Job Description

DUT~ has approximately 33 000 students, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is the first choice for higher education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It is located in the beautiful cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg (PMB). As a University of Technology, it prioritises the quality of teaching and learning by ensuring its academic staff possess the highest possible qualification that they can get.The Durban University of Technology is a result of the merger in April 2002 of two prestigious technikons, ML Sultan and Technikon Natal. It was named the Durban Institute of Technology and later became the Durban University of Technology in line with the rest of the universities of technology.DUT, a member of the International Association of Universities, is a multi-campus university of technology at the forefront of higher education, technological training, research, and innovation. In alignment with DUTs strategy ENVISION 2030, the University would like to see its people (staff, students etc) become entrepreneurial and innovative.In 2020, DUT was ranked amongst the Top 500 Universities globally, and 10th for citations globally and 5th Nationally.DUT has six Faculties, Accounting and Informatics, Applied Sciences, Management Sciences, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences and Arts & Design.DUT is: Creative. Distinctive. ImpactfulApplications are invited from interested person(s) for the under mentioned post.DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGYCHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (REF:. 30000016)
Location: DurbanThe Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical executive role at the university, responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the institutions financial operations. Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the CFO is tasked with ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment with the universitys goals. This includes the development and implementation of financial policies, long-term strategies, and robust systems to protect the universitys assets and maintain its financial health.The CFO provides expert guidance to the Vice-Chancellor, Council, and relevant committees, balancing the need for robust financial controls with strategic innovation to support the universitys academic and research mandates. The CFO develops, implements, and monitors policies and systems that align the university's financial strategies with its overall mission and objectives. This role encompasses the oversight of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, investment management, procurement, compliance, and the development of effective control systems. The CFO plays a pivotal role in safeguarding institutional resources while aligning financial strategies with the university's vision and long-term goals.This role requires a forward-thinking leader with exceptional technical expertise, analytical acumen, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the Higher Education environment.Minimum Requirements:

• Chartered Accountant (SA) qualification (CA(SA)).
• A further postgraduate qualification in Administration will serve as an added advantage.
• 1015 years of financial management experience, preferably in Higher Education.
• Proven leadership in developing and implementing financial strategies, policies, and control systems.
• In-depth understanding of:

• Higher Education funding models in South Africa.
• Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, and related legislation.
• International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Tax laws, including VAT and Foreign Exchange regulations.
• Governance frameworks (e.g., King IV, IIA standards).
• Higher education financial and operational dynamics.
• Strong governance and audit background, including risk-based audits.

Special Requirements:

• Membership in Professional Bodies: Active membership in a recognized accounting or financial management body, such as SAICA.
• Understanding of the Higher Education Sector: Comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory, financial, and operational aspects of Higher Education.
• Project Management Skills: Ability to execute large-scale financial projects effectively. Proven ability to manage financial crises and develop recovery plans.
• Ethical Leadership: High ethical standards and integrity in financial decision-making.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of financial management systems and software.

Ideal Requirements:

• CA(SA) with extensive Higher Education financial management experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic financial leadership by developing and implementing financial policies and long-term strategies aligned with DUTs goals.
• Ensure the financial sustainability of the institution by overseeing budgeting, reporting, investment management, and financial controls.
• Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence.
• Oversee financial planning, procurement, and compliance with all statutory and governance frameworks, including PFMA, IFRS, VAT, and King IV principles.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including Council, committees, government agencies, and donors, to support DUTs financial objectives.
• Implement risk management frameworks to ensure compliance with financial and governance regulations.

In pursuance of ENVISION2030, the ideal incumbent: * Epitomises and demonstrates values- and principles-driven leadership and management, our DNA and The DUT Way.

• Fosters visionary and transformative leadership that is efficient, effective and impactful not only internally, but in our broader society nationally and internationally.
• Embeds systems thinking and management in the implementation of plans and projects, while ensuring sustainability.
• Takes leadership in ensuring that our education philosophy statement: our innovation and entrepreneurship shapes adaptive graduates that transform society is not only enacted across DUT, but is a lived experience among, primarily, academics and students.
• Is creative and innovative, deliberative and decisive, and is a leader, a strategist and a manager.
• Is a seasoned academic leader with a proven record of academic excellence.

CLOSING DATE: 21 FEBRUARY 2025INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES:Please note that all the above positions are for a term contract for a period of 5 years, renewable based on performance.Kindly note that if you previously applied for these positions and are still interested, you are encouraged to submit a new application.Please complete an official application for employment form and send a detailed CV and a covering letter with the exact name of the post you are applying for. This can be obtainable from our website www.dut.ac.za, the careers section.The detailed requirements for the job and the submission of applications can be addressed to our Interim Senior Director: Human Capital Services, Mr E M Mkhwanazi, on email: recuitment2025@dut.ac.za.

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