VACANCY: Finance Manager (Contract Post)

PLAAS urgently seeks to appoint a suitably qualified person in the post of Finance Manager. Applications are invited for this one-year renewable contract post, to start as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will manage a small finance team and will work closely with the PLAAS Director in performing all accounting and financial administrative functions related to the management of research funding within the Department.
 

Appointment as Financial Manager requires: • a three-year degree/national diploma or equivalent in a relevant field • above-average financial and administrative skills, with thorough knowledge and sound understanding of accounting principles • understanding of and experience in financial management and accounting within a University environment • sound skills in the analysis and reconciliation of account balances • experience in working with donor-funded projects in a research environment • computer literacy (Masterpiece, Pastel and Excel) • ability to work under pressure with meticulous attention to detail • ability to work as a member of a team • excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as good interpersonal relations.
 

Key responsibilities will entail: • managing staff performance in the PLAAS Finance Section • managing financial activity for projects through overseeing research funds within the University accounting system to ensure financial control of all PLAAS funds • ensuring the recovery of organisational overheads from project funds • ensuring the integrity of financial and budgetary systems and controls • participating in the preparation of project budgets for funding proposals • co-developing, implementing and maintaining a project management and accountability system • preparing financial management reports, including monthly budget performance reports for project managers which analyse variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures • identifying errors and ensuring that they are corrected timeously • interpreting and projecting financial data • updating and preparing financial reports to external funders • managing and overseeing the preparations for the annual audits of projects • controlling and preparing journal entries • processing Subsistence & Travel claims and accounting for advances • invoicing and following up outstanding amounts • processing receipts and requisitions • liaising with relevant University departments, on financial, HR and procurement issues • assisting with the management of the bursary programme.
 

For further details, contact Ms Ursula Arends on tel. 021 959 3733. The remuneration package is negotiable depending on the level of skills and experience of the successful candidate.
 

To apply, forward a comprehensive CV and covering letter motivating and including the names, full postal/e-mail addresses and telephone/fax numbers of at least two contactable referees, to: The Administrative Manager, PLAAS, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, or via e-mail to ufarends@uwc.ac.za.

In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, applications from the designated groups will be given priority consideration. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. We will correspond with short-listed candidates only.