Research Finance Officer

MANCOSA; Durban; Presencial; ZAR 350.000 - 520.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

MANCOSA invites applications for a Finance Officer to oversee financial and contractual administration of research activities. You will manage payments, software subscriptions, and contractor contracts while ensuring compliance with policies and financial controls.

The role requires 3+ years in financial administration, strong MS Excel skills, and experience with procurement-related activities in higher education or public sector settings.

Formación

• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• At least 3 years' experience in financial administration.
• Experience with contract administration and supplier payments.
• Experience in higher education, research administration, or public sector is advantageous.
• Proactive, detail-oriented with strong MS Excel skills.

Responsabilidades

• Process and monitor research-related payments and requisitions on SAGE.
• Coordinate payments for software and database subscriptions (Turnitin, SurveyMonkey, etc.).
• Process journal publication payments and other research dissemination costs.
• Manage payments for research events (workshops, conferences, venues, catering).
• Maintain contracts for independent contractors and service providers, and renewals.
• Provide financial reports and assist with budgeting for research activities.

Conocimientos

Advanced MS Excel

Budget monitoring

Multitasking

Communication skills

Problem solving

Educación

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting/Finance/Business Administration

Advanced Diploma in Accounting/Finance

Herramientas

SAGE

Turnitin

SurveyMonkey

Descripción del empleo

The Research Directorate is seeking to appoint a highly organised and detail-oriented Finance Officer to oversee financial and contractual administration associated with research activities and initiatives. The incumbent will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient processing of research-related payments, management of service provider contracts, administration of research subscriptions and software licences, and coordination of financial activities linked to research events and projects.This role serves as the primary coordinator for specialised research expenditure and independent contractor management, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, financial controls, and contractual obligations.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Processing and monitoring research-related payments and requisitions on SAGE.
• Coordinating payment of annual software and database subscriptions, including but not limited to:
• Turnitin
• SurveyMonkey
• Similar research support platforms and services.
• Processing journal publication payments and other research dissemination costs.
• Managing special payments associated with research workshops, symposiums, conferences, and other research events.
• Ensuring accurate financial recordkeeping and reconciliation of research expenditure.
• Monitoring expenditure against approved budgets and providing expenditure reports.

Contract and Service Provider Management

• Managing the end-to-end contracting process for independent contractors and service providers.
• Coordinating on-boarding requirements and documentation for new contractors.
• Monitoring contract periods and proactively managing contract renewals and terminations.
• Maintaining a central register of contracts and service-level agreements.
• Ensuring compliance with procurement, finance, and legal requirements.

Research Event Financial Coordination

• Coordinating financial processes for research-related events, including:
• Research workshops
• Quality conferences
• Processing payments for venues, facilitators, catering, accommodation, travel, and event service providers.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensuring adherence to institutional financial policies and procedures.
• Maintaining accurate financial and contractual records.
• Data management ensuring confidentiality and adherence to POPIA requirements

Stakeholder Support and Reporting

• Providing financial guidance to Research Directorate staff regarding payment and procurement processes.
• Liaising with Finance, Procurement, contractors, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Preparing regular financial and contract management reports for management.
• Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in:
• Accounting
• Finance
• Business Administration
• Related field

Experience

• At least 3 years' experience in financial administration.
• Experience in contract administration and service provider management.
• Experience processing supplier payments and managing procurement-related activities.
• Experience within higher education, research administration, or a public sector environment will be advantageous.
• Financial management and reporting
• Contract administration
• Budget monitoring
• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Advanced MS Excel skills
• Problem solving and analytical ability
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills