Manager: Project Accounting Finance Unit: Financial Management

Programme Financial Management

• Provides financial management oversight and guidance to Project Accountants on all programme accounting matters which includes the following:
• Oversees the preparation, review and accuracy of programme revenue, expenditure, cash flow, budget and general ledger information.
• Serves as the primary interface between Finance and Programmes on financial management, reporting and accountability matters.
• Manages the escalation, resolution and follow-up of financial issues raised by Project Accountants and business units.
• Provides reliable programme-related financial information, analysis and advice to the CFO, Executive Management and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinates and reviews monthly, quarterly and annual budget preparation, approval and monitoring project budgets against approved plans and analyses variances.
• Oversees internal management reporting and external client reporting to ensure accuracy, completeness and alignment with funding and service delivery requirements.
• Represents Finance in programme meetings and client briefing sessions where financial input, advice or reporting is required.
• Reviews and coordinates funding applications and related financial submissions to client departments.
• Oversees programme account reconciliations, cash flow projections and related analyses to support effective financial decision-making and improved Return on Capital Employed.
• Facilitates workload balancing and cross-programme support within the programme accounting team.
• Coordinates staff cover and resource allocation across different Project Accounting teams.
• Reviews and maintains client commitment registers and ensures expense capitalisation.
• Reviews management fees for billing and follows up on collections.

Project Risk and Compliance

• Reviews and updates relevant finance policies, controls, plans, and processes.
• Identifies project-finance risks and implements mitigation strategies.
• Implements reporting frameworks as per clients’ Service Delivery Agreements (SDAs).
• Reviews and enhances internal controls and programme processes.
• Ensures financial compliance with relevant legislation (PFMA) and regulations.

Audit Management/Oversight

• Oversees the preparation and review of project audit files for internal and external auditors.
• Maintains the overall programme recon for audit requirements
• Facilitates the provision of responses to programme finance related audit queries and RFIs.
• Takes responsibility for the closure of audit findings related to programmes.

People Management

• Manages subordinates in line with CDC policies.
• Fosters an environment conducive to staff development and departmental objectives.
• Develops annual performance plans and assigns work in accordance with plans.
• Implements performance management and monitors the work of subordinates.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection for subordinate roles.

DESCRIPTION

Educational Qualifications

Essential

• Postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) in Financial Management, Accounting, any related or equivalent.

Preferred

• CA (SA).

Essential

• 5 years of commensurate core experience in financial management or accounting.

Preferred

• Proven experience in project financial management. 
• Experience in team leadership and managing multi-programme workloads. 
• Experience working on an ERP system like Oracle.

Essential

• Advanced knowledge of IFRS and programme accounting principles and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• Highly analytical with the ability to interpret complex financial data and explain variances.
• People management skills.
• Ability to act as an interface between technical programmes and financial functions.
• Deadline-driven with a focus on audit closure and service delivery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) and ERP systems like Oracle and Pastel. Preferred
• Knowledge of supply chain legislation.

Preferred

• Knowledge of supply chain legislation.

Licences, Registrations & Certifications

Essential

• None.

Preferred

• Professional registration with a relevant body.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Performance is monitored regularly at both an individual and a team level, in accordance with the CDC’s performance management system and control measures relevant to the position.

Key outcomes in the role include:

• Increased Profitability 
• Improved Cashflow Management -Increased Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) 
• Level of Service Provision and Support to Clients, Funder, Investors, Service Providers; Scored by Independent External SP 
• Closure of Audit Findings for Programmes 
• SLA's

COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS

The incumbent is required to:

• Uphold the CDC’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, demonstrating ethical behaviour and contributing to good corporate governance.
• Actively participate in and adhere to the CDC’s Quality, Safety, Health, Environmental, Information Security and IT Service Management System (SHEMS) policies and procedures. This includes a responsibility for identifying and reporting potential risks and incidents related to safety, security, and quality, and for contributing to the ongoing improvement of the CDC's SHEMS.
• Be familiar with and adhere to the CDC emergency preparedness plans.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding CDC trade secrets and Information Security policies.
• Obtain prior written permission for any business or pursuit outside of the CDC that may conflict with the CDC’s interests, including immediate family members working for a direct competitor, adhering to the CDC’s Conflict of Interest Policy.