Assistant Director: Financial Accounting at Department of Higher Education and Training

REQUIREMENTS :

• Incumbent should have a relevant Senior Certificate / Grade 12/ NCV Certificate (Level 4). A recognised three-year National Diploma (NQF Level 6)/ Degree in Financial Management or a related qualification is required. The candidate must have a minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ experience at supervisory level on salary level 7 or 8 in a financial environment.
• The ideal applicant must possess advanced knowledge of the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) and Continuing Education and Training (CET) Acts, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), GRAP (Generally Recognised Accounting Practice), Treasury Regulations, the Skills Development Act, Public Service Regulations, Public Service Act, Labour Relations Act, and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) along with associated legislation. Proficiency in financial management systems is essential.
• Candidates must demonstrate advanced administrative, planning, and financial management skills, with strong capabilities in report writing, interpersonal communication, and problem-solving. Core competencies include computer literacy, analytical thinking, client orientation, and effective project and people management. A high level of professionalism, leadership, and commitment to delivering quality work are vital for success in this role.

DUTIES :

• Render effective financial accounting services in the areas of revenue management, expenditure control, reporting, and supervision. Oversee the collection and recording of revenue, including cashier, banking, and electronic payment functions, ensuring compliance with relevant financial prescripts and procedures. Monitor the receipt and safekeeping of all monies, bank reconciliations, allocation of electronic payments, and the safeguarding of source documents and face-value items. Oversee debt management processes, including the identification, accurate recording, and recovery of debts owed to the department, liaising with debtors in complex cases, and securing necessary approvals for repayment arrangements.
• Monitor revenue against budget, develop corrective measures when required, and ensure the preparation of accurate disclosure notes and financial supporting information. Manage expenditure processes related to compensation of employees, including payroll transaction verification, authorisation of reimbursements and third-party payments, and reconciliation between payroll (PERSAL) and the accounting system (BAS). Oversee expenditure on goods and services by verifying source documents, ensuring quality assurance, managing creditor reconciliations, and ensuring alignment with budgets. Manage transfers and subsidies by verifying eligibility and compliance with financial legislation and authorising related payments.
• Coordinate financial reporting activities, including the analysis of expenditure reports and the compilation of interim and annual reports on conditional grants. Ensure the safekeeping of all financial documentation. Provide supervision and leadership to staff, including work allocation, quality control, performance management, training and development, and the implementation of efficient work systems to ensure effective and compliant financial operations