Advisor: Finance – Audit Support at South African Local Government Association

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Relevant Degree in Finance or Accounting;
• At least 3 years’ relevant experience of which at least 1 years have been at an equivalent level within a medium to large sized organisation;
• Demonstrates a sound understanding of the Local Government Sector and issues relating to area of speciality;
• Sound track-record and experience in a local government finance essential;
• Proven knowledge of the MFMA and other relevant local government finance legislation;

KEY PORTFOLIO AND PERFORMANCE FOCUS AREAS

• Audit and Financial Management support: Support the Senior Advisor to assist municipalities in improving matters relating to local government finance, with a particular focus on Municipal Audit Support: Monitor, analyse and report on municipalities identified to be in the red Zone. Implement the Municipal Audit Support Programme of SALGA and Track progress
• Research and Benchmarking: Conduct analysis on municipalities and provide guidance in respect of possible improvements – Section 71 & 106 reports from Treasury; MPACs; Municipal Audit Outcomes by AG; Municipal Quarterly finance Reports Collects, categorises and tracks relevant information required for specific tasks and projects.
• Perform support activities to benchmarking exercises under guidance from senior and Specialists. Under leadership and guidance from Senior Advisors and Specialists, perform desktop research on issues related to municipal challenges within the sector/ professional discipline (Collect data, examine relevance and synthesise) Support the gathering and channeling of information to build and update municipal profiles.
• Provide administrative support with the arrangements of knowledge sharing / peer learning sessions/ presentations to SALGA staff and external stakeholders. May include providing inputs to content and packaging of information for the sessions
• Representation at IGR & Other For a (lobbying and Advocacy): Represent municipalities at relevant forums/ meetings/ committees within the sector/ professional discipline. Attend policy conferences in topics related to area of accountability. Support the Senior advisors to develop content on a number of complex issues relevant to a SALGA position for mandating. Support the development of reports to the working groups.
• Understand the national and provincial governance structures of SALGA and the institutional structures of the Sector/ Professional discipline and key role players in the area of specialization. Represent SALGA and the Municipalities at relevant at various IGR and other Fora to protect the interests of municipalities / LG Sector; and to disrupt structural form, policy or legislative frameworks in a particular sector, where it hinders municipal performance;
• Support Advice and Capacity Building: Guide, support and provide advice to municipalities in the areas of Audit Support and financial Management in accordance with the programme plan. Provide hands-on support to strengthen municipal capacity/ improve programme implementation. Implement the capacity building strategy and associated programmes in municipalities. Support the representation of municipalities as the “employer” on national/ provincial LGSETA structures. Coordinate the logistical arrangements for training programmes/ peer learning sessions in the areas of focus/ professional discipline
• Programme Monitoring and Evaluation and Reporting: Implement project management methodologies and disciplines; and support the management of the full project cycle on assigned projects including M&E. Ensure that projects are conducted against contract specification and payments are based on agreed milestone. Maintain records as per SALGA policy and ensure that all project records are uploaded into the company knowledge management system. Support the reporting on progress against milestones. Support the preparation of audit files for each project prior to audit
• Stakeholder Management: Within the scope of area of accountability build and maintain relevant stakeholder relationships/ partnerships in the area of responsibility. Ensure appropriate and timely communications with all stakeholders. Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders to ensure programme success and to increase SALGA’s capacity to make an impact. Support the creation of reports to communicate about the programme and provide updates for website
• Governance, Compliance and Risk Management: Uphold sound corporate governance principles in the day-to-day operation of the area of responsibility/ professional discipline. Ensure compliance with organisational policies and procedures. Support the identification and mitigation of organisational and operational risks identified in the area of responsibility/ professional discipline
• Teamwork: Work as a multi-disciplinary and integrated team to find possible solutions to complex challenges in municipalities. Support organisational priorities and the implementation of resource mobilisation systems and processes.
• In line with the SALGA organisational culture, align personal and organisational values for improved performance. Support the Executive and Senior Management Team in building a high-performance culture in SALGA. Implement the performance management and development processes in SALGA to drive high performance on an ongoing basis.