Chief Financial Officer

Hashtag Nonprofit NPC; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to oversee its financial operations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in financial management within the Higher Education sector, with a strong understanding of compliance and governance. This leadership role requires strategic vision and expert financial acumen to support the university’s mission.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of financial management experience, preferably in Higher Education.
• Proven leadership in financial strategy and policy development.
• Strong understanding of Higher Education funding models and governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the university’s financial operations.
• Develop and implement financial policies, long-term strategies, and systems.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to execute the university’s strategic plan.

Skills

Financial management

Strategic leadership

Compliance knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Chartered Accountant (SA)

Postgraduate qualification in Administration

Job description

• Durban University of Technology (DUT)
  
  

Chief Financial Officer at Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• Deadline:
  
  

06 July 2025

• Region:
  
  

Durban

• Type of employment:
  
  

Full time

Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical executive role at the university, responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the institution’s financial operations. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the CFO is tasked with ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment with the university’s goals. This includes the development and implementation of financial policies, long-term strategies, and robust systems to protect the university’s assets and maintain its financial health.

The CFO provides expert guidance to the Vice-Chancellor, Council, and relevant committees, balancing the need for robust financial controls with strategic innovation to support the university’s academic and research mandates. The CFO develops, implements, and monitors policies and systems that align the university's financial strategies with its overall mission and objectives. This role encompasses the oversight of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, investment management, procurement, compliance, and the development of effective control systems. The CFO plays a pivotal role in safeguarding institutional resources while aligning financial strategies with the university's vision and long-term goals.

This role requires a forward-thinking leader with exceptional technical expertise, analytical acumen, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the Higher Education environment.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop, review, and execute the university’s strategic plan.
• Lead the design of financial strategies that align with institutional objectives and promote sustainability.
  
  

Policy Implementation and Development

• Designs and implements robust financial policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with statutory, regulatory, and governance frameworks.
  
  

Budgeting and Financial Reporting

• Leads the preparation of the university's annual budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  
  

Procurement and Investment Oversight

• Ensures cost-effective procurement of quality goods and services.
• Manage investment strategies and oversee the execution of decisions from the Investment Committee.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, donors, and government agencies, to support the university’s financial objectives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Council on financial matters
  
  

Audit and Risk Oversight

• Designs and monitors control systems to ensure financial stability and compliance with laws and regulations.
• Oversees risk management processes related to financial operations.
  
  

Leadership and People Management

• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering professional development and high performance.
• Develop and implement staff performance management frameworks and succession planning strategies.
  
  

Qualifications And Requirements

The Chief Financial Officer must have the following:

• Chartered Accountant (SA) actively registered with SAICA. A further postgraduate qualification in Administration will serve as an added advantage.
• 10–15 years of financial management experience, preferably within Higher Education.
• Proven leadership in developing and implementing financial strategies, policies, and control systems.
  
  

In-depth Understanding Of

• Higher Education funding models in South Africa.
• Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and related legislation.
• International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Tax laws, including VAT and Foreign Exchange regulations.
• Governance frameworks (e.g., King IV, IIA standards).
• Familiarity with higher education financial and operational dynamics.
• Strong governance and audit background with familiarity in risk-based audits.
  
  

How to apply

View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Sunday 06th July 2025 to: [e-mail]

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More about this vacancy

• Date posted:
  
  

19 June 2025

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