Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure the services of a qualified and experienced Service Provider to assist the Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) with the preparation, review, and support of the Annual Financial Statements (AFS). The aim is to ensure compliance with legislative requirements such as the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), applicable GRAP standards, and National Treasury guidelines. Additionally, the contract seeks to strengthen financial governance, improve audit outcomes, facilitate legislative compliance, and transfer skills to municipal officials over a three-year period.

Scope

The scope encompasses professional financial accounting and advisory services, including:

• Preparation, review, and quality assurance of the Municipality’s Annual Financial Statements (AFS)
• Compilation and review of audit files, lead schedules, and supporting working papers
• Assessment and correction of prior period errors, actuarial provisions, and other disclosures
• Support during the audit process, including evidence provision and resolution of audit findings
• Ad-hoc technical accounting and financial advisory services, covering areas such as PPPs, lease accounting, revenue recognition, asset impairment, financial instruments, and related party disclosures
• Capacity building, skills transfer, and internal control support to municipal officials

The services are to be delivered over a period of three years, with specific milestones and performance assessments.

Technical Requirements

The successful Service Provider must:

• Ensure all deliverables are accurate, timely, and meet the standards set by JGDM, National Treasury, Provincial Treasury, and AGSA
• Prepare audit files, lead schedules, and disclosures in accordance with MFMA and GRAP standards
• Identify, assess, and process prior period errors, actuarial provisions, and other disclosures
• Compile and review the Annual Financial Statements, including cash flow statements, budget comparisons, notes, and annexures
• Review fixed asset registers for classification, useful lives, componentisation, and reconciliation
• Perform financial risk management calculations and disclosures
• Support the finalization and submission of AFS by 31 August annually
• Assist during the AGSA audit, providing evidence and supporting audit resolutions
• Provide ad-hoc advisory services on complex accounting treatments and legislative compliance

Skills Requirements

The Service Provider must demonstrate:

• Qualified and registered professionals, including Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)) or equivalent, with proof of registration and good standing
• Experience in municipal financial reporting, including compilation of AFS and audit support for South African municipalities
• Proven track record of delivering similar projects within the public sector, with references and completed project evidence
• Capacity to provide capacity-building, skills transfer, and internal control support
• Ability to meet strict deadlines and deliver high-quality work in accordance with legislative and regulatory standards
• Knowledge of GRAP standards, MFMA requirements, and audit processes