Job Summary
- Employer: National Railways of Zimbabwe
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Finance
- Salary: Competitive executive remuneration package commensurate with the above position will be disclosed to the successful candidate.
- Closing Date: 2026-10-23
Key Responsibilities
- Planning and directing the activities of the Organization’s Finance and Stores and Distribution Functions.
- Initiating and controlling the medium and long term plans of the functions under his/her control within the confines of the Organization’s business goals, objectives, strategies, policies and guidelines.
- Overseeing the Organization’s overall budget and financial planning processes.
- Initiating and co-ordinating the Organization’s efforts to secure finance from external sources to meet the operating and capital expenditure requirements within set statutory and corporate parameters.
- Tariff modelling and pricing based on sound econometrics.
- Effective revenue collection and debt management.
- Preparation of management and final accounts in the appropriate format for strategic management.
Requirements
- Possess a degree in Accounting, Finance or equivalent.
- Must be a member of a relevant professional body e.g. CA, CIMA, ACCA, CIS or PSPA
- Possession of an MBA or equivalent post graduate degree would be an added advantage.
- 10 years relevant working experience with at least five (5) years at Senior Management Level in an accounting environment.
- Financial Probity (Financial Management)
- High integrity
- Excellent negotiating skills
- Interpersonal and networking skill
- High levels of analytical skills
- Administration and corporate governance acumen
- Strategic alignment
- Mature Disposition
- Maturity (At least 40 years of age)
Salary
Competitive executive remuneration package commensurate with the above position will be disclosed to the successful candidate.
How to Apply
Address: Room 1308 (13th Floor, NRZ Building, Bulawayo) or P.O. Box 596, Bulawayo
About the Company
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ), formerly the larger part of Rhodesia Railways (RR), is a state-owned enterprise that operates the country's national railway system; its headquarters are in Bulawayo. It was established in 1893 and is governed by an Act of Parliament. It has a commercial-administrative center in Harare and a supply center in Gweru. The Zimbabwean railway system was largely constructed during the 20th century.
Website: https://nrz.co.zw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for a Director of Finance role at a parastatal like National Railways of Zimbabwe?
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce is essential, with many employers preferring an MBA or Master's in Finance. Professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or ICAZ membership are highly valued and often mandatory for senior finance roles in Zimbabwean state enterprises. At least 10-15 years of progressive experience in financial management, with prior exposure to public sector or large corporate environments, is typically expected.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Director of Finance in a Zimbabwean railway or transport parastatal?
Daily duties include overseeing treasury management, preparing board and ministerial financial reports, and ensuring compliance with Public Finance Management Act regulations. You will lead budget formulation processes, manage relationships with auditors and government stakeholders, and supervise teams handling payroll, procurement payments, and revenue collection. Strategic involvement in infrastructure funding negotiations and donor fund management is also common given NRZ's capital-intensive nature.
How does workplace culture and management style differ in Zimbabwean parastatals compared to private sector finance roles?
Decision-making tends to be hierarchical and bureaucratic, requiring patience with lengthy approval chains involving boards and government ministries. Relationships and protocol carry significant weight; building trust with senior officials and understanding unwritten political sensitivities is crucial. Work-life balance can be unpredictable during month-end, audit periods, or when responding to Treasury directives, though formal hours are typically respected.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Director of Finance at a major parastatal in Zimbabwe?
Successful directors often advance to Group Finance Director or Managing Director roles within the same organization or sister parastatals like ZESA or ZINARA. Private sector opportunities in mining, banking, or regional multinational corporations become accessible given the complex stakeholder management experience gained. Some transition into consultancy, academia, or appointment to public sector boards and economic advisory committees.
What benefits package is typically offered for senior finance director positions in Zimbabwean state-owned enterprises?
Benefits usually include a company vehicle or vehicle allowance, subsidized housing or housing loan schemes, and comprehensive medical aid covering family members. Pension contributions through the National Social Security Authority or occupational schemes are standard, alongside generous annual leave of 30 days or more. Performance bonuses are less common than in private sector due to public sector pay constraints, though retention allowances may apply for critical skills.
How should I apply for a Director of Finance position at National Railways of Zimbabwe, and what do selection panels prioritize?
Monitor the NRZ website, Public Service Commission notices, and national newspapers like The Herald for advertised vacancies, as these roles require transparent public appointment processes. Applications must demonstrate proven experience managing large budgets, turnaround or restructuring achievements, and familiarity with Zimbabwe's public financial regulations. Panels prioritize candidates with clean audit track records, strong references from previous board-level engagements, and demonstrated integrity given past governance challenges in state enterprises.