ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: HOUSING FUNDS RECONCILIATION REF NO: AD: HFMR 09/2026

The Assistant Director: Housing Funds Reconciliation is a mid-level management position within the public service, based in Durban and focused on ensuring that housing funds are properly accounted for and applied at the municipal level. The role sits within the broader human settlements environment, where the department oversees the transfer and use of public money allocated for housing delivery. The incumbent will be responsible for monitoring the Municipal Housing Operating Accounts held by municipalities, tracking funds that are transferred to municipalities and entities, and facilitating the financial close-out of housing projects. This is a supervisory and advisory post, so the role requires both technical financial expertise and the ability to lead a component, manage resources, and provide policy input. As a level 09 post, it carries significant responsibility for safeguarding public funds and ensuring compliance with the legislative frameworks governing financial management in South Africa.

To be considered for this position, applicants must hold a Degree or National Diploma in Accounting and Financial Management, combined with at least five years of experience in financial management and a minimum of three years of experience in a supervisory role. A valid driver’s licence is also required, as the duties may involve travel to municipalities or project sites. In addition to these formal qualifications, the successful candidate will need a broad working knowledge of the Public Service Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, housing policies and regulations, basic accounting principles and generally accepted accounting practice, as well as the White Paper on Housing. Familiarity with the Constitution, the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Treasury Regulations, labour relations and project management is also expected. This combination of legislative and technical knowledge is essential because the role involves advising on policy, managing public funds, and ensuring that financial practices align with national standards.

Beyond formal knowledge, the position demands a wide range of skills and personal attributes. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong financial and project management skills, effective written and verbal communication, problem-solving and conflict management abilities, and the capacity to facilitate and present to various audiences. Research and analytical skills are important for interrogating financial data, while interpersonal, networking and client focus skills are needed to build relationships with municipalities and other stakeholders. The person must be computer literate, able to work under pressure, and willing to learn, with a service-oriented approach and personal integrity. Time management, flexibility, and the ability to work independently as well as within a team are also key.

The core duties of the role are centred on oversight and accountability. The successful candidate will monitor the Municipal Housing Operating Accounts held at municipalities, ensuring that funds are being used correctly and in line with approved frameworks. They will also monitor funds that are transferred to municipalities and entities, which involves tracking allocations and verifying that expenditure is properly recorded. In addition, they will facilitate the financial close-out of housing projects, meaning the finalisation of project accounts, reconciliation of expenditure, and ensuring that all financial obligations are settled. The role also includes providing advice, guidance and input into policy, which requires staying current with housing and financial regulations. Finally, the Assistant Director will manage the financial and human resources of the component, ensuring that the unit achieves its objectives efficiently and effectively. This includes supervising staff, planning work, and ensuring that the component delivers on its mandate. This is therefore a multi-faceted role suited to an experienced financial professional who understands the public sector environment and is ready to take on managerial responsibility.