on open compliance issues, remediation progress, and regulatory commitments.
2. Conduct & Reputational Risk Oversight
   • Identify and advise on conduct and reputational risks.
   • Act as a key contact for conduct-related matters and embed sound conduct principles in daily operations.
   • Engage business units to challenge and refine risk indicators.
3. Regulatory & Policy Requirements
   • Share regulatory updates through newsletters, briefings, and awareness sessions.
   • Conduct gap and impact assessments on new regulations and internal policies.
   • Support business units in addressing identified compliance gaps.
4. Training & Awareness
   • Deliver training on compliance policies, regulatory obligations, and conduct expectations.
   • Assist in developing and executing compliance training plans aligned with business priorities.
5. Regulatory Advocacy & Industry Engagement
   • Coordinate and consolidate business feedback on draft regulations.
   • Ensure timely and accurate submission of regulatory comments through appropriate channels.
6. Team Coordination & Strategy Support
   • Support coordination of team deliverables and track progress against strategic priorities.
   • Assist in planning and communication for key initiatives and internal meetings.
   • Promote knowledge sharing across the compliance team.
7. Business Enablement & Advisory
   • Provide compliance guidance on business initiatives, processes, and offerings.
   • Translate regulatory obligations into actionable business requirements.
   • Participate in product reviews and development projects to ensure compliance alignment.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and Advanced Diplomas (LLB preferred).
• 5–7 years of experience in compliance, risk management, or governance roles.
• Strong report writing skills for senior governance forums (Board, Exco).
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Expertise in regulatory analysis and risk-based advisory.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory content into strategic insights.
• Risk management qualification is an added advantage.

Why Join Absa?

At Absa, we believe in empowering our people to drive meaningful change. You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team that values integrity, innovation, and impact. Join us in shaping the future of banking in Africa.

Education

Bachelor’s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Business, Commerce and Management Studies (Required)

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised