DEPUTY DIRECTOR: MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

This position is for a Deputy Director of Management Accounting, based at the Head Office of the Department of Community Safety. The role sits within the Management Accounting directorate and is central to the department’s financial stewardship, ensuring that budgeting, cash flow management, and reporting processes align with legislative requirements and strategic objectives. As a senior manager, the successful candidate will be expected to take charge of the sub-directorate’s operational plan, lead a team, and provide authoritative technical guidance across the department. It is a demanding role that requires both strategic oversight and hands-on involvement in financial processes, from monitoring expenditure trends to preparing proposals for roll-overs or the shifting of funds through virements.

To be considered, applicants need an undergraduate qualification at NQF level 7, specifically in Financial Management, Management Accounting, or Financial Accounting. In addition, at least five years of experience in Management Accounting is required, with three of those years at Assistant Director level (ASD level). The role demands a thorough working knowledge of the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, Financial Delegations, and risk management, as well as familiarity with other key legislation such as the Public Service Act, Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Promotion of Access to Information Act, Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, and the Government Immovable Asset Management Act. The successful candidate must also understand the department’s strategic plans, procurement policy and procedures, and the broader public service regulatory framework. Strong skills in communication, computer literacy, analysis, presentation, report writing, interpersonal engagement, planning, organising, leadership, and negotiation are essential, along with personal attributes such as decisiveness, credibility, and the ability to motivate others.

The duties are extensive and include monitoring the policy and legislative environment, developing and maintaining financial policies and processes, and managing cash flow through the submission of reports and plans. The Deputy Director will oversee the budget preparation process, quality assure management accounting reports, and provide guidance on forecasting methods and tools. A key responsibility is handling roll-over requests, ensuring that information is disseminated to programme and responsibility managers, that proposals are developed and submitted to the Chief Financial Officer, and that approved roll-overs are incorporated into adjustment budgets. The role also involves assessing the need for additional funds through the adjustment estimates process, monitoring expenditure trends, and proposing virements or fund shifts. The position includes a strong management component: maintaining discipline, managing performance and development, undertaking human resource and administrative functions, establishing communication arrangements, developing and managing the operational plan, and ensuring proper control of work. The incumbent will also compile administrative reports, serve on transverse task teams, and manage procurement and asset responsibilities for the sub-directorate.

This is an all-inclusive package position, and the successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement within three months of assuming duty. Please note that applications are subject to strict process requirements: a fully completed and signed new Z83 form must be submitted together with a comprehensive CV, and only shortlisted candidates will need to produce certified copies of qualifications. Shortlisted candidates will also undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical and one focused on ethical conduct, and must pass personnel suitability checks. The department actively encourages youth, people with disabilities, coloured, Indian and white applicants, and those with disabilities must attach a confirmation from a registered medical practitioner. The department reserves the right not to make an appointment, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.