Assistant Director: Finance (Expenditure Analysis and Management Reporting) at Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness

REQUIREMENTS :

• Minimum educational qualification: An appropriate 3-year National Diploma/Degree in IT, Data Science, Finance, Accounting, or related qualification.
• Experience: Appropriate experience in financial data analysis, management accounting, financial administration, budgeting, costing or financial reporting. Appropriate experience in the advanced use of Microsoft Excel. Appropriate experience in the use of database management and analytics tools such as Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, Power Query and VBA programming.
• Inherent requirement of the job: Valid Code B/EB driver’s licence. Expected to provide training and support to Institutions within the Department.
• Competencies (knowledge/skills): Knowledge of management accounting, budgeting, financial modelling, data analytics and business intelligence, with the ability to analyse and interpret complex financial and operational information. Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, Power Query and/or Power Pivot), Microsoft Access, SQL Server, Power BI and other data analytics and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, with the ability to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. Proven people management, coaching and staff development skills. Excellent interpersonal, communication, stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across all organisational levels and independently where required.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse large, complex datasets, perform data cleaning and transformation, and generate actionable insights to support decision-making. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Good communication skills. 

DUTIES :

• Lead financial modelling and database management activities that support strategic planning, budgeting and decision-making. Analyse and interpret complex financial and non-financial information, providing evidence-based insights and recommendations to management.
• Oversee data governance, including data extraction, validation and quality assurance, to ensure the integrity and quality of financial and management information. Continuously review the effectiveness of existing databases and financial reporting models and develop automated reporting solutions.
• Monitor expenditure, cash flow and budget performance through forecasting and variance analysis to promote sound financial management. Prepare cost estimates, financial assessments and supporting analyses to inform planning, budgeting and resource allocation.
• Build organisational analytical capability by providing technical guidance and training to Sectors and Institutions on forecasting methodologies, financial reporting and the interpretation of management information. Manage and develop staff to ensure the effective delivery of financial analytical services.