Job Description

Reference Number: AFIN/001/2025
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a highly motivated individual to develop, implement and maintain effective, efficient and transparent financial management systems within SANBI in conformity with the requirements of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 as amended and manage the financial function, uphold corporate governance, ensure adherence to Audit, Public Finance Management Act, Generally Recognised Accounting Practice and other regulatory requirements to ensure production of timely and valid financial information to various stakeholders. The successful candidate will be required to assist in the implementation of financial strategic objectives of SANBI.
This position requires a postgraduate degree at NQF level 8 in Financial Management, Accounting Science or an equivalent and relevant financial qualification at NQF level 8. A relevant postgraduate degree at NQF level 9 or equivalent financial qualification will be an added advantage. This position also requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, 5 years of which should be in middle management level. Registration as a Chartered Accountant with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants will be a very strong recommendation. The successful candidate will be required to acquire a Senior Management Service Pre-entry Certificate offered by National School of Government, before assumption of duty.
The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: Knowledge of relevant legislation especially Public Finance Management Act, National Treasury Regulations, Generally Recognised Accounting Practice; Production of financial statements according to General Recognised Accounting Practice (GRAP), extensive experience in GRAP; Good strategic management and leadership skills; Good interpersonal and communication skills (verbal communication, financial report writing, stakeholder management); Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team, problem solving skills; Experience in project management; Advanced planning, organizing; people management skills; Experience in policy development ; Ability to review and develop internal financial controls. Computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, internet and Outlook) is essential. The successful candidate must be in possession of a valid driver's license and must be willing to travel nationally.
Key Performance Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Compile financial statements and other financial reports.
• Manage financial systems and processes.
• Ensure compliance with General Accounting Practice (GRAP), applicable statute, and other governance processes to strengthen governance.
• Ensure effective management of financial risks.
• Manage human capital development, change and transformation.
• Manage and develop efficient processes and controls for donor funding
• Manage the audit process both statutory, internal and donor funding
• Oversee budgeting, overall compliance and engagement with respective entities and stakeholders
• Manage the day to day finance operations, including Revenue Collections and Sales, Budgeting and reporting, payroll, payment, cash management, project accounting and support and maintenance of general ledger functions within the SANBI,
• Develop and implement Annual Performance Plan, Service delivery and budget implementation plan (Annual Operational Plan) and implement the Finance departmental strategy in support of the organisational strategy. o
• Develop and implement policies, Standard Operating Procedures, business processes, internal controls, and guidelines relevant to the Financial Management Directorate.
• Develop and implement revenue and investment strategies.
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to address challenges and reposition Financial Management Directorate as a strategic enabler and financial stability.
• Ensure sound financial management and effective management of financial operations.
• Support the Chief Financial Officer on all elements relating to finance and financial management

Application procedure:
1) An application form must accompany the CV together with a letter motivating why the applicant should be favourably considered for this position, and certified qualifications confirming that the minimum qualifications are met (applicants lacking evidence of meeting minimum qualifications and relevant experience will not be considered).
2) A skills test and competency assessment will be conducted as part of the selection process.
3) Applicants must also provide the full names, addresses and telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least three referees.
4) Failure to submit the requested information and reference number may result in your application not being considered.
Personal Information will be processed by SANBI for purposes of assessing your suitability for the advertised position. SANBI may also share your personal information including special personal information with service providers or third parties, both within the Republic of South Africa and in other jurisdictions, to carry out verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, background and reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. In this regard, by virtue of your application, you acknowledge that SANBI's authorized verification agent(s) and service providers will access your personal information including special personal information to conduct background screening, verification of qualifications and other necessary documents, reference checks, competency assessment tests, and criminal record checks. For more information, kindly refer to SANBI's website.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. SANBI reserves the right not to fill this position. All applications will be considered with the understanding that, in terms of the SANBI Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups.
Contact Mr Maano Netshiombo on (012) 002 5295/082 453 0497 for any queries for purposes of clarity. Applications consisting of the completed application form, motivation letter, a concise CV, and certified qualifications are to be submitted via an e-mail to
Candidates are expected to be available for selection interviews on a date and time as determined by SANBI. If no response has been received within 30 days of the closing date, candidates may consider their applications unsuccessful.

Skills Required