Project Accountant : Part-Time

Saide; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

An international non-profit organization is seeking a Project Accountant to ensure the financial health and compliance of projects. The ideal candidate will manage project finances, prepare financial reports, and support donor compliance. A relevant business qualification and 3–5 years of experience in financial management are required. Proficiency in Pastel and strong analytical skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years’ experience in financial management and project accounting, preferably in an NPO environment.
• Strong understanding of donor‑funded project requirements.
• Experience with European and USAID funded projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage project finances to ensure effective utilisation of funds.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports for donors.
• Assist with donor and statutory audits as required.

Skills

Financial management

Project accounting

Donor compliance

Budgeting

Reporting

Excel

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant tertiary business qualification with Accounting or Finance as a major

Tools

Pastel

Job description

The Project Accountant is a critical role that supports Saide's mission by ensuring the financial health, compliance and stewardship of projects across the organisation.

Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, the Project Accountant will be responsible for budgeting, financial reporting, donor compliance, management of project finances and financial governance at the project level.

The incumbent will work closely with programme teams to ensure effective use of donor funds and to strengthen accountability, transparency, and impact.

Responsibilities

Financial Stewardship and Project Accounting

• Manage project finances to ensure effective utilisation of funds in line with donor and project requirements.
• Support, maintain and develop project budgets as required, track expenditures, and monitor financial performance against budgets for multiple projects.
• Check and verify project transactions are in line with budgets and identify any misallocations for correction.
• Oversee project‑level forex accounting, conversions and reporting in foreign currency.
• Monitor cash flow on projects.
• Implement accounting systems, processes and controls to strengthen financial governance and ensure compliance in respect of projects.
• Reconciling project funds and consolidation of programme reporting.

Financial 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 financial 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.

Qualifications

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 (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.
• Strong budgeting, planning and analytical skills with attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Ability to interpret financial data and advise non‑financial stakeholders, problem‑solving and decision‑making ability in financial contexts.
• Strong communication skills and 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.