Job Description

Department
University of Venda -> Vice Chancellor and Principal -> Chief Financial Office -> Finance -> Revenue and Financial Aid -> Financial Aid
Job Title
Manager: Management Accountant B349
Post Level
Grade 6
Job Type
Support - Univen Funded
Closing Date
10/10/2025
Job Requirements

About the Role

The University of Venda is seeking to appoint a dynamic and experienced professional to the role of Manager: Management Accountant. This Deputy Director-level role will lead the University's budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and business partnering functions, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic alignment.

Requirements

Qualification: BCom Honours in Accounting or Management Accounting. Professional Membership: CIMA, SAICA, SAIPA or ACCA. Experience: At least 7 years' related experience in management accounting, of which 5 years must be in a management role with proven team leadership. Sector Knowledge: Higher Education financial management experience is essential.

Duties

Coordinate the University's Annual budgeting, forecasting and scenario planning and analysis processes, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and compliance with relevant policies and regulations. Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Finance Business Partnering (FBP) model across faculties and divisions. Deliver insightful financial reports that support evidence-based decision-making by Executive Management, Council, and committees. Supports the university's financial sustainability and governance by enabling informed decision-making and promoting accountability across departments and faculties. Drive cost allocation models, cost management initiatives, and benchmarking for efficiency improvements. Ensure compliance with DHET, National Treasury, Council policies, and external funder requirements.





Support University's strategic decision-making with cost analysis and financial modelling for strategic initiatives Support internal and external audits, including education sector audits Manage, mentor, and develop the FP&A team, fostering a culture of service excellence, accountability, and professional growth.

Key Competencies

Strategic Leadership - Inspire accountability and safety culture across all levels. Crisis Management - Remain calm, decisive, and proactive in emergencies. Stakeholder Influence - Build trust and collaboration across academic and operational units. Change Management - Drive behavioural change through policy and education. Ethical Judgment - Maintain transparency, integrity, and confidentiality at all times.

Skills

Advanced financial planning, analysis, and cost management expertise. Strong digital and analytical skills, including Excel, BI tools (e.g., Power BI), and financial modelling. Ability to translate financial insights for non-financial stakeholders. Strong stakeholder engagement and change leadership capabilities.

Key Interfaces

Internal:

CFO, Director: Financial Management & Reporting, EMC and SMC.

External:

DHET, National Treasury, external auditors, funders, research councils, banks, and other regulatory bodies.

Why Join Us?

This role offers the opportunity to play a strategic part in advancing the University's financial sustainability and academic mission. It is a succession pipeline role, with exposure to senior governance structures and strategic decision-making at the highest level.