Chief Officer-University of the Free State (Finance) x1
- Position: Chief Officer (Post Level 8)
- Department: Finance
- Institution: University of the Free State
- Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein
- Job ID: 6474
- Closing Date: 12 June 2026
- Appointment Date: 01 July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter
Purpose of the Role
The Chief Officer is responsible for overseeing tax compliance, financial reporting, financial governance, reconciliation processes, financial systems, and strategic financial management within the Finance Department. The role ensures compliance with statutory requirements while maintaining strong financial controls and reporting standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Tax Compliance and Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with South African tax legislation and statutory requirements.
- Review and validate tax positions and interpretations.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of tax returns, including:
- Corporate Income Tax
- VAT returns
- Statutory submissions
- Manage tax audits and engagements with regulatory authorities.
- Monitor legislative tax changes and implement necessary process and system updates.
2. Financial Reporting Oversight
- Review and approve monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
- Ensure compliance with National Research Foundation (NRF) reporting requirements.
- Coordinate external audits related to NRF reporting.
- Monitor reporting accuracy and submission deadlines.
3. General Ledger Governance
- Maintain and govern the chart of accounts.
- Approve new account structures and reporting hierarchies.
- Oversee financial system configurations and controls.
- Manage accounting period openings and closings.
- Ensure financial structures align with reporting requirements.
4. Reconciliation and Financial Controls
- Review and approve balance sheet reconciliations.
- Monitor outstanding reconciliation items and ensure resolution.
- Strengthen internal control systems.
- Improve financial data accuracy and integrity.
- Escalate unresolved financial discrepancies.
5. Leadership and Staff Development
- Train and mentor finance staff.
- Provide technical support and guidance.
- Monitor employee performance and development needs.
- Drive process improvement and system optimization initiatives.
6. Strategic Financial Governance
- Provide oversight of financial data governance frameworks.
- Ensure alignment between systems, reporting, and compliance requirements.
- Advise management on financial governance improvements.
- Monitor implementation of governance strategies.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree, Advanced Diploma, BTech, or Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) in:
- Accounting, or
- A closely related field.
- Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience in:
- Taxation,
- Financial Reporting, or
- Financial Systems.
Recommended Qualifications and Experience
- Experience in the higher education sector.
- Knowledge of university policies, procedures, and systems.
- Professional membership with a recognized accounting body (proof required).
Required Skills and Competencies
Results-Oriented
- Dependable and accountable.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
Strategic Thinking
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail.
Business Acumen
- Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Leadership
- Ability to lead teams and provide direction.
- Promote collaboration and teamwork.
Relationship Building
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to build positive working relationships with stakeholders.
Employee Benefits
Subject to applicable conditions:
- Pension Scheme
- Medical Aid Scheme
- Group Life Insurance
- Housing Allowance
- Annual and Sick Leave
- Service Bonus
- Study Benefits