Director: Finance

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

Job summary

A prominent educational institution is seeking a Director of Finance in Pretoria. The role encompasses strategic management and financial operations oversight. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, a CA(SA) designation, and extensive experience in financial management, especially in the higher education sector. The position offers an opportunity to lead within a diverse and dynamic environment, making significant contributions to educational excellence.

Benefits

50% contribution to medical aid premiums

Generous annual remuneration package

Qualifications

• 10 years’ experience with a minimum of 5 years in management.
• Experience in financial management within the higher education sector.
• Proven leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational and strategic finances of the department.
• Develop and implement departmental budgets.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards.

Skills

Budgeting

Advanced knowledge of South African Tax Law

Financial reporting

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Postgraduate qualification (preferably Master's)

Tools

ERP systems

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

UP Professional and Support

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

DIRECTOR

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 3

The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s top research-intensive universities, dedicated to producing high-quality, impactful research that addresses complex contemporary issues. It is one of the most significant producers of research and makes a major contribution to postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training, as well as nurturing and supporting researchers at different stages of their research careers. It is home to the largest number of National Research Foundation (NRF)-rated researchers. The University has developed the infrastructure and a number of research platforms, including the Future Africa Institute and Campus, which support multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research across the institution. The University is continuously expanding its research partnerships and collaborations across the globe.

The University’s nine faculties and business school offer a wide spectrum of under- and postgraduate programmes that are recognised internationally. It offers quality education to a cohort of approximately 55 000 students from across the diversity of the South African population and awards approximately 14% of all degrees conferred annually by public universities in South Africa.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the position of Director - Finance.

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

Strategic Management and 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)

• 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.

REMUNERATION

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

APPLICATION PROCESS

• A full curriculum vitae
• An abbreviated curriculum vitae
• Certified copies of qualifications and identity document or passport
• A self‑evaluation by the applicant on their suitability for appointment in the position
• Applicant's vision for the portfolio
• Names and contact details of at least three (3) referees who can attest to the candidate's stature as well as leadership qualities. (Applicants should note that the University also reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees).

Applicants are requested to apply online, quoting the applicable reference number at www.up.ac.za , and follow: Careers@UP. Applications must be accompanied by the supporting documents that must be attached electronically to the application.

Please Note

All shortlisted candidates will be requested to make a presentation. The topic and further details will only be provided to shortlisted candidates.

All shortlisted candidates will be required to participate in relevant competencies and psychometric assessments as part of the selection process.

CLOSING DATE

13 NOVEMBER 2025

Applications that are submitted after the closing date or are incomplete or if they do not comply with at least the minimum requirements will not be considered.

Enquiries
Mr Naeem Moolla, e-mail: [e-mail] on the position related enquiries.
Ms Jeovitah Chimhamhiwa, email: [e-mail] on the application process.
Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 28 February 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under‑represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record (including sexual offences clearance), credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised position.