FINANCE MANAGER

Location: Remote

Language: English

Position: Senior

Duration: 1-year contract

Umuzi is looking for a Finance Manager to join our dynamic team, to oversee the end-to-end implementation, execution and monitoring of all organisational financial processes within the Umuzi and African Coding Network brand.

Umuzi is a holistic learning ecosystem guiding learners in exploring the digital economy and defining their potential roles. We connect them to relevant learning opportunities and involve them in a continuous learning journey to accelerate their careers. Through strategic partnerships with global employers, funders, and learning providers, we are committed to actively combating social inequality by fostering economic inclusion.

Overview of the role 

As the Finance Manager at Umuzi, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of our organisation as we continue to expand our impact in the tech education space. You will be responsible for managing all financial operations, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will work closely with the executive team to develop and execute financial plans that support our mission and long-term objectives.


Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations Support:

  • Assist in developing product costings, budgets, and forecasts in alignment with organisational goals.

  • Perform routine financial analysis and reporting to assess performance and identify areas for improvement.

  • Provide operational support in implementing financial strategies set by the Head of Finance.

Financial Reporting Assistance:

  • Collaborate with the partnerships team to develop templates for financial reporting on projects.

  • Support partner managers in compiling financial reports for key projects.

  • Assist in managing cost centres and budget assignments for global projects.

Budget Support:

  • Support the annual budgeting process by gathering data and assisting the Head of Finance in developing budget proposals.

  • Monitor budget performance and variance analysis, and provide timely updates to management.

  • Contribute to the implementation of cost-control measures and identify potential savings opportunities.

Grants and Funding Assistance:

  • Aid in overseeing the financial aspects of grant applications and funding proposals, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

  • Assist in managing grant reporting and accountability, including tracking expenditures and outcomes.

  • Support efforts to cultivate relationships with donors and funding partners.

Financial Compliance and Risk Support:

  • Assist in ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, and reporting requirements.

  • Participate in implementing and maintaining internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks.

  • Support coordination of external audits and assessments, and address audit findings and recommendations.

Relationship Management Support:

  • Assist in managing relationships with financial partners such as Investec Private Banker.

  • Work with the external accountant to carry out various tasks such as updates on salary adjustments and other pertinent financial information for reference and audit purposes.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Provide guidance and support to staff on financial matters, policies, and procedures.

  • Monitor transactions associated with the Umuzi Credit Card, promptly investigating any suspicious activities.

  • Coordinate the timely release of weekly payments, ensuring adherence to cut-off times.

  • Update and maintain the payment schedule for accurate reconciliation at month-end.

  • Pull bank account transactions into SAGE Accounting and reconcile accounts monthly.

  • Notify relevant stakeholders by the 7th of each month to prepare management accounts.

  • Ensure the timely loading of Medical Aid and Retirement Annuity statements for the following month.

  • Process payments for international staff members, ensuring compliance with documentation requirements.

  • Review monthly stipend payroll data for accuracy and compliance before processing payroll runs.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.

  • Proven experience in financial management or accounting roles.

  • In-depth knowledge of financial regulations and compliance requirements.

  • Proficiency in accounting software, particularly SAGE Accounting.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail.

  • Ability to work well under pressure, prioritise and meet deadlines.

It should go without saying but likely the most important characteristic needed for this role is someone overly concerned with honesty and always doing the right thing, even when no one would know any differently.

Note:

The Finance Manager may be assigned additional tasks or responsibilities as needed to support the organisation's financial objectives and operations. Flexibility and adaptability are essential qualities for success in this role.

How to Apply:

Complete this Application Form and include the following as supporting documents:

  • Curriculum vitae and a 3-minute video stating why you are interested in the role and how you possess or meet the knowledge, skills, and criteria.

  • One employment reference

  • One character reference, which can also be a second employment reference

Note: We will only contact your references after interviews  

It is hoped that the successful candidate will be able to start the post as soon as possible. 

UMUZI is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion.