Divisional Finance Manager - Pretoria at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for a Divisional Financial Manager, who will drive the financial strategy of the division. The incumbent will fulfil the role of strategic financial advisor to the division and be overall accountable for financial management, including monitoring and evaluation of all financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The incumbent will be required to manage and develop the finance team. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive the financial strategic input into the division’s strategy and operational plan;
• Provide expert strategic financial advice and input into divisional investment and commercialisation strategies;
• Drive the budgeting and forecasting processes in consultation with leadership;
• Consolidate and present divisional financial reporting;
• Data analytics and measurements for strategic informed financial decision making, financial direction and risk mitigation;
• Provide strategic leadership in the implementation of financial policies, processes and control measures, including monitoring and reporting compliance according to relevant financial legislation and regulations;
• Oversee contracting and contract management to ensure accurate and complete financial management;
• Strategic engagement with industry partners to provide financial input on program structuring, and feedback against programme budget, deliverables and objectives;
• Lead the finance service delivery to the division, including contracting, working capital optimisation, financial management and resolution of all financial queries;
• Accountable for division audits ensuring compliance to stated financial objectives and audit requirements;
• Lead and manage the divisional finance team and function.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Chartered Accountant (SA), CIMA or similar qualification with at least ten years’ experience in finance, of which five years should be in management in a medium to large business;
• Exposure to private and public sector;
• Experience in contract evaluation and management;
• Ability to analyse and interpret financial data;
• Internal and external stakeholder engagement, such as auditors, suppliers and industry funders;
• Sound understanding of legislation applicable to state owned entities;
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) finance system application exposure;
• People management, leadership and negotiation skills.