Senior Manager: Budget & Project Management at University of Johannesburg

Job Specification:

UJ is keen to interview a dynamic, strategically minded individual with the ability to promote the objectives of the Budget and Project Management unit, residing within the Financial Governance and Revenue Department. This unit is responsible for compilation, monitoring and reporting activities associated with the University’s budgeting process, ensuring financial sustainability, managing the financial management support relating to external funding, business case viability and project management. The primary responsibility of the Senior Manager: Budget and Project Management is to manage the research budget team with a client centric approach, in rendering financial management support within the University’s research environment.

Attributes associated with leadership at senior management level are critical to this role such as analytical and critical thinking, problem solving, relationship management, implementing appropriate oversight and instillation of controls. Improve financial management support maturity to facilitate attainment of strategic objectives.

The Senor Manager supports the Director: BPM in the departmental strategic decision making and policy formation to maintain a high performing department and build a high-performance team.

The objectives and responsibilities of the Senior Manager BPM include:

• To provide efficient and professional financial management support in Budgeting, Reporting, Analysis, Project Management, Business Case viability and Research Fund Management. 
• Manage all research and investment funds in the portfolio.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data.
• Assist with ascertaining the financial performance of the client departments/faculties.
• Provide credible forecasting for department/faculty.
• Manage and implement financial policies and procedures, ensure a regular review and monitoring taking into consideration operational, legislative, and regulatory developments.
• Compile and coordinate the budget process as well as spending alignment thereto towards the achievement of annual goals.
• Institute controls and risk management within client portfolio environment
• Represent Budget and project management team in other University committees and project teams.
• Provide client focused financial management support to research environment
• Provide reports and presentations required.
• Serve as a consultative resource to all areas of the University that requires financial management support.
• Work in conjunction with the Risk and Assurance team to manage the audit function associated with external funding.
• Take charge of the team’s input to strategic planning and reporting, including the annual performance plan and annual audit.
• Implement action plans associated with audits performed to ensure audit recommendations are implemented and evaluated for effectiveness.
• Assist with special projects and other ad hoc requests
• Maintain up-to-date professional skills and knowledge regarding financial management practices in the sector and specific to higher education.
• Have passion for team building, support and develop the team, embed a culture where employees take ownership and accountability for the provision of financial management support. A team that goes the extra mile to ensure successful financial business partnering. 

Minimum Requirements:

• B. Com Honours in (financial management discipline)
• CIMA Professional Qualification (CGMA) or CA (SA) preferable.
• Management Development Program/ management qualification will be an added advantage.
• Comprehension and ability across key financial management, analysis, and reporting components.
• Minimum six years’ experience in various financial environments with at least three years managerial experience.
• 1-3-year experience in managing small to medium teams.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes:

• Familiarity with forecasting methods and data analysis
• Good written and oral reporting and numeracy skills with an attention to detail
• Knowledge of MS Excel (specifically, advanced formulas, pivot tables and charts)
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with a wide constituent group of University employees, students, external funders, other universities, and the public, negotiate effectively with stakeholders
• Keep abreast of the changes in state legislation and financial management regulations.
• Be result-oriented, have strong organizational skills, self-motivated and proactive
• Work comfortably in a highly collaborative setting
• Be meticulous and have a keen eye for detail, identify and mitigate risks.
• Ability to influence others and gain commitment
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Maintain high level of integrity and ethical standards
• Have an exceptional problem-solving skill, and the ability to remain calm in times of uncertainty, conflict, and stress.
• Ability to exercise judgement in providing financial management support and make quick and effective decisions.
• Monitor and assess team performance, provide regular constructive feedback to ensure continuous improvement.

Enquiries regarding job content: Mrs Morongwa Mametse at 011 559 4014

Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees, must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.