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
Main purpose/ objective
This position provides support to the Finance Division through the management of the Financial Accounting & Treasury functions, providing accurate financial reporting, effective cash management, and proactive risk management. Responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, managing cash flow and liquidity, and assisting in financial analysis and reporting. The focus is on creditor & debtor accounts, effective cash flow forecasting & analysis and general accounting processes.
POSITION INFO:
Key job functions
1. Lead the Financial Accounting & Treasury function
- Provides input & insights as member of the leadership team
- Guides development & review of relevant policies & procedures of own portfolio
- Sets goals, objectives & priorities aligned with strategy for portfolio
- Translates strategic goals into tactical & operational plans for this portfolio
- Leads the human resources team & other resources as per structure
- Devises corrective action plans to address unit’s performance deviations
- Monitors portfolio KPI achievement & institute corrective action
2.
Financial Planning & Budgeting- Plans & prepares for the budget process for own portfolio
- Implements & manages financial management protocols & prescripts
- Manages & monitors budget expenditure within the portfolio
- Manages resources economically & prevents unauthorised, wasteful expenditure
- Monitors management, maintenance & safekeeping of financial & other assets
- Provides standard monthly financial reports
3.
Organisational Unit Staff Management- Communicates strategy, plans & strategic objectives with team
- Plans HR allocation, acquisition, retention & motivation based on Resource Plan
- Engages in selection & recruitment processes of own portfolio
- Assesses team's competence & knowledge levels aligned with HR interventions
- Discusses individual employment contracts with HR Leadership & staff
- Manages staff performance using the Performance Management System
- Manages own portfolio's disciplinary process in conjunction with HR
4.
Financial Accounting, Treasury & Financial Reporting- Stays abreast of the financial policy, procedures & processes
- Prepares & analyses financial reports, statements & disclosures
- Manages & maintains the accounts in the general ledger
- Compiles Executive Committee presentations
- Authorises journal entries for expense allocation to cost centers
- Conducts analyses, interprets information & makes recommendations
- Liaises with tax managers to monitor tax compliance in reporting
- Manages treasury operations & processes
- Monitors adherence to procedures and standards of financial accounting
- Monitors the reconciliation of bank accounts
- Monitors and manages all accrual accounts
- Monitors, reviews and analyses key provision accounts & expense accruals
- Reports on accrual/provision accounts
- Analyses & provides feedback on expenses vs approved budget
- Produces variance analyses of costs vs budget
- Drafts ad hoc & regular management reports
5.
Treasury management- Monitor and review bank account movement
- Maintain relationship with bankers
- Optimally place funds
- Bank facilities and signatories maintained
- Foreign exchange transactions managed
6.
Financial Accounting Process Improvement & Compliance- Stay abreast of changes in accounting standards, regulations & best practices
- Identifies opportunities for process improvements, automation & streamlining
- Monitors compliance with internal controls, policies & regulatory requirements
- Reports on Process Improvement & Compliance opportunities implemented
Minimum qualifications and experience:- Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (NQF 7), Postgraduate Degree/Diploma in Accounting.
- Chartered Accountant (SA)
- 8 years’ experience of which 5 have been at a supervisory level in a large or complex organisation
- Registered with SAICA as a CA(SA)
- Proven track record in financial accounting & treasury operations
- Exposure to higher education or nonprofit organisations
Skills and competencies – The following are the skills and competencies required for the position:
- Knowledgeable in treasury best practices
- Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines & time management skills
- Well versed in accounting principles & financial reporting standards
- Superior understanding of IFRS principles
- Proven understanding of Income Tax and Value Added Tax Act
- Proven understanding of King Corporate Governance code
- Intermediate knowledge in the use of financial software
Closing Date: 31 August 2025
To 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.
