Chief Financial Officer (Grade 24) needed at Rhodes University

Job Description

• The role of the CFO is critical in steering the finance function through the changing and challenging environment that the University faces.
• In addition, the CFO oversees the provision and maintenance of the university’s infrastructure, facilities, and related operations (this includes but may not be limited to procurement, facilities and infrastructure, risk and compliance, and residential operations).
• The CFO provides vision, leadership, and overall strategic direction for the university’s business and financial operations in a rapidly and highly competitive environment in which public higher education exists.
• The CFO advises the Vice-Chancellor on and is directly accountable for the financial sustainability of the University through the appropriate management and administration of financial operations of the University, the development and implementation of the financial vision for the University in line with its strategic plan, mission, and vision.
• As a member of the university’s executive leadership, the CFO provides the vice chancellor and other executive leadership team members with advice, guidance, and easily accessible financial information for planning, resource allocation, and strategic decision-making.
• In addition, the CFO must ensure that appropriate and relevant control measures and systems are in place, including capital budget planning, accounting, reporting, auditing, forecasting, procurement, and investment management.

Job Requirements

• A CA(SA) registered with SAICA or an appropriate equivalent financial qualification (at least NQF level 8).
• Registered South African Chartered Accountants with the requisite experience will be given preference.
• A minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience, where such experience includes: –
• Having led a significant, large, and complex finance division.
• Extensive experience working with financial systems, experience working with Oracle would be an advantage.
• Proven track record of achievement as a senior-level finance official within a large and complex organisation.
• Experience in strategic and operational planning and execution. It would be preferable if this experience were not only related to the financial portfolio.
• Excellent senior management administration experience and active participation in key decision-making fora both internally and externally.
• Championing and managing transformation, preferably at the organisational/institutional level.
• Sound governance knowledge, international reporting standards, and best practice trends
• Experience in a higher education environment and understanding its challenges will be strongly recommended.