Chief Financial Officer - Pretoria at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Chief Financial Officer. The role is accountable the overall strategic leadership of the office of the Chief Financial Officer Portfolio. The purpose of this position is to develop and implement financial plans, policies and accounting practices, maintain the relationship with key stakeholders relevant for the CSIR financial sustainability, and develop procedures that ensure maintenance of the CSIR's fiscal records. Prepare statistical financial data as per acceptable accounting principles for financial reporting to EXCO, CSIR Board, National Treasury and other statutory bodies. Ensure that the CSIR complies with all financial reporting standards, National Treasury Instruction Notes, PFMA requirements and all relevant legislation. Provide ethical and exemplary leadership to all the functions in the finance portfolio. Ensure that EXCO and the CSIR Board are empowered with accurate financial management information and make recommendations on required strategic interventions. Manage the organisation's cash reserves and financial risks. Ensure that the CSIR procurement and ICT functions meet the needs of the CSIR. Ensure that the CSIR makes appropriate investments to have fit for purpose systems and tools. Ensure that the functions in the portfolio have the necessary capacity and transformation profile. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

Strategy

• Lead the Finance, Strategic Procurement and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) portfolios;
• Oversee long-term plans, forecasting and investment activities and assess financial requirements in line with organisational goals;
• Analyse and report on the financial status of the organisation by advising the CEO, EXCO and CSIR Board on organisation's financial performance;
• Ensure that procurement happens in an environment that is free from any potential fraud or corruption;
• Ensure that the CSIR invests in fit for purpose ICT systems, tools and infrastructure that bring tangible value to the organisation;
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of CSIR annual budgets and annual financial statements in line with prevailing legislation, frameworks and government policies;
• Develop and implement strategies and plans to ensure that the CSIR has a strong balance sheet;
• Develop and implement investment plans for the CSIR cash reserves.

Planning

• Oversee the development of and direct the implementation of strategies, procedures and strategic business plans of Finance, ICT and Strategic Procurement;
• Manage financial matters by overseeing the budget process, collation of inputs and comparing actual organisational performance with budget;
• Improve the organisation's financial management and performance by analysing financial strengths and weaknesses and proactively suggesting mitigating measures;
• Oversee and direct the preparation and issuance of the organisation's annual financial report;
• Ensure that the organisation makes the necessary investments in systems and tools that are fit for purpose, supports business performance and efficiency.

Operations

• Prepare and analyse financial management information accurately for use by the CSIR Board, EXCO and key stakeholders;
• Oversee the organisation's transaction processing systems by supervising due diligence, negotiations and acquisition of strategic assets and lease agreements;
• Contribute to the development of all agreements concerning financial obligations, e.g., tax and statutory obligations, contracts, insurance, IT assets and services, procurement activities, etc;
• Safeguard the assets and interests of the organisation and its stakeholders for good investment and strategic decision making;
• Ensure preparation of financial reports as and when required;
• Manage the maintenance of relevant ICT infrastructure and desktop user support;
• Ensure that organisational initiatives such as enterprise development and knowledge dissemination are supported.

Risk Management

• Develop and manage proper and reliable controls for fraud prevention and non-disclosure of financial information;
• Mitigate key elements of the organisation's risk profile and report risk issues to the CEO, EXCO and Audit Committee of the CSIR Board;
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements including the implementation of the principles of transparency and good Corporate Governance;
• Ensure research is conducted and recommendations are made on new ICT technologies;
• Ensure market intelligence capabilities are built to support strategy development;
• Ensure maintenance of financial records and that record-keeping meets the requirements of auditors and key stakeholders.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain good relations with key stakeholders particularly the National Treasury, Auditor General and DSI and other relevant internal and external stakeholders;
• Analyse and review shareholder relations policies, procedures, including annual reports;
• Maintain a good working relationship with auditors and ensure audits are completed efficiently and audit findings are actioned to improve the control environment.

People Management

• Provide ethical and consistent leadership to a team of professionals.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Chartered Accountant (CA) with at least ten years' experience in a senior management position with complete responsibility for the financial function;
• A soundtrack record in Financial Management at a senior management level;
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS);
• Knowledge of PPPFA requirements, PFMA and Treasury Regulations;
• Demonstrated ability to implement internal systems and controls to ensure sound financial management;
• Good communication skills;
• Ability to analyse complex financial information and make sound observations and recommendations;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement finance strategies;
• Good problem-solving, administrative and organisational skills;
• Preparation of consolidated budgets and audited annual financial statements;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the PFMA mandated reporting requirements;
• Demonstrated leadership qualities;
• Excellent networking and relationship building skills, both internally and external to the CSIR.

Closing date: 31 August 2023