Legal Aid SA Financial Manager – Expenditure Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

Legal Aid South Africa is a crucial national public entity dedicated to upholding South Africa's constitutional democracy by delivering quality legal services to vulnerable and indigent individuals. With a presence across all nine provinces, Legal Aid SA is recognised as a Top Employer in SA for 17 consecutive years, offering an inspiring workplace and opportunities for career growth.

This re-advertised position for a Financial Manager – Expenditure is based at the National Office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, within the Finance Department. The successful candidate will be expected to sign a performance contract, contributing significantly to the organisation's financial health and compliance.

Minimum Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of Finance principles and their implementation within a matrix business environment.
• Working knowledge of the PFMA, National Treasury Regulations, Legal Aid SA Act, applicable SARS regulations (Income Tax Act, VAT Act, Tax Administration Act, etc.) and other relevant Statutes.
• Functional ability in utilising electronic systems and technologies.
• Understanding of GRAP and other reporting frameworks, with the ability to embed them in daily Finance Department activities.
• Proven ability to foster functional integration within the Finance Department, National Office Departments, and Local Offices.
• Capability to provide support to Provincial Offices, Local Offices, and Satellite Offices for smooth expenditure and infrastructure management.
• Ability to partner with the Finance Executive and Senior Management to achieve strategic objectives through effective administrative process support.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, management, and leadership skills.
• Strong business acumen.
• Ability to manage projects, deal with ambiguity, and meet demanding deadlines.
• Financial and HR Management skills relevant to managing the Expenditure Function within Legal Aid SA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, monitor, and review departmental accounting policies, procedures, and processes for submission to Management Exco and/or the Board for approval.
• Ensure all Provincial Accountants and Finance staff understand and implement finance policies and procedures, maintaining systems for operational efficiency.
• Ensure all Legal Aid SA actions comply with legislation and regulations, meeting all statutory reporting and submission deadlines.
• Prepare monthly reports by collecting data, analysing variances, and summarising information and trends.
• Ensure effective and efficient payment processing.
• Ensure administrative efficiency and control in handling, routing, and filing invoices, assessing practitioners’ accounts, and pre-checking trade creditor accounts.
• Lead the Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Infrastructure teams, providing change management support as needed.
• Ensure effective and compliant payroll administration, along with accurate and timely payment of salaries and statutory payments.
• Manage National Office infrastructure requirements efficiently and effectively, leading environmental sustainability initiatives and reporting.
• Oversee the compilation of Annual Financial Statements and ensure compliance with GRAP and applicable reporting frameworks.
• Assist in formulating budget estimations and guidelines based on the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks affecting expenditure and infrastructure management.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring timely resolution.

What the Work Involves

As the Financial Manager – Expenditure, you will be at the heart of Legal Aid SA's financial operations at the National Office in Braamfontein. Your day-to-day work will involve ensuring the organisation's financial integrity through diligent policy development, meticulous compliance with national financial regulations, and precise financial reporting.

You will be responsible for overseeing critical financial processes such as payment processing, payroll administration, and the careful management of invoices and practitioner accounts. This role requires strong leadership as you will guide and support the Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Infrastructure teams. You will collaborate closely with the Finance Executive and Senior Management, as well as providing essential support to Provincial and Local Offices to ensure smooth expenditure and infrastructure management across the organisation. The work environment is a professional office setting where adherence to financial statutes and strategic objectives is paramount.

How to Apply

Applications for this position should be submitted through the official Legal Aid SA recruitment channels.

• Visit the Legal Aid SA website: http://www.legal-aid.co.za/
• Navigate to the careers or vacancies section.
• Search for the "Financial Manager – Expenditure" vacancy using the reference number: NO/FIN/FME/11/09/2026.
• Follow the instructions on the website to complete your application.