South Africa: Compliance Manager posted by Manpower Group

The Role:

As Compliance Manager, you will lead the review of processes and systems for compliance with Group and local corporate governance requirements, conducting independent risk-based operational reviews, driving improvements in the risk and control framework, and providing strategic advisory to the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team.
Reporting to: Finance Director
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Strategic Scope: Execution of strategy / Process custodianship

Principal Accountabilities:

Compliance Reviews & Reporting:

• Perform compliance reviews on pre-identified high-risk processes across the organisation
• Prepare clear, accurate written reports for the Board of Directors and Senior Leadership Team explaining findings and action plans for improvement
• Conduct independent risk-based operational process reviews to ensure systems and procedures support achievement of business goals and objectives
• Perform ad-hoc reviews and investigations into suspected irregularities, reporting findings to the Board and Senior Leadership Team

Risk & Control Framework Management:

• Drive review of the risk and control framework across the organisation
• Lead cross-functional teams in annual self-assessment of internal controls (control navigator assessment)
• Monitor implementation of remedial action plans and ensure timely closure of control weaknesses
• Develop and drive process efficiency improvements based on best practice and in line with Group standardisation

Governance & Committee Support:

• Provide administrative support to the Board Audit & Risk Committee, including preparation of audit committee papers
• Monthly monitoring and reporting of internal controls and governance as per Terms of Reference of the Governance Committee
• Provide administrative support before, during, and after external and internal audits
• Ensure compliance with all Group and local corporate governance requirements

Training & Awareness:

• Provide formal training for management and staff to raise awareness of risk and controls
• Improve risk and control awareness across all levels of the organisation
• Develop communication materials and conduct workshops on governance best practices

Leadership Development:

• Develop leadership skills for career advancement within the organisation
• Mentor and guide team members on compliance and governance matters

What You Bring:

Essential Qualifications:

• Professional accountancy qualification such as ACCA, CPA, or equivalent (Essential)
• Relevant university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (Essential)

Essential Experience:

• Minimum 8 years’ relevant finance/audit experience (Essential)
• At least 3 years in a controlling or audit-related field (Essential)
• Proven track record conducting compliance reviews, internal audits, or risk assessments
• Experience preparing reports and presenting findings to senior management and Board level
• Demonstrated experience in process improvement and governance enhancement

Technical Skills:

• SAP working knowledge (highly advantageous)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (Essential)
• Understanding of internal control frameworks (COSO, SOX, or similar)
• Knowledge of corporate governance best practices and regulatory requirements
• Familiarity with risk management methodologies

Key Competencies:
Communication & Stakeholder Management:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with ability to manage relationships across all organisational levels
• Good influencing skills with ability to interact confidently with senior management and Board of Directors
• Excellent written communication for preparing clear, concise compliance reports
• Strong presentation skills for delivering training and communicating findings

Business Acumen:

• Basic understanding of commercial business drivers and how they relate to risk and compliance
• Ability to translate compliance requirements into practical business solutions
• Understanding of FMCG or tobacco industry regulatory environment (advantageous)

Personal Attributes:

• Pro-active, persuasive, and creative – introducing new rules and changing standards of practice
• Independent thinker – able to work autonomously whilst maintaining objectivity
• Project management skills – able to manage multiple reviews and initiatives simultaneously
• Analytical and detail-oriented – identifying root causes and developing practical solutions
• Integrity and professionalism – maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards

Key Success Factors:

Clear, concise reports identifying issues, root causes, and practical action plans with timelines
Identification of significant issues and weaknesses, bringing them to management attention
Improvement in controls around risk areas identified by audit committee and senior management
Improved risk and control awareness across management and staff
Successful completion of annual control assessments with measurable improvements
Strong Board Audit & Risk Committee support with timely, high-quality papers
Positive audit outcomes with reduced control weaknesses year-on-year
Effective training programmes increasing compliance culture across the organisation

Working Relationships:

Internal:

• Board of Directors
• Senior Leadership Team
• Direct reports to Senior Leadership Team and middle-level managers
• Internal audit managers
• Finance teams across the organisation

External:

• External auditors
• Distributors
• Suppliers and service providers
• Government tax agencies and regulatory bodies