Job Opportunities at Legal Aid South Africa

KEY OUTPUTS

• Develop, monitor and review departmental accounting policies, procedures and processes for submission to Management Exco and/or Board for approval as required.
• Ensure all Provincial Accountants and Finance staff are familiar with and implement all finance policies and procedures and maintain systems to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ensure that all actions of Legal Aid SA are compliant with legislation and regulations and that all statutory reporting and submission deadlines are complied with.
• Prepare monthly reports by collecting data, analysing and investigating variances; summarising data, information and trends.
• Ensure effective and efficient payment processing.
• Ensure administrative efficiency and effective control relating to the handling, routing and filing (physical or electronic) of incoming invoices and the assessment of practitioners’ accounts and the pre-checking of trade creditor accounts.
• Lead the Accounts Payable, Payroll and Infrastructure teams and provide change management support when needed.
• Ensure effective and compliant payroll administration, accurate and timeous payment of salaries and statutory payments.
• Effective and efficient management of infrastructure requirements for National Office and lead the implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives, including reporting.

In-depth knowledge of Finance and how to implement and leverage these within a matrix business environment:

• Working knowledge of the PFMA, National Treasury Regulations, Legal Aid SA Act, applicable SARS regulations (Income Tax Act, VAT Act, Tax Administration Act, etc.) and other relevant Statutes,
• Functional ability in the utilisation of electronic systems and technologies.
• Understanding of the GRAP and other reporting frameworks to ensure they are embedded in the day-to-day activities of the Finance Department.
• Able to create “functional integration” within the Finance Department, National Office Departments and Local Offices. Provide support to the Provincial Offices, Local Offices and Satellite Offices to ensure smooth management of expenditure and infrastructure.
• Able to partner with the Finance Executive and Senior Management to support the achievement of strategic objectives through effective support of administrative processes.
• Effective working relationship with the Executive, Senior Management and within the Finance Department.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, management and leadership skills, business acumen and the ability to deal with ambiguity and meet demanding deadlines and manage projects.
• Financial and HR Management skills to manage the Expenditure Function within Legal Aid SA.
• Oversee the compilation of the Annual Financial Statements and drive compliance with the GRAP and applicable reporting frameworks.
• Assist in the formulation of budget estimations and budget guidelines based on the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks impacting expenditure and infrastructure management.
• Co-ordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings and reporting on action plans.
• Ensure adequate internal controls are in place in expenditure management and overall operations within Legal Aid SA.
• Compile all the necessary reports as and when required.

COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES) REQUIRED

• A recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting.
• An Honours Degree or CTA, Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8) and admission as a Chartered Accountant will be an added advantage.
• Finance-related professional body membership will be an added advantage.
• More than five (5) years of relevant work experience in Finance, with a minimum of four (4) years of experience in a middle management role within a complex organisation.
• Experience that would assist the incumbent in driving a service excellence mindset and building relationships within the organisation as a whole.
• A sophisticated collaborative style is advantageous.
• Project management experience is necessary, however, not essential.
• Service excellence imperative.
• Multi-level and diverse stakeholders.
• Complexity in co-ordinating across organisational levels.
• Networking with relevant internal and external stakeholders – Local Offices, Provincial Offices and within the organisation as a whole.

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KEY OUTPUTS

• Maintain the infrastructure of the office.
• Select Candidate Attorneys, legal practitioners and administrative staff for the office.
• Manage the functioning and administration of the office.
• Manage the allocation of cases to private practitioners (Judicare).
• Train and develop staff.
• Ensure sound management of the office’s finances and other assets.

COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES) REQUIRED

• Legal qualification with an LLB or B. Proc degree.
• Must be admitted as an Attorney or Advocate of the High Court of SA.
• At least 12 years of post-qualification legal experience and at least 10 years of post-admission experience of which four (4) years must be court experience.
• Demonstrated ability to train Candidate Attorneys.
• Excellent leadership and people development skills with a track record in training Candidate Attorneys and newly appointed legal practitioners.
• Experience in budget preparation and management thereof.
• Advanced computer skills (Excel, Word and Outlook) an advantage.

The following additional skills, knowledge, training and competencies are required:

• Strong communication skills and an ability to manage a diverse workforce.
• Ability to plan, organise, coordinate and present.
• Good facilitation skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies.
• Innovative, creative and analytical thinking skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and motivational skills.
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills.