Manager: Faculty Accountants

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pretoria invites applications for the vacancy of Department of Finance Manager: Faculty Accountants (Post Level 5). The role supports strategic budgeting, forecasting and financial governance across Faculties and Professional Services, reporting to the Deputy Director: Budget Control.

The successful candidate will lead budget planning and control, oversee monthly and annual financial reports, coordinate internal controls, audits and risk management, and mentor finance staff.

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (SA) qualification is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead budget planning and control; support strategic budgeting and forecasting across Faculties and Professional Services.

Job description

UP Professional and Support DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE MANAGER: FACULTY ACCOUNTANTS PEROMNES POST LEVEL 5 In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Director: Budget Control in implementing the strategic objectives and achieving financial, operational, and service delivery targets;
• Provide leadership, oversight, and performance management to Faculty Accountants, ensuring effective financial support to Faculties and Professional Services;
• Manage and resolve complex and escalated financial queries, ensuring high levels of client service and stakeholder satisfaction;
• Monitor, review, and report on key financial performance indicators (KPIs) to support informed decision-making and financial sustainability;
• Oversee the preparation, review, and timely submission of monthly, annual, and ad-hoc financial management reports to senior management;
• Review and approve high-risk journal entries and other significant financial transactions to ensure compliance with accounting standards and University policies;
• Identify, assess, and mitigate financial and operational risks within the Budget Control Division through proactive monitoring and control measures;
• Provide expert guidance and support on budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and expenditure management for Faculties and Support Services;
• Prepare and analyze monthly management information and financial performance reports to support strategic planning and decision-making;
• Review financial reports relating to special projects, grants, and regulatory reporting requirements, including DHET and externally funded projects;
• Strengthen internal controls and drive continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks based on risk assessments and audit findings;
• Review internal audit reports, coordinate management responses, and ensure the effective implementation of corrective actions and audit recommendations;
• Prepare Budget Control audit files and act as liaison between the University and external auditors during audit processes;
• Promote employee development through coaching, mentoring, training initiatives, and performance evaluations to build high-performing finance teams;
• Ensure appropriate user access to cost centers and financial systems in accordance with the delegation of authority and governance requirements;
• Coordinate and manage year-end financial closing activities to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting;
• Foster strong relationships with Faculties, Professional Services, and other key stakeholders to support sound financial management and compliance across the University.

Minimum Requirements

• Chartered Accountant (SA);
• 7 years relevant work experience (including 3 years articles) with proven experience in and knowledge of, inter alia:
  • Budget planning and control functions;
  • International Reporting Standards;
  • Compilation of financial statements;
  • Mainframe and/or ERP systems;
  • Project management;
• 3 years’ working experience in managing staff within a medium to large organization.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• IFRS;
• Financial management principles;
• Financial management policies and procedures;
• Financial systems and report generation capability;
• Financial legislation;
• Financial accounting skills;
• Auditing skills;
• Financial report writing skills;
• Management accounting;
• Computer skills;
• Process management;
• Statistical analysis;
• Data management;
• Professionalism;
• Excellent communication and language skills;
• Self-motivated and disciplined;
• Business ethics and professional integrity;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Administration and organization skills;
• Effective time management skills, including the ability to prioritize and function under pressure;
• Valuing Service and Diversity;
• Conquering emails;
• High level of accuracy (numeracy).

Added Advantages And Preferences

• Master’s degree in financial management, accounting or auditing;
• 3 years of working experience in a management role within a higher education environment;
• 3 years of working experience in the use of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system (PeopleSoft).

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

• 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.

CLOSING DATE: 31 August 2026.

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Enquiries

Ms Mary-Jane Molema, Tel: [phone] [e-mail] for application-related enquiries, and Mrs A Truscott, Tel: [phone] [e-mail] for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 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 will 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, 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 positions.