Manager: Research and Project Management (P8) Northern Cape

Sol Plaatje University is actively recruiting for a Manager: Research and Project Management (P8) position in Northern Cape. This is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the Finance / Accounting / Audit sector looking to advance their careers.

• Experience Level: 5 years • Educational Background: Bachelor or equivalent • Industry Focus: Finance / Accounting / Audit • Location Preference: in Northern Cape

Financial professionals like Manager: Research and Project Management (P8) are vital for organizational stability and compliance. This role offers the opportunity to impact business strategy and financial health.

This role in Finance / Accounting / Audit offers valuable career progression opportunities aligned with your experience level and professional aspirations.

When applying for this Manager: Research and Project Management (P8) position, ensure your CV highlights: • Relevant experience matching the 5 years requirement • Educational qualifications in line with Bachelor • Specific achievements in the Finance / Accounting / Audit field • Any certifications or specialized training

The Finance / Accounting / Audit sector in South Africa continues to show strong demand for skilled professionals. This position represents a valuable opportunity in the current job market.

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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.)

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