DEPUTY DIRECTOR: PAYMENT ADMINISTRATION

This position offers an opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within the Grant Municipality and Public Entities Agency Performance directorate, based in Johannesburg. As the Deputy Director for Payment Administration, the successful candidate will be responsible for providing both strategic and operational direction to a sub-business unit that manages the full lifecycle of payment transactions, particularly within the Housing Subsidy System and related platforms. The role sits within a high-pressure, high-volume environment where accuracy, compliance, and timeliness are critical to supporting human settlements grant funding and public entity performance.

Candidates must hold a minimum of a Matric certificate, supplemented by an undergraduate qualification at NQF level 6 or 7, recognised by SAQA, in Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management, or a closely related field. In addition, applicants need between three and five years of relevant experience at Assistant Director level or its equivalent, with a proven track record in payment processing, verification, reconciliation, and authorisation, ideally within a grant funding context. Experience managing large volumes of payment transactions while working under pressure is essential, as is possession of a valid driver’s licence. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks, including Human Settlements legislation, the National Housing Code, the Division of Revenue Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and Treasury Regulations. Practical familiarity with the Housing Subsidy System, the Basic Accounting System, and SAP is required, along with strong competencies in budgeting, financial management, problem solving, decision making, team leadership, planning, conflict management, and negotiation.

The core duties of the role are wide-ranging and include leading the development and implementation of payment administration policies, procedures, and internal controls. The Deputy Director will oversee the accurate capturing, verification, processing, and authorisation of payments, ensuring full compliance with prescribed protocols and supporting documentation requirements. The role also involves managing payment adjustments, reversals, and rejections, as well as investigating and resolving complex payment queries, including long-outstanding and disputed transactions. Maintaining the integrity and timeliness of payment data is a key responsibility, alongside overseeing system change control requests such as OSCARS. The post holder will be expected to compile and submit daily, weekly, and monthly financial and non-financial reports, and to identify, monitor, and mitigate financial, operational, and compliance risks. In addition, the Deputy Director will manage staff performance, discipline, capacity development, and communication within the unit, while developing and monitoring the operational plan and fostering a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and high performance.

Employment equity targets apply to this vacancy, with preference given to suitably qualified African males, Indian males, Coloured males, and persons with disabilities. Youth candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a seasoned financial professional seeking to make a meaningful impact in public sector payment administration.