Financial Manager – Expenditure

REF: NO/FIN/FME/11/09/2026

FINANCIAL MANAGER – EXPENDITURE

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RE-ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL OFFICE – BRAAMFONTEIN (FINANCE DEPARTMENT)

Legal Aid SA is a National Public Entity; a key contributor to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, providing quality legal services to indigent and vulnerable persons. The organisation has a national footprint in all nine (9) provinces. Legal Aid SA is a credible employer of choice, boasting Top Employer SA accreditation for 17 consecutive years. We offer an exciting Employee Value Proposition (EVP) with opportunities for development, career growth and an inspiring workplace.

Applications are invited from suitable persons interested to fill the above-mentioned position. The incumbent will be expected to sign a performance contract. The position is based at the Legal Aid SA National Office in Johannesburg (Braamfontein).

KEY OUTPUTS

• Develop, monitor and review departmental accounting policies, procedures and processes for submission to Management Exco and/or Board for approval as required.
• Ensure all Provincial Accountants and Finance staff are familiar with and implement all finance policies and procedures and maintain systems to ensure operational efficiency.
• Ensure that all actions of Legal Aid SA are compliant with legislation and regulations and that all statutory reporting and submission deadlines are complied with.
• Prepare monthly reports by collecting data, analysing and investigating variances; summarising data, information and trends.
• Ensure effective and efficient payment processing.
• Ensure administrative efficiency and effective control relating to the handling, routing and filing (physical or electronic) of incoming invoices and the assessment of practitioners’ accounts and the pre-checking of trade creditor accounts.
• Lead the Accounts Payable, Payroll and Infrastructure teams and provide change management support when needed.
• Ensure effective and compliant payroll administration, accurate and timeous payment of salaries and statutory payments.
• Effective and efficient management of infrastructure requirements for National Office and lead the implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives, including reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of Finance and how to implement and leverage these within a matrix business environment:
  • Working knowledge of the PFMA, National Treasury Regulations, Legal Aid SA Act, applicable SARS regulations (Income Tax Act, VAT Act, Tax Administration Act, etc.) and other relevant Statutes,
  • Functional ability in the utilisation of electronic systems and technologies.
• Understanding of the GRAP and other reporting frameworks to ensure they are embedded in the day-to-day activities of the Finance Department.
• Able to create “functional integration” within the Finance Department, National Office Departments and Local Offices. Provide support to the Provincial Offices, Local Offices and Satellite Offices to ensure smooth management of expenditure and infrastructure.
• Able to partner with the Finance Executive and Senior Management to support the achievement of strategic objectives through effective support of administrative processes.
• Effective working relationship with the Executive, Senior Management and within the Finance Department.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, management and leadership skills, business acumen and the ability to deal with ambiguity and meet demanding deadlines and manage projects.
• Financial and HR Management skills to manage the Expenditure Function within Legal Aid SA.
• Oversee the compilation of the Annual Financial Statements and drive compliance with the GRAP and applicable reporting frameworks.
• Assist in the formulation of budget estimations and budget guidelines based on the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks impacting expenditure and infrastructure management.
• Co-ordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings and reporting on action plans.
• Ensure adequate internal controls are in place in expenditure management and overall operations within Legal Aid SA.
• Compile all the necessary reports as and when required.

COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ATTRIBUTES) REQUIRED

• A recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting.
• An Honours Degree or CTA, Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8) and admission as a Chartered Accountant will be an added advantage.
• Finance-related professional body membership will be an added advantage.
• More than five (5) years of relevant work experience in Finance, with a minimum of four (4) years of experience in a middle management role within a complex organisation.
• Experience that would assist the incumbent in driving a service excellence mindset and building relationships within the organisation as a whole.
• A sophisticated collaborative style is advantageous.
• Project management experience is necessary, however, not essential.
• Service excellence imperative.
• Multi-level and diverse stakeholders.
• Complexity in co-ordinating across organisational levels.
• Networking with relevant internal and external stakeholders – Local Offices, Provincial Offices and within the organisation as a whole.

SALARY PACKAGE: R1,317,384.00 per annum, including benefits

A detailed curriculum vitae reflecting the practical application of the position outputs and the required competencies as advertised must be submitted by close of business on 30 September 2026 by email, quoting the reference number NO/FIN/FME/11/09/2026 in the subject line to Recruit [at] legal-aid.co.za or apply online at www.legal-aid.co.za 

Applicants must replace the [at] with the @ symbol when sending an email. This will format the email address correctly for sending. It is displayed differently on our website as a cybersecurity protection measure.

Enquiries to Blanche Gouws, Tel: 011 877 2000

The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of Legal Aid SA. It is Legal Aid SA’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer/promotion/appointment will promote representivity in line with the numerical targets as contained in our Employment Equity Plan. Legal Aid SA reserves the right to withdraw posts or not to make an appointment, if by doing so, the interests of Legal Aid SA will be best served.

APPLICANTS NOT CONTACTED WITHIN TWO (2) MONTHS MAY CONSIDER THEIR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFUL.

PLEASE NOTE: Legal Aid SA will never charge you for submitting a job application.