About the Organisation
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a leading University of Technology in South Africa with over 34 400 students. DUT offers excellent, high quality and market-relevant academic programmes across six faculties. Tracing its roots back to 1907, DUT is a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus University that operates on five campuses in the vibrant port city of Durban and on two campuses in the provincial capital city of Pietermaritzburg.
About the Job
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a critical executive role at the university, responsible for leading and managing all aspects of the institution’s 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 university’s goals. This includes the development and implementation of financial policies, long-term strategies, and robust systems to protect the university’s 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 university’s 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.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
Collaborate with executive leadership to develop, review, and execute the university’s strategic plan.
Lead the design of financial strategies that align with institutional objectives and promote sustainability.
Policy Implementation and Development
Designs and implements robust financial policies and procedures.
Ensures compliance with statutory, regulatory, and governance frameworks.
Budgeting and Financial Reporting
Leads the preparation of the university's annual budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Procurement and Investment Oversight
Ensures cost-effective procurement of quality goods and services.
Manage investment strategies and oversee the execution of decisions from the Investment Committee.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, students, alumni, donors, and government agencies, to support the university’s financial objectives.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Council on financial matters
Audit and Risk Oversight
Designs and monitors control systems to ensure financial stability and compliance with laws and regulations.
Oversees risk management processes related to financial operations.
Leadership and People Management
Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering professional development and high performance.
Develop and implement staff performance management frameworks and succession planning strategies.
Requirements
Chartered Accountant (SA) actively registered with SAICA. A further postgraduate qualification in Administration will serve as an added advantage.
10–15 years of financial management experience, preferably within 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).
Familiarity with higher education financial and operational dynamics.
Strong governance and audit background with familiarity in risk-based audits.
To apply
In order to apply, email your application by Sunday 06th July 2025 to tracy@actionappointments.co.za - send your completed AA bio form, letter of motivation and updated CV (all in MS Word format).
