DEPUTY DIRECTOR: FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Mpumalanga Department of Education is seeking a Deputy Director: Financial Services to join its Infrastructure Program and Delivery Management directorate, based at the Head Office in Mbombela. This permanent post operates within the broader Infrastructure Development programme and carries responsibility for providing strategic financial leadership across the chief directorate's portfolio. The successful candidate will work at the heart of the department's infrastructure delivery efforts, ensuring that financial management, budgeting, and supply chain processes are aligned with government regulations and the specific demands of capital projects and programmes.

The role involves giving direction to and coordinating all financial management functions for the Chief Directorate, including all financial issues and supply chain management matters related to infrastructure projects and programmes. The incumbent will extract, analyse, and validate financial information to support sound decision-making, provide financial administration services for all infrastructure initiatives, and prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders. Budget administration is also a core pillar of the position, meaning the Deputy Director must ensure that infrastructure budgets are properly planned, monitored, and reconciled. In addition, the post requires maintaining an updated document management system for all financial documentation so that records remain complete, accessible, and compliant with departmental standards. This is a senior support role that demands both technical financial expertise and the ability to coordinate across multiple infrastructure delivery streams.

To be considered, applicants must hold an appropriate degree in Commerce, Accounting, or Economics, coupled with at least five years of relevant post-qualification experience. A thorough understanding of financial management as implemented in government, particularly in the context of infrastructure budgeting and spending, is essential. The department also expects candidates to be computer literate, with strong working knowledge of financial systems, and to possess a valid driver's licence. All shortlisted candidates, including those at SMS level, will be required to undergo two pre-entry assessments: one practical exercise to determine suitability based on the post's technical and generic requirements, and an integrity assessment focused on ethical conduct.

The Mpumalanga Department of Education is an equal opportunity employer that applies affirmative action in its recruitment practices. To promote representivity, preference will be given to candidates whose appointment advances the department's employment equity goals in terms of disability, gender, and race. All shortlisted applicants will be subject to a vetting process prior to appointment, and the department reserves the right to verify qualifications before an offer is made. Initially, only a comprehensive CV is required during application; certified copies of qualifications, identity documents, and driver's licences need only be submitted by shortlisted candidates in advance of the interview. The department may withdraw any post at any time due to ongoing internal processes, and candidates who do not receive feedback within 90 days of the closing date should assume their application was unsuccessful. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced financial professional with a strong background in government financial management to contribute meaningfully to public education infrastructure in Mpumalanga.