Assistant Director: Compliance and Oversight – Career Opportunity (Ref: 150426/09)

The Department of Water and Sanitation invites highly skilled and experienced professionals to apply for the position of Assistant Director: Compliance and Oversight. This senior role is based in Mmabatho, North-West Province, and is a unique opportunity for candidates who are passionate about promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability in the public sector.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: R468 459 per annum (Level 09)
Benefits: Standard public service benefits, including medical aid, pension, and leave entitlements.

This role provides a platform for impactful work within the department, contributing to improved compliance, oversight, and effective governance in water and sanitation services across the province.

Who Should Apply

The ideal candidate will be a motivated professional with strong leadership skills, an analytical mindset, and a solid background in auditing, financial management, and compliance. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to handle complex risk and compliance issues, manage investigations, and support strategic decision-making.

Key Requirements

Educational Qualification: A relevant NQF Level 7 qualification in Auditing or Financial Management.
Experience: 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience in auditing or financial management.
Technical Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of anti-corruption strategies, fraud prevention measures, computerized financial and business systems, PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and corporate governance.
Risk Management Skills: Strong grasp of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) principles, strategic risk identification, and development of risk mitigation strategies.
Investigation Skills: Ability to plan, execute, and report on preliminary and full investigations into compliance issues, fraud, and irregularities.
Audit Expertise: Experience coordinating internal and external audits, performing pre-audit checks, and managing audit responses and recommendations.
Computer Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with relevant financial and auditing software.
Leadership and Management: Strong facilitation skills, change management expertise, strategic support capability, and people and diversity management experience.
Additional Attributes: Client orientation, problem-solving skills, ethical conduct, accountability, communication skills, and the ability to deliver innovative service solutions.

Role and Responsibilities

As the Assistant Director: Compliance and Oversight, your core responsibility is to strengthen compliance, governance, and risk management processes across the department. You will play a key role in ensuring that the department’s operations align with regulatory requirements and strategic objectives.

Enterprise Risk Management

Conduct enterprise-wide risk assessments and identify strategic risks affecting departmental operations.
Develop and implement risk management strategies, monitoring priority risks across all units.
Provide guidance and support to management on risk mitigation measures and compliance with internal policies.

Compliance Oversight and Inspections

Conduct regular inspections on both the main and trading accounts to identify compliance issues and irregularities.
Follow up on identified issues and ensure corrective action is taken, while maintaining comprehensive records of inspections and outcomes.
Plan, execute, and report on inspection assignments with accuracy, transparency, and adherence to departmental policies.

Investigations and Fraud Management

Lead preliminary and full investigations into potential fraud, mismanagement, or other non-compliance issues.
Implement investigative plans, gather evidence, and prepare detailed reports for management action.
Assist management in addressing fraud cases, coordinating with relevant units to ensure corrective measures are implemented effectively.

Audit Coordination and Support

Manage and coordinate internal and external audits for both main and trading accounts.
Conduct pre-audit checks on all relevant documents to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Serve as a key liaison between the department and auditors, including the Auditor-General, to ensure that audit processes run smoothly.
Review audit findings, track action plans, and report on the implementation of audit recommendations.

Reporting and Governance

Compile comprehensive reports on compliance, risk management, and investigative activities.
Provide insights to senior management for strategic decision-making.
Ensure that all activities comply with PFMA, Treasury Regulations, and departmental governance frameworks.
Promote a culture of ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency across all operational units.

Why This Role Matters

This role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the integrity and efficiency of the North-West Provincial Water and Sanitation operations. By ensuring compliance, conducting thorough investigations, and managing risk effectively, the Assistant Director contributes to the delivery of high-quality water and sanitation services while safeguarding public resources.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications online via the Department of Water and Sanitation’s e-recruitment portal: https://erecruitment.dws.gov.za.

For further enquiries about this position, please contact:

Mr S Matsheka – Tel No: 018 387 9511 / 082 806 8856

Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed CVs highlighting relevant experience in auditing, compliance, risk management, investigations, and financial governance. Include the reference number 150426/09 in all applications.

Who We Encourage to Apply

The department is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from candidates from historically disadvantaged groups, women, persons with disabilities, and those committed to ethical public service.