Division Manager: Finance at Human Sciences Research Council (HRSC)

Job Advert Summary    

• In delivering ‘social science that makes a difference’, the Research Divisions, Units, Institutes and Centres of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) undertake policy-oriented research from its offices in Pretoria, Cape Town, and Pietermaritzburg. Our public purpose mandate is set out in the Human Sciences Research Council Act of 2008.
• Equitable Education and Economies (EEE) is a research division of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) that undertakes research to transform educational outcomes and increase economic participation and innovation. It recognises that education and the economy are intrinsically linked, and thus EEE conducts research in both areas, sometimes discretely, many times overlapping, and using a multidisciplinary lens to investigate the gains and growth South Africa needs.
• EEE has a large and vibrant research programme with over 30 experienced and emerging researchers working on methodologically rigorous and transformative research.
• We do so with a focus on understanding transformation and innovation in a spatialised economy that includes access to land and food security, and researching the future of education, work and skills needed to ensure young people gain relevant skills to equip them for successful transitions into sustainable, meaningful and socially just forms of livelihoods.
• EEE seeks to appoint a Division Manager: Finance on a permanent contract. The ideal candidate should be based in Pretoria, however, Cape Town applications will also be considered.

Minimum Requirements    

• A recognised Finance degree at NQF level 7 or higher, with three to five years relevant experience; auditing background is beneficial;
• Relevant experience in financial management, cost and management accounting and project management;
• A good understanding of the financial regulatory system in the public system will be helpful;
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, and the ability to co-ordinate and capacitate staff;
• Advanced computer literacy and knowledge of Microsoft Office;
• Must have intellectual and personal integrity, with a well-developed work ethic and drive, and an aptitude for innovation;
• Should be able to work under pressure, and occasionally after hours when required to meet deadlines;
• Must be able to work proactively and independently;
• Strong user-orientation, ability to prioritise, and an understanding of the research environment; and
• Confidence with spoken and written English, and able to train

Duties & Responsibilities    

• Manage the financial processes (policies, controls, systems, flows and tasks) within the division, so that it is efficient, effective and compliant with the PFMA and HSRC policies and procedures;
• Provide strategic financial support to the division leadership to ensure sound financial management;
• Provide support with the financial aspects of proposal development, including the development of budgets and forecasts of expenditure, in accordance with the requirements of local and international funding organisations;
• Prepare financial reports at division and project levels, in keeping with policies and procedures, as well as audit requirements;
• Manage the financial evaluation, financial analysis, risk assessment and financing of new projects and new opportunities during all phases of project development i.e. from inception to financial closure;
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness and integrity of financial information;
• Cash flow management;
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts and other financial reports; and
• Manage month-end and year-end processes and deadlines
• The HSRC offers attractive, market-related salaries, depending on qualifications, experience and recent performance.