SUMMARY:
The University of Fort Hare is a vibrant, equitable and sustainable African university, committed to teaching and research excellence at the service of its students, scholars and the wider community.
POSITION INFO:
Main purpose/ objective
Responsible to provide technical expertise to the Finance department as whole. Support both the Directors and will be responsible for external audit, Tax, developing and overseeing control systems to prevent or deal with violations of legal guidelines and internal policies. Evaluating the efficiency of controls and improve them continuously. Through the revision of procedures and reports periodically, he/she will be able to identify hidden risks or non-conformity issues.
Technical accounting solutions due to the ever-changing International financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Provide solutions to the technical audit and finance matters. Ensure proper practices are followed for all University Finance policies and procedures. To ensure preparation and accurate presentation and disclosure University’s financial statements. Responsible to the Audit process and develop the Audit Intervention Plan (AIP) to address the findings from the audit process. Lead in the tax compliance and awareness with the University.
Responsible for financial reporting, auditing, taxes and developing and overseeing control systems to prevent or deal with violations of legal guidelines and internal policies. They will also be responsible for evaluating the efficiency of controls and improve them continuously. Through the revision of procedures and reports periodically, they will be able to identify hidden risks or non-conformity issues.
Key job functions
- Financial statements, planning and compilation
- Development of the AFS plan including changes in policy, standards and circumstances
- Compilation of the University and Group AFS and manage the inputs per the plan informing the compilation
- Group journals for consolidation AFS
- Reconcile pre- and post-trial balances per ITS to the audited trial balance.
- Facilitate the closing of the system with journals from the audit process and year end closures.
2.
Audit planning, stakeholder management and quality control- Role of audit controller during the audit process.
- Manage distribution and receipt of auditor requests and management responses with review on submissions.
- Develop audit intervention plan to address the audit findings
- Progress reports to the Director Finance and CFO on the progress of these intervention plans.
- Receive Finance related internal audit reports and maintain tracking on these recommendations following distribution and return from managers
- Provide progress reports to the Director Finance and CFO on the progress against the internal audit recommendations
3
. In year financial reporting- Coordinate the compilation of mid-term reports and Interim Financial statements
- Prepare journals and pro-forma adjustments as required for financial reporting
- Prepare financial and narrative reporting and inputs for the mid-term report
- Address any internal auditor’s queries on the report.
4.
Ensure compliance with relevant taxation laws and requirements- Coordinate and lead role in the Value Added Tax (VAT) return automation and preparation on the monthly VAT return.
- Assist in engagements with SARS on technical queries regarding Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and other components of taxes
- Coordinate and review annual income tax returns of the University;
- Implement the annual VAT apportionment ratio calculation.
5.
Entity financial and compliance oversight- Quarterly report on all UFH entities financial analysis and interpretation of financial results, loan accounts and distributions
6.
Compliance with laws and regulations- Development of a monitoring and compliance dashboard for the Finance department
- Support project analysis, validation of plans, and ad-hoc requests
- Ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulatory requirements
- Contribute to policy and procedure development.
7.
Control processes- Financial reporting review on monthly basis
- Control dashboard reporting prepare, manage data inputs and storage
8.
People management- Assist and facilitate capacity building and continuity in reporting areas
- Implement the performance management process that measures and evaluates progress against the goals of the University.
- Develop own performance agreements and development plans and assist for all staff in the Unit within set timeframes
- Manage staff performance and expectations on a regular basis
- Fill vacancies within the unit timeously
- Create environment that is aware of ethical considerations
Minimum qualifications and experience- Bachelor of Commerce (NQF7) in Accounting, Postgraduate diploma, CA(SA)
- 8 years experience of which 5 have been at a supervisory level in a large or complex organisation
Skills and competencies – The following are the skills and competencies required for the position:
- Strong ability to interpret financial data & make data-driven decisions
- Excellent leadership, communication, persuasive & interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of Department of Higher Education & Training regulations
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements & risk management practices
- Proven track record of strategic financial management & budget oversight
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis
- Knowledge of governance standards relevant to higher education sector
- Proficiency in financial management software, enterprise resource planning
- Superior understanding of IFRS principles
- Proven understanding of Income Tax and Value Added Tax Act
- Proven understanding of King Corporate Governance code
Closing Date: 31 August 2025To apply: Interested applicants who meet the criteria are invited to:
Visit the Website ufh.ac.za/jobs for a more comprehensive advert and to apply online.
1. Applications must be accompanied by:
a) A recent and comprehensive curriculum vitae
b) A Covering Letter stating how applicants satisfy the requirements of the advertised position/s
c) A completed University of Fort Hare Application Form
d) Copies of the applicant’s qualifications. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from SAQA
2. No faxed, emailed or walk-ins (hard copies) will be accepted.
3. Applicants are urged to ensure that their applications reach the Human Resources Department before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
4.Failure to comply with the above directions will result in the application/s being disqualified.
Note: Correspondence will be conducted with short-listed candidates only. Queries can be directed to Siyamthanda Sigodi on and .
The University reserves the right NOT to make a permanent appointment at this stage. University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No.55 of 1998, when appointing preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile.
