Deputy Director – Finance (Budget & General Ledger)

About the role

The University of Pretoria is seeking a Deputy Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Budget Control, Commitment Control, General Ledger, Payroll Budget, and the PeopleSoft financial system. This senior position reports to the Director of Finance and is a key member of the finance management team.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to the Director of Finance and contribute to departmental strategy and policy development.
• Oversee all financial operations within the portfolio, ensuring accurate processing, reconciliations, and timely reporting.
• Manage budgets and expenditures across operational, HR, and capital areas, and produce monthly and annual financial reports.
• Lead year‑end activities, including journal approvals, reconciliations, and compliance with IFRS, VAT, and other legislation.
• Configure, maintain, and continuously improve the PeopleSoft financial system.
• Ensure governance, risk, and compliance with internal controls and audit requirements.
• Provide financial advice to senior executives, deans, directors, and departmental heads.
• Lead the division’s staff, handling recruitment, performance management, and development.

Required profile

• Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) qualification.
• At least 10 years of relevant financial accounting experience, including three years of articles.
• Minimum five years in senior management roles.
• Proven experience in strategic management, budget planning and control, and financial systems oversight.

Required skills

• PeopleSoft financial system expertise.