Job Specification:

UJ is keen to interview a dynamic, strategically minded individual with the ability to lead and further develop the Financial Accounting unit. The primary responsibility of the Director: Financial Accounting is to lead the Department, which resides within the Financial Governance and Control Division, within the Finance portfolio. This Department is regarded as a Center of Excellence, responsible for financial control functions within the Finance Division comprising of Accounts Payable, Treasury and External Reporting and Taxation.

Attributes associated with leadership at senior management level are critical to this role such as analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, relationship management, implementing appropriate oversight and instillation of controls, while also effectively managing the investment management strategy. Improve financial control support maturity to facilitate attainment of strategic objectives.

Assist the Executive Director: Financial Governance and Control to:

• Ensure that appropriate financial reporting systems, accounting systems, internal control procedures and administration are in place to enable effective financial accounting management in line with relevant statutory and Institutional requirements.
• Develop and oversee unit specific project management and schedule goals, procurement and contractual requirements, personnel assignments and capacity planning.
• Take charge of the unit’s input to strategic planning and reporting including the annual performance plan and annual audit.
• Supervise the preparation of accurate annual financial statements, interim financial statements and related reports including management accounts, financial analysis that are IFRS compliant.
• Implement action plans associated with audits performed to ensure audit recommendations are implemented and evaluated for effectiveness.
• Propose and implement improvements in accounting, reporting and banking systems along with internal controls to facilitate accurate and timely reporting and treasury management.
• Lead and direct staff within the Department to be able to meet the Departmental mandate and associated strategic initiatives.
• Build and foster a culture of good governance, customer service, honesty and integrity and world class delivery in the Department.
• Assist with ad hoc requests.
• Maintain up-to-date professional skills and knowledge regarding financial management practices within the profession and the sector.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Decision making skills.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems.
• Ability to assess self and others and to take corrective action.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Ability to plan, develop, coordinate and direct programs and initiatives.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Project management principles.
• Pay attention to detail and work accurately.
• Strong financial analysis and financial planning skills.
• Good business acumen.
• Business and management principles and processes within Financial Accounting.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills especially application of Microsoft Office, specifically, advanced formulas, pivot tables and charts within Excel.
• Familiarity with forecasting methods and data analysis.
• Expert knowledge and keeping abreast of accounting principles, best practice processes and applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to explain financial information in plain terms.
• Be able to use critical thinking for reporting and financial control decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a complex environment and be committed to using his/her expertise to advance the University’s mission and priorities.
• Ability to work independently towards the accomplishment of agreed upon goals for the position, displaying good planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to assimilate a large amount of data, organise the data in a user-friendly fashion, provide ready access to this data for those who need access to it, and ensure the data is reviewed/updated as required.
• Ability to exercise judgement in providing financial accounting support.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative fashion and to successfully manage conflicts leading to positive outcomes within the resources available.
• Ability of functioning strategically and operationally (“hands-on” approach when required), making quick and effective decisions.
• Delegate duties to others.
• Take accountability.
• Proven ability to monitor and assess performance of self and other individuals to make improvements or take corrective actions.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with a wide constituent group of University employees, students, external funders, other universities, and the public, including resolution of queries.