DEPUTY DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (X1 POST)

This position offers an experienced finance professional the opportunity to lead financial management within a provincial government entity, based in Bloemfontein. As Deputy Director: Financial Management, the successful candidate will be responsible for steering the entity’s financial operations in a demanding and governance-focused environment. The role sits at a senior management level and requires a blend of strategic oversight, technical accounting expertise, and operational leadership. The incumbent will ensure that the entity remains compliant with the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, and Generally Recognised Accounting Practice standards, while also supporting broader organisational objectives through sound financial planning and control.

Applicants must hold a Grade 12 or Matric certificate, together with a SAQA-recognised degree or equivalent qualification at NQF level 7 in Accounting or Financial Management. Completion of SAICA or SAIPA articles is a strict requirement, as is a minimum of five years of relevant financial experience, with at least three years at a management level. A valid driver’s licence is also required. The ideal candidate will bring strong strategic capability, leadership and people management skills, and the ability to empower and develop staff. Financial acumen, knowledge management, problem-solving, customer focus, and excellent communication skills are essential. A thorough understanding of Public Service Acts, policy analysis, and interpretation is expected, along with working knowledge of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and GRAP standards. Given the reliance on large databases, advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Access is non-negotiable.

The duties are extensive and varied. The Deputy Director will facilitate financial planning for the entity, prepare monthly financial reports, monitor cash flow, and ensure compliance with all financial prescripts. Year-end financial procedures will fall under this role, including the preparation of financial statements in line with GRAP, compiling audit files for the Auditor General, identifying correcting journals, and maintaining a detailed asset register for leased assets. Revenue management is another key area, involving the calculation of tariffs, computing quarterly leased schedules, monitoring the policy and legislative framework, and overseeing revenue collection, cashier services, banking, debt management, and reporting. The role also includes risk functions, such as analysing fleet expenditure, authorising transactions on BAS, monitoring payroll, and undertaking expenditure management and accounting work. In addition, the post manages human, financial, and equipment resources, covering staff performance, development, discipline, leave matters, and ensuring spending aligns with strategic objectives.

This is a leadership role suited to a finance professional who can manage teams, work under pressure, and uphold sound governance. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks, including criminal, financial, qualification, citizenship, reference, and employment verification. All shortlisted candidates must also undergo two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise and an integrity assessment. Successful appointees will be required to enter into an employment contract and performance agreement within three months, and undergo a security clearance. Applications must be submitted on the new Z83 form with a comprehensive CV, and foreign qualifications require a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to fill the post, and correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates.