Executive Director - Finance And Business Initiatives

UP Professional and SupportUNIVERSITY OF PRETORIAEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: FINANCE AND BUSINESS INITIATIVESPEROMNES LEVEL 2The University wishes to appoint an Executive Director: Finance and Business Initiatives, who should be a visionary, strategic and dynamic leader who will manage the University's financials and business initiatives.The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa's top research-intensive universities dedicated to producing high-quality research that addresses complex issues. It is one of the highest producers of research and makes a major contribution to postgraduate and postdoctoral fellowship training, as well as nurturing and supporting researchers at different stages of their research careers. The University has developed a number of research platforms and infrastructure, including the Future Africa Institute and Campus, which supports multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research across the institution. The University is expanding its research partnerships and collaborations across the world.The University's nine faculties and business school offer a wide spectrum of under- and postgraduate programmes, which are recognised internationally. The University awards approximately 14% of all degrees conferred annually by public universities in South Africa.The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups. In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.The Executive Director: Finance and Business Initiatives is appointed by Council and is accountable to both Council and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal to carry out such duties as delegated to them by Council and by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The Executive Director: Finance and Business Initiatives will be a member of the University's Executive team who reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal to assist him in his role of leading and managing the University.As a member of the Executive team, the incumbent must provide leadership for - and support the implementation of the University's vision, mission and strategic plan, and reflect and enhance the University's commitment to excellence, relevance, diversity, transformation and sustainability.The Executive Director: Finance and Business Initiatives also provides leadership and support to ensure that the University realises its vision, mission and strategic objectives through prudent and strategic financial management of the University's resources. The successful incumbent is also responsible to provide leadership in the strategic planning, decision-making and management of the business initiatives.It is the prerogative of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal to determine the portfolios of the members of the Executive, and the University reserves the right to change the portfolio responsibilities of Executive Directors from time to time, in line with new strategic priorities and operational requirements.ResponsibilitiesStrategic ManagementFormulate the University's financial goals and strategies for approval by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, as well as for the successful execution and implementation of the strategic initiatives to achieve the University goals and objectives.Provide leadership in strategic planning, policy development, forecasting, analysis of resources, budgeting and cash flow management.Provide strategic and operational financial direction and guidance to the Vice-Chancellor, Executive Management and Senior Management.Provide strategic leadership and advice in the planning, policy development, forecasting, resources analysis, budgeting, cash flow management and financial sustainability of the University.Provide strategic leadership in business initiatives in line with the University's objectives.Provide leadership in strategic and operational financial decisions of the business units through which the University executes its business initiatives, and ensure that risk exposure is minimised and mitigated.Serve as a strategic advisor to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, as well as to Executive Management and Senior Management.Financial and Operational ManagementProvide strategic and operational financial direction and guidance to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and Executive Management.Provide direction and leadership in the preparation of annual budgets, in line with the University's objectives.Provide advice on managing the University's financial sustainability.Oversee and report on the budget implementation throughout the year, to achieve business objectives.Manage the University's financial controls and fiduciary stewardship, and ensure that plans are in place to strengthen vulnerable areas.Provide leadership in the implementation of policies and procedures to govern financial decision-making, including budgets, expense management, capital spending to ensure the achievement of financial sustainability, and revenue objectives.Oversee the management reporting of the University and ensure that the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and Management have access to necessary financial information to make appropriate strategic decisions.Oversee the management of the Retirement Funds and the Investment Portfolio of the University.Managing the University's business strategies and initiativesDirect the analysis and interpretation of financial information and assist in the development of the University's business operational plans.Balance the University's short term, medium term and long term strategic objectives to maximise the financial performance of the University.Direct the forecasting of critical business initiatives milestones and potential obstacles, and evaluate alternate courses of action.Provide financial planning strategies for business initiatives and assist in assessing sustainability.Management of the University's business unitsManage and provide strategic financial leadership of the University's business units through which the University currently executes most of its business activities with national and international private and public sectors, and ensure that the University's financial risk exposure is minimised and mitigated.Human Resources ManagementProvide leadership to direct reports and ensure that their teams are capable of executing the University's goals and objectives.Provide mentorship and nurture professional growth and autonomy for direct reports.Minimum Requirements For AppointmentRegistration as a Chartered Accountant (South Africa).Ten (10) years' proven broad managerial experience in Finance, of which at least five (5) years should be in a senior or Executive role.A minimum of five (5) years of an exceptional track record in financial management and administration.A minimum of five (5) years' experience in fund accounting.At least five (5) years' proven experience in implementing financial systems and processes.Strong leadership skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well computer and information literacy skills.Proven ability and skills in liaising and managing internal and external stakeholders.Proven experience in managing retirement funds.Proven experience in managing investment portfolios.ADDED ADVANTAGESA Masters' degree in Finance or Accounting.At least 5 years in a senior role in the higher education environment.Proven innovative entrepreneurship experience.Experience in the management of financial records in main IT systems.REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES)Advanced extensive knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).Expert knowledge in developing and interpreting Financial Statements.Excellent knowledge of Tertiary Financial Systems.Advanced knowledge of the Provisions of the Credit Act.Advanced knowledge of the Provisions of the Pension Fund Act.Expert knowledge of financial reporting to the Government (Department of Higher Education and Training) and general reporting standards.Expert knowledge of investment portfolios and short-term insurance.Advanced knowledge of tax laws (income and VAT).Advanced knowledge of the Higher Education Act, landscape, policy and regulatory aspects.Advanced knowledge of contracts management and expert knowledge in assessing viability of contracts.Please NoteAll shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process. All shortlisted candidates may be required to do a presentation as part of the selection process. The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.Executive Directors are appointed for a term of at least five (5) years, which may be renewed subject to performance.The Regulations and Procedures for the Appointment of the Chief Operating Officer, Registrar and Executive Directors, are available on www.up.ac.za at Careers@UP (link: Appointment Regulations for the Executives and Deans) or may be requested from the Director: Human Resources on (012) 420 2375.TO APPLYAll applications must be submitted electronically through the Careers@UP link on the University website. Applications must be accompanied by the following supporting documents that must be attached electronically to the application:A full curriculum vitae.An abbreviated curriculum vitae.Certified copies of qualifications and identity document.A self-evaluation by the applicant of his/her suitability for appointment in the post.The applicant's vision for the portfolio.The names and contact details of at least three (3) referees who can attest to the candidate's academic stature, as well as leadership qualities.CLOSING DATE: 31 AUGUST 2024 at 16h00.No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements. Applicants should note that the University reserves the right to appoint and consult its own referees. Candidates must confirm in writing that they accept the applicable appointment Regulations and Procedures. Please note that the University may decide to extend the closing date and to undertake further recruitment initiatives.ENQUIRIES (regarding the application process): Jeovitah Chimhamhiwa, Tel: 012 420 6149, email: ****** (regarding the role): Sithembile Mbuyisa, Tel: 012 420 2375 email: ****** you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2024, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings, as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.
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