Accountant

Saide; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Part time

Job summary

An education support organisation based in Johannesburg is seeking a part-time Accountant to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance across processes. The role includes managing project accounting, budgeting, and reporting to the Senior Finance Manager. Ideal candidates will have a relevant qualification, strong financial management experience, and exceptional analytical skills. Working with international donors and managing multi-currency funds is advantageous. Interested applicants should submit their CV and a motivation letter by the specified deadline.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years' experience in financial management and project accounting.
• Strong understanding of donor-funded projects and compliance requirements.
• Experience in multi-currency and multi-donor project management.

Responsibilities

• Manage accounting functions including project accounting, budgeting, and reconciliations.
• Assist with financial reports for donors and ensure compliance.
• Contribute to financial management and operational efficiency.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant tertiary business qualification in Accounting or Finance

Tools

Pastel

Excel

Job description

Established in 1992, Saide is an education support organisation founded on social justice and open learning principles. We believe that education is the foundation for lifelong success. As such, we are on a mission to unlock the power of education and expand opportunity for children, youth and adults across Africa. Innovating data-informed solutions and leveraging technology, Saide supports education providers across diverse modes of provision (in-person, remote and hybrid), partnering with governments, public and private institutions, as well as civil society organisations. We work across the education system from early learning through primary and secondary schooling, to higher education and training.

Based in Johannesburg, Saide seeks to appoint an

Accountant: Part Time

The Accountant supports Saide’s financial operations and ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across financial processes. The role involves managing and monitoring key accounting functions such as project accounting, budgeting, balance sheet and project reconciliations, and reporting. Reporting directly to the Senior Finance Manager, the Accountant may also supervise specific financial activities and coordinate work within the department or with external service providers. The incumbent ensures that financial procedures align with organisational policy, donor requirements, and sound accounting practices, referring any significant changes or exceptions to higher departmental authority.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of the Accountant include:

Support and Coordination

• Provide financial and accounting support to programme and project teams to ensure sound management of donor and project funds.
• Assist with the preparation and review of project budgets, expenditure reports, and forecasts.
• Liaise with programme leads and project managers to ensure accurate financial tracking and timely reporting.
• Verify and process project transactions, ensuring correct allocations, documentation, and donor compliance.
• Monitor project cash flow and support the reconciliation of project accounts, including foreign currency conversions.
• Compile and consolidate project financial data to support donor and internal reporting.
• Prepare supporting schedules and maintain project audit files for review and verification.

Operations and Processes

• Carry out and oversee core accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable, fixed assets, journal entries, and general ledger reconciliations.
• Maintain and update financial systems, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions.
• Implement financial controls and procedures that uphold organisational compliance and transparency.
• Support procurement activities, ensuring proper documentation, authorisation, and adherence to financial policies.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial summaries to support internal management decisions.
• Assist in the preparation for audits and ensure all financial documentation meets statutory and donor requirements.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency in financial operations.

Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for donors, funders and to meet internal requirements.
• Ensure compliance with donor contracts and regulations, organisational policies, and relevant financial regulations and accounting standards.
• Maintain a complete and accurate set of financials records adhering to internal deadlines and audits
• Assist with donor and statutory audits as required and ensure project records kept in line with donor required period for record keeping.
• Support financial risk management and mitigate potential risks across projects.

Partnerships and Support

• Work with project managers and programme leads to provide financial insights and strengthen financial decision-making.
• Support proposal development through costing and financial inputs.
• Assist partners and sub-grantees with financial compliance and due diligence processes.
• Act as the internal primary point of contact for all finance project-related enquiries.

Professional Growth and Organisational Culture

• Actively contribute to Saide’s Aspirational Culture, Leadership Brand and Work Ethos.
• Develop professionally through training, mentorship, and sector learning opportunities.
• Support innovation in financial systems and adopt digital tools to enhance efficiency and reporting.

Accountant Requirements

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant tertiary business qualification with Accounting or Finance as a major.
• 3–5 years’ experience in financial management and project accounting, preferably in an NPO environment.
• Strong understanding of donor-funded project requirements, including grant compliance and fund allocation.
• Experience in working with European and USAID funded projects is an added advantage.
• Experience working and accounting for forex funds in multi currencies, managing multi-year and multi-donor project budgets and preparing financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Consolidation of programme reporting.
• Proficiency in Pastel and advanced Excel skills.
• Solid knowledge of foreign exchange management, fund conversion and reporting.
• Experience with financial governance, compliance, and risk management.
• A solid track record in reconciling project funds, monitoring expenditure, identifying variances and reporting.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent budgeting, planning and analytical skills.
• Attention to detail with strong accuracy in financial work.
• Ability to interpret financial data and advise non-financial stakeholders.
• Problem-solving and decision-making ability in financial contexts.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to ethics, accountability, and continuous professional development.

Desirable Attributes

• Exposure to international donor funding requirements and institutional funders.
• Experience with project audits and grant administration.
• Knowledge of cost recovery and indirect cost allocation principles.
• Awareness of BBBEE opportunities.
• Familiarity with emerging financial management systems and digital tools.
• Flexible and ad-hoc availability to work in line with due deliverables.

Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents or have the requisite visa to work in South Africa.

This is a part-time position, based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Remuneration will be commensurate with skills and experience.

If you meet the requirements and are passionate about contributing to Saide’s mission, please submit a one-page written motivation, CV, three referees with contact details, and certified copies of ID and qualifications to [e-mail] by Friday, 13 February 2026.