Senior Director: Budget and Financial Accounting at Nelson Mandela Bay Metro

The objective of the Budget and Financial Accounting Sub-Directorate within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) inter alia includes the following:

• Give effect to the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (56 of 2003) & accompanying regulations and applicable circulars relating to the preparation of the Municipality’s budget and implementation control thereto.
• Give effect to the provisions of Chapter 9 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (56 of 2003) in guiding and advising Directorates on all financial related issues, including but not limited to compliance issues.
• Leading a process of periodically preparing the annual financial statements/making relevant contributions to the preparation of Annual Reports and any other financial reports destined for any structure of Council.
• Leading a process of development and/or review of various financial related policies that are initiated by the Budget and Treasury Directorate as well as any other Directorate’s financial related policies. Contributing to various change management initiatives or reforms within the institution.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Grade 12, B.Com degree majoring in Finance/Accounting or relevant qualification at NQF Level 7.
• Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office applications.
• A minimum of eight years’ relevant experience, of which 5 years be at senior management level.
• A Certificate in Municipal Finance Management: Certificate Programme in Municipal Development (CPMD) or attaining within eighteen months of appointment the required competency level in terms of Local Government MFMA Minimum Competency Levels of 2007 and 2018 amendments.
• Valid Professional Registration with the relevant Accredited Professional Body shall be an added advantage.
• A valid Code B driver’s licence.

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Leadership and managerial: Create a clear sense of common purpose and vision for others with a view to obtaining buy-in and commitment to the goals. The ability to inspire a positive attitude in others and be able to influence others effectively.
• Functional: Able to amend and review financial policies in accordance with prevailing legislation, norms and standards.
• Public service: Establish and maintain productive relationships with people within and outside of the Municipality and the ability to respond constructively to pressure/stress situations and the ability to persist goals despite obstacles and setbacks.
• Ethics and professionalism: The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to resolve ethical and potential conflict of interest issues to conclusion considering associated risks and uphold good and ethical conduct.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

• Identifying, defining and reporting on the short-, medium- and long-term planning and reporting objectives and priorities of the Sub-Directorate.
• Analysing, aligning and directing operating capacity against specific key performance areas.
• Aligning functions and processes with legislation and related influential factors in the financial management environment.
• Evaluating and commenting on proposed changes to current financial related policies, procedures and systems, as well as proposed solutions emanating from audit reports.
• Overseeing the management of all matters relating to and affecting the performance of all staff within the Sub-Directorate.
• Championing various initiatives or reforms that may require input or guidance from the Sub-Directorate or as delegated by the Chief Financial Officer (e.g. MSCOA reforms, Trading Services reforms, cascading the implementation of Performance Management System, etc.) which may occur on an as and when required basis.  
• Providing guidance to Directorates on financial policy, procedural issues, reporting and preparation of the Operating and Capital Budgets.
• Liaising with auditors, advising and guiding the City Manager and Chief Financial Officer on accounting issues, budgets, annual financial statements and financial management.
• Making presentations to Standing Committees and Task Teams on financial issues and representing the Chief Financial Officer at Council (when required) and its committees. 
• Proposing strategies to balance the Budget and presenting the budgets for final approval by Council.
• Implementing a customer focused approach in dealing with internal and external stakeholders important in the operation of the Sub-Directorate. 
• Managing administrative and financial procedures to ensure that controls and procedures related to the recording and reporting of financial information are complied with.