Chief Officer: Finance – University of the Free State x1
- Campus: University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus
- Closing Date: 12 June 2026
- Position Type: Permanent
- Occupational Level: Junior Management
- Location: Bloemfontein
Job Purpose
The Chief Officer will provide financial governance, tax compliance oversight, financial reporting management, reconciliation control, financial systems governance, and strategic financial oversight within the Finance Department. The role ensures compliance with tax legislation, financial reporting standards, internal controls, and institutional governance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
1. Tax Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with South African tax regulations and statutory requirements.
- Review and interpret local and international tax legislation.
- Oversee preparation and submission of:
- Corporate Income Tax
- VAT returns
- Statutory tax submissions
- Manage tax audits and engagements with regulatory authorities.
- Monitor legislative tax changes and implement required system updates.
2. Financial Reporting Oversight
- Review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
- Ensure compliance with NRF reporting requirements.
- Validate accuracy and completeness of financial data.
- Coordinate external audits related to NRF reporting.
- Liaise with auditors and ensure audit findings are resolved.
3. General Ledger Governance
- Manage and maintain the chart of accounts.
- Approve new accounts and structural changes.
- Oversee financial reporting hierarchies and structures.
- Monitor financial system controls and configurations.
- Control accounting period opening and closing processes.
4. Reconciliation and Financial Controls
- Review balance sheet reconciliations.
- Ensure completeness and accuracy of reconciled balances.
- Monitor and resolve outstanding reconciliation items.
- Strengthen internal control systems.
- Improve financial data integrity and governance.
5. Leadership and Staff Development
- Train and mentor finance personnel.
- Conduct performance reviews and identify development needs.
- Provide technical support and guidance.
- Lead process improvement initiatives.
- Drive financial system optimisation projects.
6. Strategic Financial Governance
- Provide oversight of financial data architecture.
- Ensure alignment between systems, reporting, and compliance requirements.
- Advise management on financial governance improvements.
- Monitor implementation of governance frameworks.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech, or Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Or a closely related field
Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience in:
- Tax
- Financial Reporting
- Financial Systems
Added Advantages
- Experience within a higher education environment.
- Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.
- Membership of a recognised professional accounting body (proof required).
Required Skills and Competencies
Results-Oriented
- Reliable and accountable.
- Ability to perform under pressure.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Business Acumen
- Compliance-focused.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Leadership
- Ability to lead teams and provide direction.
- Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
Relationship Building
- Confident communicator.
- Ability to build productive working relationships.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This position is well suited to someone with experience as:
- Financial Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- Finance Officer
- Reporting Accountant
- General Ledger Accountant
- Financial Systems Analyst
- Assistant Finance Manager
who is looking to move into a junior management role within a university environment.
Benefits
- Pension Scheme
- Medical Aid
- Group Life Insurance
- Housing Allowance
- Annual Leave and Sick Leave
- Service Bonus
- Study Benefits
Starting Date
01 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
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