Chief Financial Officer at University of the Witwatersrand

Department Description        

• The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a leading global research-intensive university in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, committed to academic excellence, innovation, and social justice, invites applications for the position of Chief Finance Officer.
• The Chief Financial Officer is a member of the Senior Executive Team and is directly responsible for the financial sustainability of the University and the Wits Group.
• The successful candidate will also be responsible for establishing a sound fiscal position for the University so that it can be strategically positioned as an internationally renowned research and teaching institution.

Brief Description        

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership and control with regard to:

• Oversight of the full financial function encompassing central control over all revenues and expenditures.
• Oversight of the devolved financial management functions within the University.
• Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting on financial activities, including entities associated with the University.
• Preparation of consolidated financial statements of the University and its entities according to International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Providing the Senior Executive Team with advice on financial strategies, capital investment alternatives and operational savings.
• Compiling and implementation of financial policies and procedures within an acceptable corporate governance framework.
• The development and implementation of effective financial risk management, including financial modelling for the development of a financial sustainability strategy for the University.
• Financial reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training, funding organisations, donors and other stakeholders, in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Management of a sound financial operational system on the ERP platform.
• Oversight of the cash management function, including the investment portfolios of the University.
• Management of supply chain and procurement policies and procedures.
• Oversight of the management of the payroll function.
• Asset management and insurance policies and practices within the University.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial and tax regulations.
• Liaising and interacting with internal and external auditors and facilitating audit outcomes
• Interaction with internal and external stakeholders and representing the University at applicable higher education forums.
• Financially stewarding and overseeing other companies in the Wits group.
• Stewarding and strategically leading a well-established finance division.

The successful candidate must preferably:

• Be a Chartered Accountant and member of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants, or an equivalent professional accounting body.

and have:

• Proven experience in a Senior Finance Executive role of at least ten years at holding company or group level.
• Experience in the Higher Education environment and understanding of its challenges.
• Knowledge of the funding arrangements for post-retirement pension, provident and medical schemes.
• Knowledge of financial information systems.
• Negotiation skills and experience in budgeting processes in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience in the application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Appreciation of best practice in corporate governance, procurement and risk management.
• High-level inter-personal skills, including conflict resolution abilities.

Remuneration: An attractive remuneration package is offered commensurate with the seniority of the position.

Closing Date: 20 July 2026