Husain Coovadia

As Vice Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE) at the University of Johannesburg the largest faculty of its kind in South Africa I provide strategic, governance, academic, and operational leadership across a complex, high-impact portfolio. My role carries significant responsibility in steering institutional direction, ensuring financial sustainability, and safeguarding academic and governance excellence. In this capacity, my key board-relevant responsibilities include:

• Strategic leadership and governance oversight of all non-subsidised programmes (SLPs and full qualifications), ensuring alignment with UJ Vision 2035 and national priorities.
• Driving institutional strategy, programme relevance and future skills development through market-aligned programme design, quality assurance, and academic innovation.
• Leading the financial sustainability strategy for income-generating programmes, including pricing models, revenue growth initiatives, operational efficiencies, and long-term financial optimisation.
• Implementing enterprise-level data and reporting systems (including IDU) to enhance budgeting accuracy, governance reporting, and evidence-based decision-making.
• Championing curriculum innovation, technology-enhanced teaching, and the integration of emerging technologies and 4IR capabilities into academic and executive education programmes.
• Providing executive oversight of faculty recruitment, development and performance, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation.
• Overseeing global engagement and international partnerships, including academic mobility, MoUs, and high-level delegations with global institutions.
• Streamlining operational and administrative systems to strengthen efficiency, reduce institutional friction, and enhance staff productivity across global engagement activities.
• Leading data-driven strategy and evaluation through assessment analytics, programme reviews, and institutional performance reporting.
• Spearheading the strategic implementation of UJ Digital within the Faculty, including high-level mergers and demergers with external partners across multiple programmes.
• Strengthening the University’s reputation through strategic engagements with professional bodies, regulators, industry leaders, and national stakeholders.

Appointed Director at APT in 2025, providing strategic leadership, governance oversight, and risk management to drive organisational growth, operational excellence, and student success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve on board meetings, providing strategic guidance and contributing to high-level governance and decision-making.
• Identify, evaluate, and mitigate organisational risks, ensuring operational resilience and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Provide oversight of IT strategy, systems implementation, maintenance, and cybersecurity, ensuring technology supports long-term sustainability and organisational goals.
• Lead the development and execution of APT’s IT and digital strategies, enhancing operational efficiency and the student experience.
• Oversee student engagement and stakeholder consultation processes across multiple regions, ensuring excellence in programme delivery and relationship management.
• Design and facilitate professional and technical case studies, building the capability of future CA(SA) professionals.
• Implement digital initiatives for student script and results management, supporting 3,000+ students across South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and professional accreditation requirements as part of a SAICA-approved CA training provider.
• Build and mentor high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and professional excellence.

• Remaining up to date with all the latest developments within the CA profession including the following areas Accounting, Auditing and Tax
• Marker for the ITC & APC exams

Responsible for overseeing financial operations and implementing robust controls across international territories, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and strategic financial management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage monthly financial reporting for Mozambique and Russia operations.
• Implement and monitor internal controls in the Mozambique territory to strengthen governance and operational efficiency.
• Lead the deployment and utilisation of Accpac software in Mozambique to streamline financial processes.
• Oversee budgeting and forecasting, supporting informed decision-making and resource allocation.
• Review and validate monthly bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Examine Debtors and Creditors reconciliations to maintain precise financial records.
• Prepare Annual Financial Statements in accordance with regulatory standards.
• Authorise and sign off on monthly expenses, ensuring adherence to organisational policies.

Responsible for leading and managing the PnP venture across 500 stores nationwide, driving operational efficiency, financial control, and compliance with industry standards.”

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee stock management, warehousing, and distribution operations for 500 stores.
• Manage product costing to ensure accurate pricing and profitability.
• Implement and optimise Pastel software to streamline financial and operational processes.
• Develop and enhance ordering, invoicing, and delivery workflows for improved efficiency.
• Establish and maintain internal controls to ensure compliance and operational integrity.
• Conduct monthly forecasting and budgeting to support strategic planning and resource allocation.
• Prepare Annual Financial Statements in line with regulatory and accounting standards.
• Implement and maintain ISO 9001 standards, ensuring quality management and continuous improvement.

Responsible for leading and coordinating the University of the Witwatersrand’s audit function, ensuring timely reporting, compliance, and high-quality oversight across all audit activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the university’s audit engagements, ensuring alignment with reporting deadlines.
• Plan and coordinate smaller audits to meet internal and external deadlines.
• Compile and prepare audit committee documentation for review and approval.
• Coordinate subsidiary audits, ensuring timely completion and adherence to standards.
• Attend internal audit committee meetings, as well as finance and risk committee meetings for Wits Commercial Enterprise.
• Review audit work to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with professional standards.
• Coach and mentor staff on audit procedures, providing guidance and on-the-job training.
• Conduct self-reviews and prepare job schedules for audit staff to track responsibilities and performance.
• Report audit findings and recommendations to management for timely resolution.
• Conduct research on sustainability reporting for organisations, enhancing audit scope and relevance.
• Collaborate closely with IT audit teams to prevent duplication of work and ensure identified issues are addressed effectively.

Senior Audit Professional responsible for leading audit engagements, managing teams, and ensuring high-quality financial and operational audits for a diverse portfolio of clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead audit teams, managing workflow, delegating tasks, and ensuring audits are completed accurately and on time.
• Coach and mentor junior team members, providing guidance on audit procedures, professional standards, and technical skills.
• Review and validate the work of junior auditors, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and completeness.
• Audit complex financial and operational sections, addressing high-risk areas and ensuring proper controls.
• Engage directly with clients, including FNB eBucks, Metso Minerals, NBC Consulting and Actuaries, and the University of the Witwatersrand, to obtain relevant information and resolve queries.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring effective communication and a clear understanding of audit requirements.
• Prepare detailed audit documentation and reports, highlighting findings, recommendations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support the planning and execution of audits, including risk assessments, scoping, and resource allocation.
• Ensure adherence to professional standards, regulatory requirements, and organisational policies throughout the audit process.
• Monitor and manage audit timelines to meet deadlines and deliverables.