Administrative Manager For Education Based Ngo

Embark In Knowledge; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NGO in Cape Town is seeking an Administrative Manager to oversee financial management and administrative operations. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in financial and administrative management, along with proficiency in accounting software. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient operations and compliance with South African regulations, contributing to educational programmes in underserved communities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in financial and administrative management.
• Proficiency with accounting software and MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of South African financial, tax, and labour regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial management and bookkeeping.
• Manage procurement processes and supplier relationships.
• Support human resources administration and compliance.

Skills

Financial management

Project management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Degree or diploma in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration

Tools

Sage

QuickBooks

Xero

MS Office Suite

Job description

POSITION : ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Organisation : Embark In Knowledge ("EIK")

Location : Cape Town, South Africa

Reports to : The Managing Director

About EIK
EIK is a bold, future‑focused NGO dedicated to advancing STEAMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics & Innovation) enrichment and enhancement, alongside youth, health, and wellness programmes in underserved communities.

EIK is supported by the Hasso Plattner Foundation (HPF) and has a unique opportunity to become a global innovator by building world class science centres, pioneering educational models, and driving measurable impact for disadvantaged youth.

Role Overview

The Administrative Manager is a permanent, mid‑level function responsible for overseeing day‑to‑day financial management, administrative operations, and project support functions. This portfolio ensures that EIK operates with the highest levels of accountability, compliance, and efficiency, enabling the organisation to deliver on its mission.

The role demands a disciplined, detail‑oriented individual with strong financial management, administrative, and project management competencies. The Administrative Manager plays a vital role in ensuring the financial, operational, and administrative backbone of the organisation remains disciplined, efficient, and strategically aligned with EIK’s broader mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management
  • Oversee advanced bookkeeping, general ledger management, and reconciliations.
  • Manage cash flow and prepare monthly management accounts.
  • Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, including SARS, UIF, and related statutory requirements.
  • Manage payroll processing and statutory submissions.
  • Oversee debtors and creditors, ensuring timely invoicing, collections, and payments.
  • Maintain and update asset registers.
• Procurement & Supplier Management
  • Oversee procurement processes, ensuring fair, transparent, and cost‑effective supplier management.
  • Negotiate supplier contracts and manage supplier relationships.
• HR Administration
  • Support recruitment processes, onboarding, and employee record management.
  • Ensure compliance with HR policies and South African labour regulations.
  • Manage leave tracking, benefits administration, and staff documentation.
• Project & Administrative Support
  • Provide project management oversight to ensure administrative systems support efficient delivery of programmes.
  • Ensure accurate filing, reporting, and compliance with organisational and funder requirements.
  • Act as the Public Officer for legal and compliance purposes.

Candidate Profile

Essential Attributes

• Strong financial management and administrative background.
• Highly disciplined, detail oriented, and structured.
• Proven project management competency.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5+ years of relevant experience in financial and administrative management.
• Proficiency with accounting software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks, Xero) and MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of South African financial, tax, and labour regulations.
• NGO or non‑profit sector experience is an advantage.
• Motivation to Join : This role is the operational anchor of EIK.

By ensuring disciplined financial management, efficient administration, and strong compliance, the Administrative Manager empowers the organisation to deliver maximum impact through its educational programmes.

It's an opportunity to be part of a purpose‑driven organisation shaping education in underserved communities in South Africa.

To Apply

To apply, please email your CV and short cover letter to