Manager: Research and Project Management (P8) at Sol Plaatje University

Purpose

• The purpose of this position is to provide financial management and support to the Director: Financial Planning, Reporting and Treasury of the University, with full financial accountability and responsibility of the preparation, execution, review and monitoring of all financial transactions and financial reporting relating to research and project management.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (NQF7) in Accounting.
• 5 years’ related experience in financial management in a complex environment, including 2 years’ supervisory experience in the relevant field,
• Computer literate (MS Office suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint)

Recommended requirements 

• Experience in financial management of research and projects will be advantageous
• Experience in a higher education environment will be advantageous
• Experience in ITS (ERP Solution)
• Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., SAICA, ACCA, etc.)

Duties

Financial analysis and reporting

• Manage the financial lifecycle of research and projects — from initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, to closure.
• Coordinate the compilation of an annual calendar for statutory and stakeholder financial reports and audits
• Prepare financial reports for statutory and/or stakeholders’ submission in accordance with the requirements, and templates where relevant
• Review and provide financial input for the development or renewal of stakeholder agreements relevant to research and project management

Prepare financial reports and statements for financial analysis, forecasting and trend analysis

• Cash flow projections
• Revenue analysis
• Budget analysis
• Variance analysis
• Internal rate of recovery analysis
• Ad hoc (research and project) reporting
• Analyse financial information to recommend or develop efficient use of resources and procedures
• Resolve accounting discrepancies and irregularities

Financial control

• Establish and maintain accounting procedures
• Develop and maintain budget databases
• Monitor, review and evaluate internal control systems
• Develop and maintain financial databases
• Generate and interpret internal reports for management information and decision making for presentation to Council
• Develop and implement internal audit process to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial recording
• Monitor and review the accuracy of assets for recoverability and/or obsolescence

User Education and Training

• Keep up to date with relevant accounting standards, value added tax, income tax, international standards of auditing amendments and impact thereof on the accounting and financial statements
• Assist with the orientation and training of relevant staff on policies, procedures and protocols relevant to research and project management
• Assist with the orientation and training of relevant staff on the ERP system protocols relevant to research and project management
• Monitor national and international developments in higher education finance and advise management accordingly

Policy and procedure development

• Review current policies and procedures relevant to research and project management, 
• Provide input for the development of new policies and procedures relevant to research and project management

Resource Management: Human Resources 

• Manage research and project management staff
• Ensure fair allocation of workloads
• Provide input into job descriptions
• Monitor operational activities
• Contribute to the recruitment process for positions in Research and Project Management
• Take responsibility for new staff induction
• Take responsibility for performance agreements for all staff
• Manage staff training, development, coaching and mentoring
• Manage employment relations (grievance, discipline and conflict resolution)
• Manage research and project management staff leave,
• Ensure that staff records are kept up to date

Resource Management: budget, finance, treasury and procurement

• Provide financial input into research and projects procurement, into:

Operational and capex budgets

• Manage section expenses against budget according to SPU policies and procedures and external stakeholder agreements and procedures
• Ensure alignment of section budget and expenses with project deliverables 

Asset management

• Manage section cash equivalents and investments according to SPU policies and procedures and external stakeholder agreements and procedures
• Manage section assets according to SPU policy and procedure and external stakeholder agreements and procedures

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Preparation of deferred income figures for quarterly reporting
• Preparation of deferred schedules for year-end annual financial statements with accompanying notes and accounting policies
• Relevant strategic, operational and financial reports as and when required to relevant Committees, Council or the Department of Higher Education and Training and External Stakeholders, etc.
• Research and implement best practices
• Communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders.

Closing Date 04 September 2026