Executive Director - Finance and Student Administration

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria is a leading research university that offers high-quality programmes and innovative teaching and learning in South Africa. The University's nine faculties and business school offer a wide spectrum of under- and postgraduate programmes that are recognised internationally. The University awards approximately 14% of all degrees conferred by all public universities annually in South Africa. In addition to receiving a quality academic education, students at the University of Pretoria are exposed to a diverse range of activities in the areas of leadership development, sport, culture and the arts.

The University wishes to appoint an Executive Director: Finance and Student Administration.

The Executive Director: Finance and Student Administration is appointed by the Council and is accountable to both the Council and Vice-Chancellor and Principal for carrying out such duties as delegated to him/her by the Council and Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

The Executive Director: Finance and Student Administration will be a member of the University's Executive team and will report directly to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal to assist him in his role of leading and managing the University.

The Executive Director: Finance and Student Administration assists the Vice-Chancellor and Principal in managing the University through leading and managing all strategies that form part of the financial and operational portfolios of the University.

He/she will support the University's vision, mission and strategic plan and reflect and enhance the University's commitment to transformation and employment equity.

He/she is responsible for managing the operational financial administration and ensuring that all University financial controls are in place, and for developing budgeting, financial reporting and management practices.

He/she is also responsible for managing and leading the strategic planning, decision making and management of enrolment, student systems, student administration and general student services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

• Formulating the University's financial strategies and goals for approval by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, as well as the successful execution and implementation of the strategic initiatives into effective, efficient and successful operational realities so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the University;
• Providing strategic and operational financial direction and guidance to the Vice-Chancellor and Executive Management;
• Providing strategic leadership and advice in the planning, policy development, forecasting, resource analysis, budgeting, cash flow management and financial sustainability of the University;
• Managing the University's financial strategy and governance and ensuring that the University's financial controls are in place;
• Providing strategic leadership in student recruitment, enrolment, admissions and student financing, in line with the University's objectives;
• Providing leadership in financial decisions of the business units through which the University executes its business activities and should ensure that risk exposure is minimised and mitigated.

The responsibilities of this position are not necessarily limited to what is outlined above. The incumbent may be required to undertake other duties and tasks as requested by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in finance or accounting;
• Registration as a chartered accountant CA (SA);
• Experience of a minimum of ten (10) years in a managerial role in finance, of which at least five (5)years should be in a senior or executive role;
• Five (5) years' experience in financial administration;
• Five (5) years' experience in a higher education environment;
• An understanding of student financing systems and schemes in South Africa;
• Five (5) years' experience in fund accounting;
• Five (5) years' experience in implementing financial systems and processes;
• Proven experience in managing student administration in a higher education institution.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Strong leadership skills;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Computer and information literacy skills;
• Proven ability and skills in liaising and managing internal and external stakeholders.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Exceptional broad-based senior management experience (of a minimum of 8 years) in higher education with a solid background in finance;
• An understanding of the funding system for accommodation in the South African higher education system.

Executive directors are appointed for a term of at least five (5) years and external candidates could also be considered for a permanent academic appointment in a suitable academic department within the University.

The Regulation and Procedure for the Appointment of Executive Directors and the Registrar are available on www.up.ac.za at Careers@UP (link: Appointment Regulations for Executive Directors and the Registrar) or may be requested from the Director: Human Resources on 012 420 4091.

Candidates must confirm in writing that they accept the applicable University appointment regulations and procedures. Please note that the University may decide to extend the closing date and may undertake further recruitment initiatives.

CLOSING DATE 7 October 2019

All supporting documentation as listed above must be attached electronically to the application. All applications must be submitted by no later than 16:00 on 7 October 2019.

ENQUIRIES: Letticia Jooste, Tel: 012 420 6921, email: letticia.jooste@up.ac.za .

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 20 December 2019, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.