ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: BUDGET

This position is for an Assistant Director: Budget within the Financial and Supply Chain Management Services directorate, based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The role sits at a senior supervisory level within the provincial public service and is central to the planning, coordination, and monitoring of government budgets. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that the provincial budget is compiled, captured, and managed in line with legislative frameworks and departmental plans, and will provide strategic financial guidance to management. The work involves liaising across different levels of management and requires a thorough understanding of the public finance environment.

To be considered, applicants must have a Grade 12 certificate and a National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, Auditing, Public Finance, Financial Management, or a B.Com Accounting degree, or an equivalent relevant qualification. At least three years of supervisory experience in a budget environment is required, along with a valid driver’s licence. The role demands solid knowledge of Public Service Policies and Regulations, Treasury Regulations, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Basic Accounting System. The ability to monitor budgets and to liaise effectively at various management levels is essential. Strong computer literacy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project is expected, as are excellent verbal and written communication skills, planning and organising abilities, time management, and the capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines. The position also requires prolonged use of a computer.

The core duties are broad and include facilitating and coordinating budgeting programmes and projects, as well as compiling budget integrations such as the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, Adjusted Estimates of National Expenditure, and Estimates of National Expenditure. The Assistant Director will facilitate and submit monthly projections and drawings, monitor the budget according to the Standard Chart of Accounts allocations, oversee journal progress, and monitor commitments. Other responsibilities include verifying allocations, ensuring the completeness and accuracy of financial information, coordinating budget performance and reporting, and providing monthly expenditure reports. The role requires analysing and explaining variances, reporting unauthorised, irregular, and wasteful expenditure, and advising management on budget performance. The incumbent will also maintain the provincial budget, analyse and report on expenditure trends, ensure the budget is captured in line with the Demand Management Plan and Procurement Plan, and ensure that quarterly budget realignment is completed.

This is a demanding role suited to a detail-oriented financial professional with strong supervisory experience. The department has set employment equity targets for this post, specifically for Indian and White males, and for African, Coloured, Indian, and White females, as well as persons with disabilities. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold high standards of financial governance and contribute to the effective management of public funds in the province.