The water and sanitation of Pakistan is an area where finance professionals have never had great opportunities since the government has been spending billions of monies on developments of its infrastructure. The Sahiwal Water and Sanitation Services Company (SWSSC) is also interested in recruiting qualified executives to head financial activities in this vital area at competitive salaries in a bid to enhance careers in the public service.
TL;DR Key Points:
- Two senior executive positions available: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Requires professional accounting qualifications (CA, ACCA, ICAEW, or similar)
- CFO position needs 10+ years experience with 5+ years in senior management
- CIA position requires 7+ years experience with 3+ years in managerial roles
- Applications due August 30, 2025, through Punjab Job Portal
- SWSSC operates across seven urban tehsils in Sahiwal division
- Part of Pakistan’s Clean Green initiative focusing on environmental sustainability
My Journey from Private Practice to Public Service Finance
I had been in four years of working in the accounting firms and by this time, I was longing to engage in development work that would make a difference to my community. Changing subnational corporations audit reports to a water treatment plant budgeting system has taught me that the finance career in the public sector is not only about crunching numbers, but bringing clean water or sanitation facilities to families.
At the time I was exploring options in the water sector, coworkers also wondered how attractive public service careers could provide sufficient growth. Now, three years later and as Deputy CFO in one of the regional water authorities, I have led their infrastructure projects above PKR 2 billion and financial frameworks that enhanced provision of services to 200,000 people in the community. Public sector financial jobs are secure, meaningful, and technically challenging to any corporate job.
Understanding SWSSC: Pakistan’s Water Infrastructure Pioneer
Company Background and Mission
The Sahiwal Water and Sanitation Services Company (SWSSC) is a manifestation of how Pakistan aims to handle the situation of water insecurity using professional management and sustainability. Since it was established under Section 42 of the Companies Act 2017, SWSSC is a section of the public sector that aims to reform service delivery in the municipal areas of Sahiwal division.
The company operates in the solid waste/sewerage, drainage, and sanitation services in seven urban tehsils and covers hundreds of thousands of citizens in the province of Punjab. The inception of SWSSC is complementary to the vision of the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif of Clean Green Pakistan, in which she lays stress on environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
Operational Scope and Impact
SWSSC’s operations span multiple critical infrastructure areas:
- Water supply systems and treatment facilities
- Sewerage network management and maintenance
- Solid waste collection and disposal operations
- Drainage system optimization and flood prevention
- Public health and sanitation program implementation
The company’s work directly impacts public health outcomes, environmental protection, and quality of life for Sahiwal division residents.
CFO Position: Leading Financial Strategy in Infrastructure Development
Core Responsibilities and Requirements
The Chief Financial Officer role requires excellent skills in planning, regulatory knowledge and strategic resources utilization. Candidates who are successful must show:
Professional Qualifications:
- Membership in recognized accounting bodies (CA, ACMA, ACCA, ICAEW)
- Minimum 10 years relevant financial experience
- At least 5 years in senior management positions
Technical Competencies:
- Advanced understanding of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Expertise in International Accounting Standards (IAS)
- Proficiency in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
- Knowledge of compliance requirements and fiscal policies
Sector Experience:
- Minimum 3 years experience in similar operational environments
- Public sector background preferred but not mandatory
- Experience with large-scale infrastructure projects advantageous
Strategic Financial Leadership Opportunities
The Pakistani water sector CFOs deal with complicated financial issues that should be solved in new ways. Projects are also characterized by combining funds as they may be funded by the government, development partner funds and service charges which are a form of revenue collection.
The position offers opportunities to:
- Develop sustainable financing models for infrastructure expansion
- Implement performance-based budgeting systems
- Lead digital transformation initiatives in financial management
- Collaborate with international development partners on project financing
CIA Position: Ensuring Governance and Compliance Excellence
Professional Requirements and Qualifications
The Chief Internal Auditor role focuses on risk management, compliance monitoring, and organizational effectiveness. Qualified candidates must possess:
Educational Background:
- Professional accounting qualification (CA, CIA, CFE) OR
- Master’s degree in Finance from HEC-recognized university
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum 7 years relevant audit experience
- At least 3 years in managerial positions
- Public sector internal audit experience preferred
Core Competencies:
- Internal audit methodology and best practices
- Risk assessment and management frameworks
- Regulatory compliance monitoring
- Financial controls and process improvement
Impact on Organizational Excellence
Internal auditors in water sector companies play crucial roles in ensuring transparent operations and effective resource utilization. The position involves:
- Conducting comprehensive operational audits
- Evaluating financial controls and risk management systems
- Monitoring compliance with environmental regulations
- Assessing efficiency of service delivery mechanisms
Salary Benchmarks and Compensation Analysis
Current Market Rates for Finance Executives
Pakistan’s finance sector offers competitive compensation packages for qualified professionals, with water sector positions providing additional benefits and job security.
Salary Scale Benchmarks (2025):
| Position Level | Experience Range | Salary Range (PKR/Year) | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFO (Public Sector) | 10-15 years | 4,500,000 – 6,000,000 | $16,200 – $21,600 |
| CFO (Private Sector) | 10-15 years | 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 | $18,000 – $28,800 |
| CIA (Senior Level) | 7-10 years | 3,500,000 – 4,500,000 | $12,600 – $16,200 |
Benefits Package Comparison
Public Sector Advantages:
| Benefit Category | SWSSC/Public Sector | Private Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Job Security | High | Moderate |
| Pension Plans | Defined benefit | Contributory |
| Medical Coverage | Comprehensive | Variable |
| Professional Development | Government-funded | Company-dependent |
| Work-Life Balance | Structured hours | Flexible but demanding |
Company Performance Metrics
SWSSC Operational Indicators:
| Metric | Current Status | Industry Benchmark | Growth Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Coverage | 7 urban tehsils | Regional expansion | High |
| Population Served | 500,000+ residents | Growing demand | 15% annually |
| Infrastructure Investment | PKR 2+ billion | Ongoing projects | Substantial |
Career Advancement Pathways
Professional Development Opportunities
Water sector finance careers offer diverse advancement options:
Vertical Progression:
- Senior Finance Manager
- Deputy CFO/CIA
- CFO/CIA positions
- Executive Director roles
- Chairman/CEO opportunities
Horizontal Opportunities:
- Policy development in federal ministries
- International development organization roles
- Consulting positions with multilateral banks
- Academic and training institution leadership
Skills Enhancement Areas:
- Digital finance and automation technologies
- Environmental finance and green bonds
- Public-private partnership structuring
- International development finance
Application Process and Timeline
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Phase 1: Preparation (Before August 15)
- Gather required documents and certifications
- Update professional qualifications and experience records
- Prepare detailed CV highlighting relevant experience
- Obtain recommendation letters from current/former employers
Phase 2: Online Application (August 15-30)
- Visit Punjab Job Portal (jobs.punjab.gov.pk)
- Create account and complete profile information
- Submit application with all required documents
- Verify submission confirmation receipt
Phase 3: Selection Process (September onwards)
- Initial screening and document verification
- Written examination or technical assessment
- Panel interview with senior executives
- Reference checks and background verification
Required Documentation
- Updated curriculum vitae with detailed experience
- Professional qualification certificates (notarized copies)
- Experience certificates from previous employers
- Educational transcripts and degree certificates
- CNIC copy and recent photographs
- No Objection Certificate (if currently employed)
Industry Outlook and Growth Projections
Pakistan Water Sector Expansion
Water security in Pakistan is a major concern and hence the need has always existed to utilize professionals to overcome the demand-supply gap. According to the World Bank, Pakistan will need to invest in the water infrastructure an amount worth 274 billion dollars by the year 2023, which spells massive career potential.
Key Growth Drivers:
- Government commitment to Sustainable Development Goals
- Climate change adaptation requirements
- Urbanization increasing service demand
- Technology adoption in water management
- International development partner funding
Employment Market Trends
The water and sanitation sector employment outlook remains positive:
- 15% annual growth in professional positions expected
- Increasing demand for qualified finance and audit professionals
- Rising salaries reflecting skill scarcity
- Enhanced benefits packages to attract talent
- Career mobility between public and private sectors
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are mandatory for CFO positions?
Professional accounting qualification from recognized bodies (CA, ACMA, ACCA, ICAEW) plus minimum 10 years experience with 5+ years in senior management roles.
How does public sector compensation compare to private companies?
While base salaries might be slightly lower, public sector positions offer superior job security, comprehensive benefits, structured career progression, and meaningful social impact.
What experience counts toward the minimum requirements?
Relevant experience includes financial management, accounting, auditing, budgeting, and strategic planning roles in any sector, with public sector background preferred but not mandatory.
Can international qualifications be accepted?
Yes, internationally recognized qualifications like ACCA, ICAEW, and similar bodies are accepted. Ensure certifications are verified through proper channels.
What training opportunities are available?
Government positions typically include professional development funding, conference attendance, international training programs, and advanced certification support.
Conclusion: Seizing Leadership Opportunities in Pakistan’s Water Future
The Chief financial officer and the Chief internal auditor jobs in Sahiwal Water and Sanitation Services Company are unique opportunities that should be utilized by qualified individuals in the finance field in steering the construction of awesome infrastructure. They are competitive in terms of the payment plus the social benefit, and they constitute a career opportunity in the fast-growing water sector in Pakistan.
Key Position Details:
- Company: Sahiwal Water and Sanitation Services Company (SWSSC)
- Positions: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
- Experience Required: 10+ years (CFO), 7+ years (CIA)
- Qualifications: Professional accounting certification mandatory
Application Instructions:
All the applications must be submitted via Punjab Job Portal at jobs.punjab.gov.pk not later than 30 August 2025. The absence of completeness in applications will not be contemplated and the selection method is made under transparent and merit-based procedures.
Contact Information:
Company Secretary
Sahiwal Water & Sanitation Services Company
2nd Floor, Sattar Corporate Center
Farid Town Road, Sahiwal
Phone: 040-9200566
Looking forward to making a career in finance and at the same time play a role in providing water to Pakistan? Such top management jobs will provide great balance of career development, good salaries and contribution to the society. Submit an application now and join the Pakistani infrastructure development process.