ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT ACT (PFMA)

This Assistant Director position sits within the Financial Governance directorate and is based in Johannesburg, focusing on strengthening public finance management across Gauteng Provincial Government departments. The incumbent operates at an administrative functional level and serves as a key assurance resource in the application of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations. The role involves monitoring, evaluating and reporting on compliance with these legislative frameworks, helping to ensure that provincial departments meet their statutory obligations. A significant part of the work is providing guidance for the development of a compliance universe, which involves categorising the various acts and regulations that apply to provincial departments, and assisting in the review and finalisation of Compliance Risk Management Plans (CRMPs). The Assistant Director also helps track and monitor the implementation of CRMP action plans, as well as the progress made by departments in addressing audit recommendations from the Auditor-General South Africa. The position coordinates PFMA-related requests by preparing formal letters of advice to the Head of Department, and delivers training to provincial departments either when requested or when the unit identifies a need. In addition to these technical duties, the role includes management responsibilities for the unit, meaning the post holder is expected to oversee and coordinate the work of the team.

Candidates need a three-year tertiary qualification at NQF level 7 in Auditing, Accounting, Compliance, or Risk Management, with a Postgraduate Diploma in Compliance considered an added advantage. Applicants should have three to five years of experience in accounting, risk management, compliance, or auditing at an administrative functional level. A demonstrated ability to apply governance frameworks, interpret legislation, and support organisational objectives is required, as is a sound understanding of the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and other relevant legislation.

The Department of Community Safety, which hosts this vacancy, has outlined several important conditions. The role requires adherence to a strict application and selection process, including the completion of the standard Z83 form and submission of a comprehensive CV, with certified qualifications only requested from shortlisted candidates. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate. All shortlisted applicants will undertake pre-entry assessments, namely a practical exercise and an integrity or ethical conduct assessment, and successful candidates will be subject to personnel suitability checks covering vetting, criminal records, citizenship, credit records, qualification verification, and employment verification. The department actively encourages youth, people with disabilities, and candidates of coloured, Indian and white backgrounds to apply, and a confirmation of disability from a registered medical practitioner is required where applicable. The department also reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; applicants who do not receive a response within three months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.