Finance Manager

Early Learning Resource Unit (Elru); Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused NGO in Cape Town is seeking a Finance Manager to oversee financial health through effective planning and reporting. This full-time role requires a Bachelor's in Finance or Accounting and at least 5 years of experience in financial management, preferably in an NGO setting. The Finance Manager will lead the finance team and ensure compliance with donor requirements and South African regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive financial management experience.
• Experience in financial leadership within NGOs/NPOs is preferred.
• Registered Chartered Accountant or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting process in collaboration with Directors.
• Prepare and analyse monthly management accounts and reports.
• Ensure compliance with NPO and South African financial regulations.

Skills

Financial management

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Understanding of compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field

Master's degree or MBA

Tools

Sage

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

About ELRU

The Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU) is an NGO within the Early Childhood Development sector located in Lansdowne, Cape Town. ELRU's vision is to give every child in South Africa a good start in life while providing holistic support to the child through enabling access to an integrated package of quality ECD services. Our workspace is diverse, unique and welcoming to all.

Position Overview

The Finance Manager is responsible for safeguarding the financial health of ELRU through effective planning, management, compliance, and reporting. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to the finance team, ensuring accurate donor and statutory reporting, organisational budgeting processes, and strict adherence to regulatory and funder requirements. By driving financial transparency, efficiency, and accountability, the Finance Manager plays a key role in supporting ELRU's mission and long‑term sustainability.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting process in collaboration with Directors.
• Monitor organisational financial performance and cash flow forecasting.
• Prepare and analyse monthly management accounts and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement robust financial systems, controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
• Manage cash flow to maintain liquidity and meet operational needs.
• Provide high‑level financial analysis, including forecasting, risk assessments, and scenario planning, to support strategic decisions.
• Analyse cost structures across projects and programmes to identify efficiencies and opportunities for cost optimisation.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to all donors.
• Develop donor‑specific budgets and monitor project expenditure against funding agreements in collaboration with project managers.
• Support proposal development with budget inputs aligned to donor and organisational priorities.
• Ensure compliance with NPO and South African financial regulations, SARS, and donor‑specific conditions.
• Design and implement risk management frameworks to address financial, operational, and strategic risks.
• Ensure strong internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain organisational integrity.
• Oversee the implementation of recommendations from audits to strengthen financial controls.
• Maintain and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Lead and mentor finance team members to ensure high performance and continuous development.
• Build capacity within the finance team to ensure effective financial operations and compliance.
• Develop training workshops to enhance financial literacy and compliance awareness across the Organisation.
• Support other departments in understanding and applying financial principles in their work.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue streams for Sankofa Academy through data analytics and market insights.
• Collaborate with the business development team to identify funding opportunities and build financial models for new initiatives.
• Oversee payroll, statutory submissions, and SARS submissions and reconciliations.
• Ensure effective financial systems and software are in place and maintained.
• Present consolidated financial reports to the Directors and Board, highlighting trends and recommendations to improve the organisation's financial standing.
• Manage the organisation's reserve fund.
• Perform any other duties as required by management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Master's degree or MBA preferred).
• Registered Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)) or equivalent qualification (advantageous).
• Minimum 5 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven experience working in financial leadership, preferably within NGOs / NPO organisations.
• Expertise in setting up and managing financial systems and policies.
• Knowledge of South African NPO compliance requirements and donor reporting standards.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide strategic recommendations.
• Excellent knowledge of IFRS, grant compliance, and donor reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks) and Excel.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, planning, and problem‑solving abilities.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Commitment to ELRU's values and mission in the ECD sector.
• Ability to work in a team and sometimes under tight deadlines.

Job Type & Location

Full‑time
Work Location: In person

Education

Bachelors (Required)

Language

English (Required)