SENIOR STATE ACCOUNTANT: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING REF NO: 301026/23 Branch: Infrastructure Management: Southern Operations Cd: Water Resource Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Dir: Operations Southern

This position is for a Senior State Accountant specialising in financial accounting within the Department of Water and Sanitation, based in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). The role sits within the Branch for Infrastructure Management, specifically under the Southern Operations unit of the Water Resource Infrastructure Operations and Maintenance Chief Directorate, and the Operations Southern Directorate. As a Level 08 post, it carries significant responsibility for the financial integrity of the department’s southern operations, ensuring that public funds are managed in line with strict legislative and accounting standards.

Applicants must hold a relevant NQF Level 6 qualification, such as a National Diploma in Financial Management or a related field, and have between three and four years of practical experience in finance. A valid, unexpired driver’s licence is required. The role demands strong working knowledge of the SAP and PERSAL systems, as well as a thorough understanding of financial legislation, policies and procedures. This includes the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, and the Division of Revenue Act. Familiarity with International Financial Reporting Standards as applied to expenditure management, generally recognised accounting practice, public service anti-corruption measures, fraud prevention and departmental policies is also essential. In addition, the incumbent must understand equal opportunity and affirmative action guidelines, administrative and clerical systems, and frameworks for managing performance information, including the implementation of PMDS policies. Core personal competencies include problem-solving, people and diversity management, client orientation, strong verbal and written communication, accountability, ethical conduct, and the ability to work independently.

The main duties are wide-ranging and centred on financial control and compliance. The Senior State Accountant will ensure compliance with invoice management, manage creditors by reconciling major accounts with suppliers, and ensure that payments are made within thirty days in line with government requirements. The role also involves administering payroll management, authorising payments and journals on SAP and PERSAL, monitoring petty cash, supervising bank payments, and overseeing the safeguarding of state funds. Proper document control for all financial records is a key responsibility. Monthly reporting obligations include payables and accruals, thirty-day payment reports, creditor reconciliation reports, petty cash reconciliations, and suspense account reconciliations. The post holder will attend to internal and external audit queries, assist clients with budgeting and financial reporting requirements, and supervise and evaluate personnel.

This is an equal opportunity position, with the department applying the principles of section 195 of the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and preference will be given to employment equity targets. Shortlisted candidates will undergo suitability checks, including SAQA verification, reference checks, and criminal and credit checks. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation certificate, and foreign nationals or dual citizens must provide a police clearance from their country of origin. All shortlisted candidates will be required to complete pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and may need to complete a financial disclosure form and undergo security clearance. Correspondence is limited to shortlisted candidates, and those who do not receive feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill the post.