Chief Financial Officer

Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic leadership and control with regard to:

• 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.

The successful candidate must preferably:

• Be a Chartered Accountant and member of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants, or an equivalent professional accounting body.

and have:

• 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.

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

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.

Closing date: 20 July 2026

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home