DEPUTY DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

The Department of Community Safety has a vacancy for a Deputy Director: Financial Accounting at its Head Office, within the Financial Administration and Accounting Services component. This strategic position is responsible for managing the department's financial accounting operations, with a focus on ensuring that revenue collection, expenditure, and reporting activities are carried out in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, financial delegations, and other applicable frameworks. The incumbent will lead a sub-directorate that delivers financial administration and accounting services, including ledger and journal management, cashier and banking services, debt management, and the preparation of interim and annual financial statements. The role also requires developing and maintaining financial accounting policies and processes, monitoring compliance with financial prescripts, and providing expert advice to internal role players on revenue and expenditure procedures.

To be considered, applicants must have an undergraduate qualification at NQF level 7 in Financial Management or Financial Accounting, as well as a minimum of five years' experience in financial accounting, with at least three years at Assistant Director level. The department requires in-depth knowledge of the Public Service regulatory framework, the department's strategy, procurement policy and procedures, and the BAS system. Key competencies include communication, computer literacy, analytical thinking, presentation and report writing, interpersonal skills, planning, organising, leadership and negotiation. The ideal candidate will be decisive, credible and motivating, with the ability to maintain discipline and manage performance and development within the team.

The main duties involve monitoring the policy and legislative environment to ensure the department responds to new developments, developing and maintaining financial accounting policies, monitoring revenue collected and expenditure incurred, and submitting reports and plans as required. The Deputy Director must ensure that compensation of employees, payments for goods and services, transfers, subsidies and related reporting are performed efficiently. The position also carries responsibility for establishing communication arrangements, developing and managing the operational plan of the sub-directorate, implementing proper work controls, compiling administrative reports, serving on transverse task teams, planning and allocating work, performing quality control, and providing functional technical advice and guidance. Human resources and other administrative functions, including managing performance and development, form part of the role.

The successful candidate will be required to enter into a performance agreement within three months of taking up the post. The department actively encourages youth, people with disability, and candidates from the coloured, Indian and white population groups to apply, with a medical practitioner's confirmation required for applicants with disabilities. Shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments covering practical exercises and ethical conduct, and the selection panel will score these as additional criteria during interviews. Suitable candidates must also pass personnel suitability checks, including vetting, criminal record, citizenship, credit record, qualification and employment verification. Applications must be submitted using the official application form accompanied by a recent comprehensive CV; foreign qualifications require a SAQA evaluation certificate. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and applicants who do not receive feedback within three months of the closing date should regard their applications as unsuccessful.