Job Details

Lead the Digital and Financial Transformation of Student Success

The University of Venda seeks a visionary leader to drive financial sustainability, equitable access, and cutting-edge innovation as our Director: Revenue and Financial Aid. This pivotal role combines strategic finance leadership with transformative technology to revolutionise student funding, revenue management, and treasury operations.

As a member of the senior finance team, you will lead a high-performing department that supports student access, drives revenue enhancement, and safeguards institutional cash flow; all while embracing digital transformation, quality service delivery, and governance excellence. We need a digitally fluent, data-driven leader who can:

• Harness AI, blockchain, and fintech solutions to automate bursary disbursements, predict debt risks, and streamline payments.
• Champion financial inclusion by designing policies that proactively support low-income students, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups.
• Deliver measurable results, such as reducing debt write-offs by 15% through predictive analytics while maintaining student-centric support.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Provide strategic and operational leadership in student financial aid, revenue, debt, and treasury functions.
• Spearhead digital transformation (e.g., AI-driven debt recovery, smart contracts for NSFAS disbursements, digital wallets for fee payments) to streamline operations and enhance student experience.
• Pilot sustainable finance initiatives, such as green bursaries linked to climate-focused programs.
• Explore sustainable finance initiatives, such as green bursaries linked to climate-focused academic programmes or ESG-compliant investment portfolios.

2. Financial Aid Excellence

• Automate bursary administration using modern technologies for transparent, tamper-proof fund distribution.
• Monitor equity KPIs (e.g., funding approval rates for marginalised students) via real-time dashboards.

3. Revenue & Debt Management

• Implement AI-powered risk models to optimise credit control and reduce bad debt.
• Achieve 90 %+ student satisfaction with streamlined payment and aid processes.
• Design and implement equitable financial aid policies that proactively address barriers for marginalised student groups, leveraging data analytics to monitor impact.
• Oversee treasury operations, including banking, cash flow, and investment portfolios.

4. Stakeholder & Team Leadership

• Lead a high-performing team with a focus on agility, data literacy, and service excellence.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and collaborations with students, funders, internal departments, and national agencies to co-design inclusive solutions
• Undertake continuous reporting to the Executive Management Committee and the Council.

Requirements 

Essential

• Honours degree in Accounting, Financial Management, or related field; SAICA, CIMA, ACCA, or SAIPA registration preferred.
• 10+ years’ experience (8+ in managerial role(s)) in student finance, revenue, or treasury.
• Proven expertise in ERP systems (ITS), data analytics, and financial modelling.
• Strong knowledge of Higher Education funding frameworks, IFRS, and DHET policies.
• A visionary leader with integrity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead change.

Desirable

• Experience with new technologies or fintech applications in financial services.
• Track record of reducing systemic barriers in student funding.

Join us in shaping the financial future of higher education and making access to learning a reality for thousands of students.