Professionals seeking a senior leadership position in the accounting and finance sector have an exciting opportunity to join ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) as the Head of Southern Africa. This full-time, permanent role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and offers an opportunity to lead ACCA’s operations across Southern Africa while helping shape the future of the accounting profession in the region.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership for ACCA South Africa while overseeing Botswana and other remotely managed markets. Working closely with the Director, Africa, the role focuses on strengthening ACCA’s presence, expanding membership, supporting students, and building strong partnerships with regulators, employers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
About the Role
The Head of Southern Africa will play a critical role in driving ACCA’s long-term strategy across the region. This leadership position requires an experienced professional who can represent the organization at the highest levels while ensuring that ACCA continues to grow its influence and reputation within the accounting profession.
The position combines strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, business development, operational management, and regulatory collaboration to support ACCA’s mission throughout Southern Africa.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for a wide range of leadership and strategic functions, including:
- Providing strategic leadership for ACCA across Southern Africa.
- Leading the implementation of ACCA’s regional growth strategy.
- Building and maintaining relationships with regulators and industry stakeholders.
- Ensuring continued compliance with professional and regulatory requirements.
- Supporting the growth of ACCA students, members, and future accounting professionals.
- Strengthening partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and professional organizations.
- Driving student recruitment, progression, and examination participation.
- Promoting ACCA through thought leadership and public engagement.
- Representing ACCA in media interviews and industry events.
- Contributing to the Africa regional leadership team and supporting organizational priorities.
- Managing budgets, resources, and operational performance across the region.
Candidate Requirements
ACCA is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking leader with a proven ability to deliver results in a dynamic environment.
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership and people management experience.
- Excellent commercial and business development skills.
- Outstanding communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Experience engaging with senior executives and strategic stakeholders.
- Strong operational and financial management capabilities.
- Experience managing budgets and delivering strategic plans.
- The ability to lead teams through innovation and digital transformation.
- A collaborative leadership style with excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Knowledge of the accounting profession is highly desirable.
- A professional accounting qualification and understanding of regulatory frameworks will be an added advantage.
Why Join ACCA?
ACCA is recognized globally for supporting accounting professionals and promoting excellence within the finance profession. Employees benefit from an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative workplace that values professional growth, innovation, and employee wellbeing.
Some of the benefits offered include:
- Comprehensive medical cover.
- Life assurance.
- Long-term disability cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Financial wellbeing support through the Nudge platform.
- Flexible and blended working arrangements.
- Inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
- Opportunities to contribute to the future of the accounting profession across Africa.
Work Location
This position is based in: Johannesburg, South Africa, The successful candidate will also provide leadership and oversight across Botswana and other Southern African markets managed by ACCA.
Application Deadline
Interested candidates should submit their applications before: Closing Date: 11 August 2026, Late applications may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished executive who wants to make a lasting impact on the accounting profession across Southern Africa. The role offers the chance to influence policy, strengthen professional education, build strategic partnerships, and lead one of the world’s most respected professional accounting organizations in the region.
Candidates with extensive leadership experience, strong stakeholder management skills, and a passion for professional development will find this to be a rewarding career opportunity within an internationally recognized organization.
