Chief Financial Officer at Construction Education & Training Authority (CETA)

Purpose statement:

• The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for overseeing and directing all financial activities within the CETA. The CFO ensures the company’s financial health by managing financial planning, risk management, reporting, and strategic decision-making. This position plays a critical role in driving the financial strategy and long-term business growth, aligning financial objectives with the company’s overall goals.
• In addition to ensuring the financial health of the organization, this role ensures that the supply chain operations are efficient, and facilities are properly managed. The CFO will collaborate with other departments to provide financial insights, improve operational performance, and ensure compliance with all financial regulations. 

Roles and Responsibility:

• Develop a clear understanding of the CETA’s mandate and strategy and provide input based on a review of Finance related issues, trends and best practices in the market.
• Obtain strategic direction from the CEO, to support the formulation of the Finance strategy, plan and budget.
• Involved in Executive discussions and give input to the design and development of the long-term vision for the CETA.
• Engage in continuous environmental scanning and trend analysis which may directly, indirectly and/or potentially impact on the CETA.
• Study global and local trends in Construction sector.
• Participate in discussions with the CEO, Executive Management members and the Board to discuss opportunities and risks and give advice with regard to future direction.
• Develop a Finance Strategy and oversee the development of Operational Plans within all Units aligned to the CETA strategy.
• Identify trends and new products and services available and engage in discussion about integrating and adopting these into the Finance Division’s operational plan.
• Identify initiatives, processes, structures and technology that address the requirements of the operational plans.
• Obtain input from team members and relevant stakeholders to ensure all aspects are considered in the development of the plans and scorecards.
• Manage and monitor strategy implementation and adjust or amend as trends change or possible threats emerge.
• Ensure that all units in Finance are aligned to the operational plans developed.
• Ensure that all staff within the Finance division are aware of operational plans.
• Develop set performance measurement mechanisms and ensure the implementation of these through the operational plans.
• Monitor progress to ensure successful implementation of plans and achievement of targets.
• Set up meetings where relevant to discuss future improvements.
• Oversee the compilation of a policy framework within Finance Division and approve all policies before implementation.
• Ensure that the different systems and work processes in the allocated work areas are integrated and working properly.
• Attend departmental meetings, provide input to problem resolution and take steps to break down barriers that hinder progress.
• Manage the communication flow between the functions.
• Support the training of Managers, Supervisors, and staff within all systems, policies, and procedures to minimise non-conformances.
• Oversee the development and alignment of key strategic documents, including the Sector Skills Plan (SSP), Strategic Plan (SP), and Annual Performance Plan (APP).
• Develop and implement the CETA’s overall financial strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and strategic objectives.
• Lead the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes across all functions to ensure accurate and timely financial insights.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance and recommend strategic actions to improve profitability, reduce costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead and optimize the organization’s supply chain strategy, driving cost-effective and efficient operations across procurement, logistics, inventory, and distribution.
• Work closely with supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration with financial planning, procurement forecasting, and cost control.
• Implement strategies to reduce supply chain costs, enhance supplier relationships, and improve delivery timelines.
• Oversee the implementation of technology solutions and systems to improve supply chain visibility, reporting, and analytics.
• Oversees project accounting processes to ensure accurate tracking, allocation, and reporting of project funds.
• Ensures that project budgets are aligned with approved plans and monitored regularly for deviations.
• Reviews financial reports on projects to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds.
• Ensures compliance with funding requirements, grant conditions, and regulatory frameworks.
• Provides financial oversight on learning programmes and projects to ensure effective utilisation of funds.
• Identifies financial risks within projects and implements mitigation strategies.
• Supports decision-making through analysis of project financial performance and sustainability.
• Oversee the financial management of project payments, ensuring that payments are processed on time and in accordance with contractual terms.
• Develop and manage systems to track project payments, from initiation to completion, ensuring that financial flows align with project timelines and budgets.
• Collaborate with project managers and relevant stakeholders to monitor and control project costs, providing financial oversight and accountability.
• Lead the development of payment approval processes, ensuring that all project-related expenditures are validated and compliant with financial policies.
• Ensure the financial integrity of the entire CETA by maintaining strong internal controls, compliance, and governance across all financial operations.
• Prepare and review comprehensive financial statements and reports, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards.
• Manage the CETA’s cash flow, banking relationships, and financing activities to ensure optimal liquidity for ongoing operations and expansion.
• Ensure timely financial audits and collaborate with external auditors to ensure compliance and transparency in all financial matters.
• Manage relationships and contracts with identified partners and service providers.
• Facilitate and maintain effective stakeholder and business relationships through appropriate relationship-building, networking, and reporting activities.
• Represent the organisation to stakeholders, associates, and partners and maintain professional, effective, and amicable relationships to ensure that CETA’s interests are upheld
• Liaise on a regular basis with all third parties and ensure that business relationships are maintained.
• Address problems that are identified in the most appropriate manner.
• Investigate problems and find suitable solutions.
• Deal with customer queries and escalated issues from Managers and Supervisors.
• Sound planning and forecasting of capital expenditure within area of responsibility.
• Compile budget inputs in accordance with policies, procedures and legal requirements.
• Manage costs against approved budget.
• Take full responsibility for the financial resources within the area of accountability.
• Establish and implement procedures for the prioritisation of revenue critical functions.
• Constantly monitor the areas within the Finance Division that could create financial loss if not actioned or managed correctly.
• Manage and check that payments are made to suppliers within set requirements.
• Coordinate the procurement function within the Division and ensure compliance with all CETA Supply Chain Management policies and procedures.
• Establish and implement a comprehensive risk management framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks.
• Monitor the division's adherence to legal, regulatory, and industry standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Stay informed on updates to regulations and ensure timely adjustments to policies and procedures.
• Lead efforts to identify potential risks, both internal and external, that could impact organizational Finance and strategic objectives.
• Regularly review the effectiveness of risk controls and make necessary adjustments.
• Promote a culture of risk awareness and ethical conduct throughout the organization, encouraging proactive identification and management of risks at all levels.
• Ensure employees are trained and aware of their responsibilities regarding risk management and compliance.
• Provide transparency on compliance and risk management issues, ensuring that corrective actions are taken when necessary.
• Oversee internal and external audits to evaluate the effectiveness of risk management and compliance programs.
• Build and lead an effective and cohesive team through the effective management of divisional resources.
• Drive the implementation of talent acquisition, succession planning, development, and retention strategies for the division.
• Ensure the enhancement of relevant knowledge and skills through continuous coaching, mentoring and nurturing of talent in the business Division.
• Create a high-performance culture and manage team performance effectively by translating and communicating the annual performance goals and measures into individual work plans based on agreed upon objectives.
• Ensure the working environment contributes to improving employee engagement, recognition and increased productivity.
• Ensure the management of poor performance and disciplinary matters in line with the CETA’s policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES:

Core Competencies:

• Agility
• Result-Orientated
• Integrity
• Respect
• Professionalism
• Stakeholder Management

Leadership Competencies:

• Accountability
• Strategic Management
• Financial Management
• People Management
• Risk and Compliance Management
• Change Management

Technical Competencies:

• Financial Data Management
• Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
• Bank Reconciliation
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• Auditing

Enabling Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management
• Integrity and Ethics
• Collaboration

Requirements

Minimum Job Inherent Requirements:

• Master’s Degree (NQF 9) in Accounting, Finance or Equivalent.
• Chartered Accountant (CA) (SA), will be an added advantage.
• 10 years minimum experience of which 5 years at senior management level.
• Understanding of public finance in the PSET sector will be an added advantage.