Director: Financial Management – Cape Town – Department Of Social Development

Director: Financial Management at the Department of Social Development in Cape Town, a vital government job in South Africa

Published 20 October 2026
Closing Date Closed
Type
Opportunity

About the Role

The Department of Social Development is looking for a dedicated Director of Financial Management to join its team in Cape Town, Western Cape. This critical role focuses on ensuring sound financial practices that directly impact the community by promoting effective resource management and strategic planning within the department. As a leader in this capacity, you will play a vital role in shaping the financial strategies that underpin essential social services, making a tangible difference in the lives of South Africans.

In this position, your expertise will guide the management accounting and financial accounting services, ensuring that the department operates with transparency and efficiency. By overseeing the budget processes and financial reporting, you contribute significantly to the government’s commitment to responsible financial governance and accountability.

About the Department

The Department of Social Development is dedicated to improving the social well-being of communities across South Africa. It aims to provide comprehensive services that promote human dignity, welfare, and the development of individuals and families. Working in this department means being part of a mission that empowers citizens and helps create a supportive environment for all, making it a meaningful place to build a career in public service.

What You’ll Do

  • Manage and oversee departmental management accounting services, ensuring effective budget planning and execution.
  • Prepare inputs for strategic and performance plans, contributing to the department’s overall objectives.
  • Monitor and maintain financial information related to revenue and expenditure, ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Drive the strategic planning process within the Directorate, evaluating performance against key measurable objectives.
  • Lead the recruitment, training, and performance management of employees to foster a high-achieving team environment.
  • Ensure effective financial accounting services, including bookkeeping, financial statements, and salary administration.
  • Report regularly to the Chief Director on the Directorate’s activities and financial matters of substantial importance.
  • Promote sound labour relations and discipline within the Directorate while encouraging an innovative culture.

What You’ll Need

  • An appropriate undergraduate qualification (NQF Level 7) or higher, recognized by SAQA.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in a middle or senior managerial role.
  • Proven knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, and best practices in financial management.
  • Excellent strategic capability and leadership skills to guide the team effectively.
  • Strong numeracy, literacy, and computer literacy skills, with a focus on financial management and accounting.
  • Demonstrated ability in project and programme management, with a keen understanding of procurement processes.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered.

Requirements

An appropriate undergraduate qualification (NQF Level 7) or higher, as recognised (SAQA) A minimum of five (5) years’ experience at a middle/ senior managerial level.

Competencies: Proven Knowledge of: Proven knowledge of and working experience with the legislation, regulatory frameworks, policies and best practices that have a bearing on the line functions, Proven knowledge and understanding of information systems that aid in the management of knowledge and information pertaining to the line function, Proven knowledge and understanding of programme and project management, Proven knowledge and understanding of procurement and tendering processes, Proven knowledge and understanding of policy development, and strategy management, monitoring and review processes, Proven knowledge and understanding of modern systems of governance and administration.

Core Competencies: Strategic Capability and Leadership, Project and Programme Management, Change Management, People Management and Empowerment, Financial Management Skills: Numeracy, Literacy, Computer Literacy, Language skills, Project Management, Accounting, Finance, Audit, Strategic Planning.

Job Duties

Strategic management, advice and guidance in respect of the following functional areas: Ensure a departmental management accounting service.

Management Accounting: Ensure an integrated, effective and efficient budget planning system in respect of revenue and expenditure, Manage the departmental budget process, Prepare inputs for strategic plan and annual performance plan, Manage the departmental Medium Term, expenditure Committee (MTEC) process, Maintain and monitor financial information, Prepare a breakdown of estimated revenue and expenditure, Manage roll overs of funds, Develop and maintain policies, procedures and processes, Ensure an integrated, effective and efficient in-year budget monitoring, reporting and adjustment system, Manage the monitoring of revenue and expenditure, Manage the monthly, quarterly and annual reporting processes , Manage the revenue and expenditure adjustments estimates process, Develop and maintain policies, procedures and processes, Ensure a departmental financial accounting service.

Financial Accounting: Provide expenditure and general payment services, Ensure an effective and efficient accounting system for transfers and subsidies, Ensure an effective and efficient Basic Accounting System (BAS) payment system, Ensure an effective and efficient Logistical Information System (LOGIS) payment system, Provide bookkeeping and financial accounting services, Ensure an effective and efficient accounting system, inclusive of liaison and coordination of policies, procedures and processes, Perform BAS systems control, Compile financial statements, Perform credit control services, Provide salary administration and debt management services.

Strategic Management (including change management): Define and review on a continual basis the purpose, objectives, priorities and activities of the Directorate, Drive the Directorate’s strategic planning process, Drive the development and management of the strategic and business plans for the Directorate, Evaluate the performance of the Directorate on a continuing basis against pre- determined key measurable objectives and standards, Report to the Chief Director on a regular basis on the activities of the Directorate and on matters of substantial importance relating operational management support, Monitor and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and prescripts in respect of adequate and appropriate record keeping of the activities of the Directorate, and of the resources (people, finances and assets) employed by it, Foster and promote a culture of innovation within the Directorate, and the Department, Diligently perform all duties assigned to the post of Director.

People Management: Participate in the recruitment of employees in the numbers and grades appropriate to ensure the achievement of the 232 Directorate’s Business Plan, Motivate, train and guide employees within the Directorate, to achieve and maintain excellence in service delivery, Actively manage the performance, evaluation and rewarding of employees within the Directorate, Monitor information capacity building within the Directorate, Ensure involvement in the compilation of a workforce plan, a service delivery improvement programme, and an information resources plan for the Directorate, Promote sound labour relations within the Directorate, Actively manage and promote the maintenance of discipline within the Directorate.

Financial Management: Manage participation in the budgeting process at Directorate level, Ensure the preparation of the Annual and Adjustment Budgets for the Directorate, Assume direct accountability for the efficient, economic and effective control and management of the Directorate’s budget and expenditure, Assume direct accountability for ensuring that the correct tender and procurement procedures are adhered to in respect of purchases for the Directorate, Assume direct accountability for ensuring contracts are managed effectively and efficiently for the Directorate, Ensure that all spending is aligned with the strategic objectives of the Directorate and Department, Report to the Chief Director and relevant oversight role players/ committees on all aspects of the Directorate’s finances, Assume overall accountability for the management, maintenance and safekeeping of the Directorate’s assets, Assume direct accountability for ensuring that appropriate risk management procedures are in place and adhered to for the Directorate, Ensure that full and proper records of the financial affairs of the Directorate are kept in accordance with any prescribed norms and standards.

Salary

R1 317 384 per annum (Level 13), (all–inclusive salary package)

How to Apply

Please submit your application before the closing date as late applications will not be considered. Do not submit duplicate applications. If applying for multiple posts, submit separate applications for each post. Due to high volumes, the Department will not acknowledge receipt of applications. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not heard from us within 3 months, please consider your application to be unsuccessful. Should, during any stage of the recruitment process, a moratorium be placed on the filling of posts or the Department is affected by any process such as, but not limited to, restructuring or reorganisation of posts, the Department reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process and re-advertise the post at any time in the future. Important: DOA is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting representivity and affirmative action. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. The Department reserves the right not to fill vacancies. By applying you consent to the collection and processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes. Shortlisted candidates will be required to be available for assessments and interviews at a date and time as determined by the Department. Shortlisted candidates will undergo personnel suitability checks, security vetting and reference checks (including social media profiles). Applications must declare any pending criminal, disciplinary or any other allegations or investigations. Successful candidates must pass security clearance, sign an employment contract, sign an annual performance agreement and disclose financial interests. All applicants are required to declare any conflict or perceived conflict of interest, to disclose memberships of Boards and directorships that they may be associated with. Failure to disclose relevant information may result in disqualification or termination. OTHER POSTS For Enquiries: D r R M a c d o n a l d T e l N o : ( 0 2 1 ) 4 8 3 3 0 8 3 / [email protected]