Finance Officer : Part-Time

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

Job summary

A leading education support organization in Johannesburg seeks a part-time Finance Officer to manage financial operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency. The ideal candidate has a relevant qualification and 3–5 years of experience in financial management, with strong skills in budgeting and accounting. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful educational initiatives across Africa.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in financial management, preferably in an NPO.
• Strong understanding of donor-funded project requirements.
• Experience in working with European and USAID funded projects.
• Proficiency in forex funds management.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial and accounting support within operations.
• Assist with budget preparation and expenditure reporting.
• Liaise with programme leads for financial tracking.
• Verify and process transactions ensuring compliance.
• Compile financial data for reporting.

Skills

Excellent budgeting, planning and analytical skills

Attention to detail with strong accuracy

Problem-solving and decision-making ability

Strong communication skills

Education

Relevant business qualification with Accounting/Finance

Tools

Pastel

Advanced Excel skills

Job description

About Saide

Established in

• 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.

Position Overview

Based in Johannesburg, Saide seeks to appoint a Finance Officer: Part Time. The Finance Officer supports Saide's financial operations ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial records and processes.

Key Responsibilities – Support and Coordination

• Provide financial and accounting support within the finance department in respect of operations and projects.
• Assist with the preparation of CORE and project budgets, expenditure reports, and forecasts as required.
• Liaise with programme leads to ensure accurate financial tracking and timely reporting.
• Verify and process transactions, ensuring correct allocations, relevant support documentation, and internal and donor compliance.
• Monitor project cash flow and support the reconciliation of project accounts, including foreign currency conversions.
• Compile and consolidate financial data to support external and internal reporting.
• Prepare supporting schedules and maintain audit files for review and verification. Financial Accounting

Key Responsibilities – Financial Accounting

• Carry out core accounting functions, including management of accounts payable and receivable function, balance sheet reconciliations, monitoring of fixed assets, journal entries, assistance with finance policies and other identified tasks.
• Maintain and update financial information, 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.
• Assistance with monthly and quarterly financial reports 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 internal and external stakeholders. Ensure compliance with donor contracts and regulations, organisational policies, and relevant financial regulations and accounting standards. Maintain a complete and accurate set of financial records adhering to internal and external deadlines. Assist with donor and statutory audits as required and ensure project financial records are kept in line with donor requirements for record keeping. Support financial risk management and mitigate potential risks across projects.

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.

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 adhoc availability to work in line with due deliverables.

Eligibility

Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents or have the requisite visa to work in South Africa. This is apart-time position, based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Compensation

Remuneration will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Application Process

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 toby Sunday, 30 November.