Chief Financial Officer

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a leading global research-intensive university in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa, committed to academic excellence, innovation, and social justice, invites applications for the position of Chief Finance Officer. The Chief Financial Officer is a member of the Senior Executive Team and is directly responsible for the financial sustainability of the University and the Wits Group. The successful candidate will also be responsible for establishing a sound fiscal position for the University so that it can be strategically positioned as an internationally renowned research and teaching institution.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of the full financial function encompassing central control over all revenues and expenditures.
• Oversight of the devolved financial management functions within the University.
• Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting on financial activities, including entities associated with the University.
• Preparation of consolidated financial statements of the University and its entities according to International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Providing the Senior Executive Team with advice on financial strategies, capital investment alternatives and operational savings.
• Compiling and implementation of financial policies and procedures within an acceptable corporate governance framework.
• The development and implementation of effective financial risk management, including financial modelling for the development of a financial sustainability strategy for the University.
• Financial reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training, funding organisations, donors and other stakeholders, in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Management of a sound financial operational system on the ERP platform.
• Oversight of the cash management function, including the investment portfolios of the University.
• Management of supply chain and procurement policies and procedures.
• Oversight of the management of the payroll function.
• Asset management and insurance policies and practices within the University.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial and tax regulations.
• Liaising and interacting with internal and external auditors and facilitating audit outcomes.
• Interaction with internal and external stakeholders and representing the University at applicable higher education forums.
• Financially stewarding and overseeing other companies in the Wits group.
• Stewarding and strategically leading a well-established finance division.

Requirements

• Be a Chartered Accountant and member of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants, or an equivalent professional accounting body.
• Proven experience in a Senior Finance Executive role of at least ten years at holding company or group level.
• Experience in the Higher Education environment and understanding of its challenges.
• Knowledge of the funding arrangements for post-retirement pension, provident and medical schemes.
• Knowledge of financial information systems.
• Negotiation skills and experience in budgeting processes in a complex organisation.
• Proven experience in the application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Appreciation of best practice in corporate governance, procurement and risk management.
• High-level inter-personal skills, including conflict resolution abilities.

Remuneration

An attractive remuneration package is offered commensurate with the seniority of the position.

How to Apply

To apply: Submit a detailed CV with names, addresses (preferably email addresses) and contact details of three referees, certified copies of degrees and diplomas, and covering letter.