chief financial officer

Purpose of this Executive Role:

To effectively implement and oversee the financial, accounting and reporting, facilities management, and procurement processes of the CETA in alignment with CETA strategic objectives and operational plans and policies. The role of the CFO is to also advise the CETA CEO, Executive Management and the Accounting Authority on and ensures the implementation of and compliance with best practices regarding financial management and control, strategic and regular reporting that is credible in line with applicable accounting framework and the PFMA. The CFO will be expected to ensure effective internal controls, financial risk management, financial sustainability and compliance with the key and relevant laws and regulations is achieved by the CETA; and establish and enforce a culture of high performance in Finance Division in enhancing stakeholder service and value adding service to the entity. This responsibility will ensure that the CETA achieves the clean administration and clean audit outcome whilst enhancing its reputational image with satisfied stakeholders, thereby realising its mandate and objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Develop Finance strategy that entails developing detailed action plans to realise CETA strategic initiatives and define performance measures the success thereof.
• Develop and implement systems, procedures and processes that will results in the improvement of the CETA financial position and sustainability.
• Oversee the implementation of and adherence to financial management policies and procedures of the CETA.
• Oversee organisational expenditure and financial controls against the approved budget thresholds and compliance, including developing actions/ corrective measures to align the budget to available financial resources.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and ensure total compliance with relevant laws, policies, and regulations applicable to the CETA.
• Develop and monitor the implementation of an effective financial management strategy for the CETA.
• Compile monthly and quarterly financial management accounts and reports.
• Compile quarterly, interim and annual Financial Statements that are GRAP and PFMA compliant.
• Ensure proper cash flow management and all reporting in line with applicable Treasury guidelines.
• Direct and optimise the CETA investment activities and portfolio returns.
• Oversee the accounting, finance and related reporting function and responsibilities.
• Manage audit-related matters, including the development and monitoring and reporting progress against Action Plan to address the AG's audit findings.
• Identify and manage all financial, investments and associated risks.
• Ensure adequate financial control and systems for the accountable delegation of financial powers, asset management, monitoring and evaluation, early warning, and corrective action.
• Develop and facilitate the implementation of a Supply Chain Management (SCM) system consistent with legislative and other good governance arrangements.
• Ensure all procurement and SCM activities are done on time and in compliance with regulatory requirements and are managed efficiently.
• Prepare and submit monthly and quarterly SCM and procurement related reports and registers to the CEO, Accounting Authority, and the National Treasury and the DHET.
• Oversee facilities, registry and records management function and processes of the CETA in line with prescripts and best practices.
• Manage the CETA's relationship with critical stakeholders on the financial management matters.
• Manage, develop, and supervise the staff of the Finance Department; including their continuous learning and development for CETA finance to be an effective and efficient unit.
• Perform any other relevant duties as directed by the CEO.

Specific Deliverables Expected

• Develop, manage, and track cost centre budgets and report to affected executives timeously.
• Monthly management accounts and revenue improvement reports.
• Monthly and weekly cash flow projections and investment portfolio analysis.
• Update and tabling of Finance management policies and procedures for recommendation to the Accounting Authority by the CEO.
• Develop and implement service standards and the business unit scorecards in improvement CETA financial performance.
• Weekly processing and effecting of regular supplier and stakeholders' payments.

Desired Skills, Experience and Competencies

• A recognised bachelor's degree in Finance / Accounting and a post graduate qualification in the related fields like the CTA (Certificate of Theory in Accounting), these being a Finance and Accounting qualification at NQF level 8.
• Completed articles and a Chartered Accountant certification with institutes like SAICA or another equivalent internationally recognised accountancy institute, is an added advantage.
• Master of Business Administration, M.Com or similar NQF 9 qualification will be an added advantage.
• A combined experience of not less than (minimum of) 8 (eight) years' experience in financial management, reporting in a complex and highly regulated environment, with at least 5 of those must have been in a senior financial management role.
• Proven experience in leading and directing finance and accounting teams in achieving clean audit / unqualified audit results with no major non-compliance audit findings.
• Demonstrated experience in reporting to executives and boards on governance, risk, compliance, and control matters; and in key finance and investments business processes.
• Knowledge of higher education sector, the SDA, SDLA and the PFMA are essential.
• Understanding of the Treasury Regulations, Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act of 2017, and the BBBEE Act.
• Computer literacy: Advanced Excel and Data Analytical skills are required.

The following Attributes are necessary to succeed in this role:

• Self-discipline and motivated team player.
• Ethical consciousness and conduct in all dealings with the matters of CETA.
• Emotionally intelligent and communicates well across all levels.
• Financially savvy, legal, and commercially minded.
• Value-adding advisor to the processes of the organisation.
• Initiative-taking and loyal to the organisation.
• Independent, objective and impartial.
• Excellent and exceptional negotiation skills.

Remuneration and Benefits

Remuneration for this role is a market related package per annum, in line with the CETA Remuneration Policy and the applicable salary scales. A competitive package will be negotiated to attract best candidates.

The appointment will be for a fixed term not exceeding 5 years, subject to satisfactory performance as per Performance Policy of the CETA.

PLEASE NOTE

Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to vetting and assessment process by the CETA; with the successful candidates subjected to security vetting.

Interested applicants should send a detailed Curriculum Vitae, copies of academic qualifications and names of three contactable referees via CETA recruitment portal ), No emailed applications will be accepted.

Enquiries: Be submitted by e-mail to and not later than 5 days before closing date. Please note the following contact details are for enquiries about JOB CONTENT ONLY and NOT for application purposes.

CETA will not consider any late applications. The CETA reserves the right to cancel this advert, and / or not to appoint. CETA will only correspond with shortlisted candidates. If you do not receive correspondence from CETA within 4 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

All international qualifications must be submitted with a valid SAQA accreditation, failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification.

Closing date: 31 October 2025 @ 23h59.

"CETA is committed to providing equal opportunities and practicing affirmative action employment. It is our intention to promote representativity (race, gender, disability) in the organisation through filling of this position and candidates whose appointment will promote representativity will receive preference."