Director : Finance

University of Pretoria / Universiteit van Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Pretoria is seeking a Director of Finance to oversee the operational and strategic management of the Department of Finance. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, a CA(SA) registration, and significant experience in financial management within the higher education sector, alongside strong leadership capabilities. This role involves budgeting, financial control, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience, 5 years in management in a large organisation.
• Experience in financial management, preferably in higher education.
• Proven experience in managing financial operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational and strategic leadership of the Department.
• Manage the Department's income and expense budget.
• Oversee financial control and savings measures.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of budgeting

Expert knowledge of statutory requirements

Excellent report writing skills

Ability to communicate complex financial matters

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Postgraduate qualification (Master’s level)

Tools

ERP systems

MS Word

Excel

Job description

Job title: Director : Finance

Job Location: Gauteng, Pretoria

Deadline: November 17, 2025

Quick Recommended Links

• Jobs by Location
• Job by industries

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 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 : 13November 2025.