Chief Financial Officer (Deputy Director-General Level) - Ref NO: DHET01/10/2023 at Department of Higher Education and Training

REQUIREMENTS : 

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree/advanced diploma (NQF Level 7) in Finance/Accounting or related qualification as recognized by SAQA.
• A postgraduate qualification at NQF level 8 in the field of Finance or Management Accounting. 
• Admission as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa) will serve as a distinct advantage. 
• A minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years’ of experience at the senior management level, coupled with extensive management experience in the field of financial management covering Accounting,Budgeting Reporting, Asset Management, and Supply Chain Management. 
• Knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA),Treasury Regulations, and relevant government policies regulating financial management in government: Generally Recognized Audit Practices (GRAP);and Preferential Procurement Policy Framework (PPPFA). 
• Willingness to work irregular hours and travel extensively.
• A valid driver’s licence. 

Competencies:

• Excellent knowledge of financial management; 
• Contract management, 
• Supply chain management systems, 
• Budgeting principles; 
• Expert knowledge of
• Basic Accounting Systems, 
• PERSAL, the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) process, procedures, and controls within the private and public sectors. 
• Good understanding of macroeconomic policies and strategies affecting the operation of the public and private entities (including monetary, fiscal, trade protocols, agreements, and micro-economic reform strategy). 
• Extensive experience in the application of strategic management, business planning and design, performance measurement, financial accounting (including principles of GRAP/MCS), management accounting, cost accounting, internal controls, internal and external audit, information systems, and Supply Chain Management.
•  Ability to establish good working relations with key stakeholders such as the National Treasury and Auditor-General of South Africa.
• Acumen and experience in managing and interacting with key stakeholders at the senior level; proven strategic and leadership capabilities, programme and project management, and people management and empowerment; well-developed research and development methodologies.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal). 
• Client orientation and customer focus, honesty and integrity, and time management skills.
• Excellent project management, problem-solving, report writing, computer and analytic skills are key to this post

DUTIES:

• The successful candidate will oversee effective, integrated financial services and supply chain management systems within the Department in accordance with the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and other finance-related prescripts; provide strategic support and guidance to the Accounting Officer (DirectorGeneral) and Programme Managers (Deputy Directors–General). 
• Manage and facilitate the provision of financial management services.
• Develop, implement, and monitor financial services and procurement-related policies and procedures. 
• Oversee and lead in the development and monitoring of the implementation of finance policies and procedures in order to ensure compliance and promote sound financial management. 
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate systems (analytical tools, information systems, and models or projections of cost behaviour) and policies to ensure effective and efficient management of resources.
• Oversee and lead the budgeting process in compliance with the National Treasury guidelines and monitor the utilization of budgets within the Department. 
• Oversee the provision of logistics and facilities in ensuring the optimal utilization of fixed and movable assets.
• Ensuring proper management of the assets (including the safeguarding and the maintenance thereof) and the liabilities of the Department. 
• The provision of an effective and efficient Supply Chain Management service within the Department. 
• Monitor the provision of Supply Chain Management and assets management services.
• Settling all contractual obligations and paying all money owing, including inter-governmental claims, within the prescribed or agreed period.
• Manage and monitor the provision of financial services and salary administration. 
• Ensure that the expenditure of the Department is in accordance with the Budget Vote of the Department and the main divisions within the Vote. 
• Manage and minimise the Department’s risk exposure by maintaining effective systems and internal controls. 
• Manage and monitor the public entities’ compliance oversight. 
• Prepare management account reports including financial reports and quarterly reports. 
• Formulating creative solutions to enhance cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery and administration of services. 
• Advise the Accounting Officer on matters that have strategic and financial implications and provide consultative support to planning initiatives through financial and management information analysis, reports, and recommendations. 
• Coordinating the MTEF and Estimate of National
• Expenditure processes in respect of the Department. 
• Liaising with the relevant role-players in the financial environment regarding transversal financial matters.
• Liaising with external auditors and attending to audit queries.
• Management of financial and human resources within the Finance Chief
• Directorate in line with relevant legislation in order to reach the strategic objectives of the Department of Higher Education and Training.