DIRECTOR- FINANCIAL SERVICES – The University Of Botswana

The University’s new strategy is “Creating a Future for the Knowledge Generation”. The Strategy sets out the University’s Strategic Context, its Strategic Focus and its Strategic Intent in terms of its Mission, Vision, Values, Strategic Themes and Strategic Goals.

The University wishes to invite suitable applications for the position of Director Financial Services in the Finance Department.

The Director Financial Services will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations of the university, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards, and providing strategic financial guidance to support the university’s overall mission and objectives.

Duties:

1.Strategy and Policy:

• Coordinate the development and lead the execution of a comprehensive finance strategic plan, policies and procedures in line with the university’s strategic goals.
• lead implementation of Finance strategy at a departmental level.

2. Budgeting and Financial Analysis:

• Coordinate the budgeting process in collaboration with various University departments and ensure that budgets are realistic and aligned with the university’s strategic priorities.
• Monitor budget performance and variance analysis and communicate results to relevant stakeholders.

3. Financial Management:

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting (management accounts and annual financial statements) in compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulations, and university policies.
• Coordinate the preparation of monthly management accounts and annual financial statements.
• Liase with external auditors to facilitate annual financial audits and maintain the integrity of financial records.

4. Cash Flow and Treasury Management

• Lead investment committee and ensure optimal investment returns while minimizing financial risks.
• Manage the debtor’s collection process and supplier payment cycle as per laid down policies & procedures.

5. Fixed assets management

• Oversee the management of fixed assets in terms of the capitalisation, disposal, and depreciation, ensuring the accurate and timely accounting of fixed assets.

6. Grants and Projects management

• Manage the grant management process ensuring compliance with grant conditions and regulations.
• Monitor the financial aspects of funded projects, ensuring compliance with funding regulations and applicable accounting standards.

7. Risk and compliance Management

• Coordinate and support internal and external departmental audits as per the agreed plans & guidelines, ensuring timely and adequate resolution of audit findings.
• Manage Finance strategic risks and ensure implementation of appropriate mitigating strategies
• Ensure compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and applicable accounting guidelines for execution of all financial transactions and preparation of monthly management accounts & annual financial statements.
• Ensure departmental compliance to legislative, statutory requirements & all Finance policies & procedures.

8. Reporting

• Ensure preparation of timely and adequate reporting for all functions related to the Director Financial Services.

9. People Management

• Participates in Finance manpower planning, ensuring effective recruitment, development and retention processes.
• Support departmental professional development activities, including mentoring, training, and opportunities for advancement.
• Develop departmental plans & conduct regular performance evaluations as per Finance strategy and objectives

10. Stakeholder management

• Manages relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring their needs are adequately met.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degrees in accounting
• A relevant professional qualification, Charted Accounting, is required (BICA, CIMA, ACCA )
• BICA & professional (ACCA/CIMA) membership is required
• Master’s degree Accounting, Finance or a related field is required.
• Professional certification in Management Development is an added advantage.

Experience:

• At least ten (10) years of experience in financial managementor leadership roles. Demonstrate integrity, competence, due professional care, objectivity and free from undue influence.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changing priorities and deadlines

Key performance areas: (i) Strategy & policy (ii) Budgeting & financial analysis, (iii) Financial management (iv) Cash flow & treasury management (v) Fixed assets management, (vi) Grants and project management (vii) Risk & compliance management (viii) Reporting (xi) People management (x) Stakeholder management

Competencies: (i) Accountability. (ii) Effective communication, (iii) Managing & Driving performance, (iv) Decision making & problem solving, (v) Analytical thinking, (vi) Assertiveness and decisiveness, (vii) Conceptual thinking viii) Influencing & negotiation

(xi) Resilience (x) Emotional intelligence

Remuneration: University of Botswana offers a competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. For more information on the University, please visit our website; www.ub.bw