Director: Finance at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

JOB PURPOSE

• Reporting to the Executive Director: Finance and Business Initiatives, the successful incumbent will be responsible for the operational and strategic management of the Department of Finance.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• The successful incumbent’s responsibilities are, but not limited to the following:
• Strategic Management and Leadership 
• Provide operational and strategic leadership of the Department of Finance.
• Plan and formulate the mission, goals and strategies for the Department which are submitted to the Executive Director for approval.
• Develop programmes and schedules to implement planned goals and activities within stated timeframes.
• Develop long and short-term plans to ensure the effective functioning of the Department.

Liaison and Negotiation

• Serve as Director of University owned campus entities and trustee of the University’s retirement and umbrella funds.
• Ensure that the necessary service level agreements are in place with the relevant departments and are properly maintained.
• Negotiate and liaise with suppliers and contractors.

Financial Management 

• Manage the Department's income and expense budget.
• Compile and submit the institutional personnel, capital and operational budget to the Executive Director for approval.
• Develop and implement departmental financial control and savings measures.
• Provide support to line managers in terms of budget control and fund management of various cost centres and operational accounts.
• Monitor operational and capital expenses (in relation to income) and implement corrective action where provided expenses exceed provided income (budget control).

Operational Management of the Finance Function 

• Manage the performance outputs of the department and ensure acceptable service levels of specific departmental tasks and activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the tasks and activities of the department in consultation with other relevant structures (e.g., Audit Committee, Investment Committee, Council, Executive, internal auditors and external auditors).
• Report to the relevant management and government structures in accordance with the provisions of IFRS and the regulations as prescribed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training.
• Manage the departmental administrative processes, computer systems and databases and ensure that they are maintained and operational.
• Monitor and evaluate activities of the department in consultation with other relevant stakeholders and structures.

Human Resources Management 

• Provide strategic input into the University’s overall staffing structure and associated costs.
• Provide leadership concerning the division’s operational and strategic activities and monitor productivity.
• Manage the performance and development of staff.
• Implement and manage the Department of Finance’s transformation initiatives in line with University’s strategy on transformation, diversity and inclusion

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor's degree in Accounting;
• Registration as a Chartered Accountant (CA) (SA);
• A total of 10 years’ experience (of which 5 years should be in management in a large organisation) in the following:
• Experience in financial management, preferably within the higher education sector;
• Proven track record in leadership roles and managing of financial operations;
• Auditing experience; 
• Proven experience and knowledge in closing and drafting of financial statements and international financial reporting standards;
• Proven experience in strategic planning and drafting of budgets;
• Business process improvement; and
• Expertise in the use of ERP systems
• Expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), procurement, investment management, and retirement funds.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• The successful candidate will have advanced proficiency in the following knowledge and technical competencies:
• Advanced knowledge of budgeting, management reporting, and accounting business cycles.
• Advanced knowledge of the South African Tax Law and other related legislations. including Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act and provisions of the National Credit Act.
• Experience in the use of financial systems and related ERP systems.
• Ability to communicate complex financial matters effectively.
• Expert knowledge of statutory and other requirements (of government) applicable to tertiary education institutions e.g. HEMIS reporting.
• Advanced knowledge of short-term insurance.
• Advanced knowledge of funds bookkeeping.
• Knowledge of staff remuneration administration, retirement funds management, and personal/company tax.
• Advanced knowledge of study financing (including NSFAS).
• Advanced knowledge of investment administration and the functioning of financial institutions.
• Computer literacy (MS Word and Excel) and computer systems (code structure development and maintenance).
• Excellent report writing skills, including accounting and statistical analysis.
• Expert knowledge of financial reporting to the government, particularly the Department of Higher Education and Training.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Excellent negotiation and conflict management skills; and
• Ability to interact and relate with a diverse group of institutional stakeholders.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES 

• A postgraduate qualification, at least at a Master’s level.

CLOSING DATE:  13 November 2025.