Finance Officer: Part-Time

Established in 1992, Saide is an education support organisation founded on social justice and open learning principles. We believe that education is the foundation for lifelong success. As such, we are on a mission to unlock the power of education and expand opportunity for children, youth and adults across Africa. Innovating data-informed solutions and leveraging technology, Saide supports education providers across diverse modes of provision (in-person, remote and hybrid), partnering with governments, public and private institutions, as well as civil society organisations. We work across the education system from early learning through primary and secondary schooling, to higher education and training.

Based in Johannesburg, Saide seeks to appoint an

Finance Officer: Part Time

The
Finance Officer
supports Saide's financial operations ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial records and processes. The role involves but is not limited to assisting with key accounting functions such as project reporting and financial related project assistance, budgeting, payments, reconciliations, managing debtor's function, assisting with management reports and financial policies. Reporting directly to the
Senior Finance Manager
, the Finance Officer may also supervise specific financial activities and coordinate work within the department or with external service providers. The incumbent ensures that financial procedures align with organisational policy, donor requirements, and sound accounting practices, referring any significant changes or exceptions to higher departmental authority.

Key responsibilities of the
Finance Officer

include:

Support and Coordination

·      Provide financial and accounting support within the finance department in respect of operations and projects.

·      Assist with the preparation of CORE and project budgets, expenditure reports, and forecasts as required.

·      Liaise with programme leads to ensure accurate financial tracking and timely reporting.

·      Verify and process transactions, ensuring correct allocations, relevant support documentation, and internal and donor compliance.

·      Monitor project cash flow and support the reconciliation of project accounts, including foreign currency conversions.

·      Compile and consolidate financial data to support external and internal reporting.

·      Prepare supporting schedules and maintain audit files for review and verification.

Financial Accounting

·      Carry out core accounting functions, including management of accounts payable and receivable function, balance sheet reconciliations, monitoring of fixed assets, journal entries, assistance with finance policies and other identified tasks.

·      Maintain and update financial information, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions.

·      Implement financial controls and procedures that uphold organisational compliance and transparency.

·      Support procurement activities, ensuring proper documentation, authorisation, and adherence to financial policies.

·      Assistance with monthly and quarterly financial reports to support internal management decisions.

·      Assist in the preparation for audits and ensure all financial documentation meets statutory and donor requirements.

·      Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency in financial operations.

Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare timely and accurate financial reports internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with donor contracts and regulations, organisational policies, and relevant financial regulations and accounting standards.
• Maintain a complete and accurate set of financial records adhering to internal and external deadlines.
• Assist with donor and statutory audits as required and ensure project financial records are kept in line with donor requirements for record keeping.
• Support financial risk management and mitigate potential risks across projects.

Professional Growth and Organisational Culture

• Actively contribute to Saide's Aspirational Culture, Leadership Brand and Work Ethos.
• Develop professionally through training, mentorship, and sector learning opportunities.
• Support innovation in financial systems and adopt digital tools to enhance efficiency and reporting.

The
Finance Officer

must meet the following criteria:

Essential Qualifications and Experience

·      A relevant tertiary business qualification with Accounting or Finance as a major.

·      3–5 years' experience in financial management and project accounting, preferably in an NPO environment.

·      Strong understanding of donor-funded project requirements, including grant compliance and fund allocation.

·      Experience in working with European and USAID funded projects is an added advantage.

·      Experience working and accounting for forex funds in multi currencies, managing multi-year and multi-donor project budgets and preparing financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.

·      Consolidation of programme reporting.

·      Proficiency in Pastel and advanced Excel skills.

·      Solid knowledge of foreign exchange management, fund conversion and reporting.

·      Experience with financial governance, compliance, and risk management.

·      A solid track record in reconciling project funds, monitoring expenditure, identifying variances and reporting.

Skills and Competencies

·      Excellent budgeting, planning and analytical skills.

·      Attention to detail with strong accuracy in financial work.

·      Ability to interpret financial data and advise non-financial stakeholders.

·      Problem-solving and decision-making ability in financial contexts.

·      Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

·      Commitment to ethics, accountability, and continuous professional development.

Desirable Attributes

·      Exposure to international donor funding requirements and institutional funders.

·      Experience with project audits and grant administration.

·      Knowledge of cost recovery and indirect cost allocation principles.

·      Awareness of BBBEE opportunities.

·      Familiarity with emerging financial management systems and digital tools.

·      Flexible and adhoc availability to work in line with due deliverables.

Applicants must be South African citizens, permanent residents or have the requisite visa to work in South Africa.

This is a
part-time position
, based in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. Remuneration will be commensurate with skills and experience.

If you meet the requirements and are passionate about contributing to Saide's mission, please submit a one-page written motivation, CV, three referees with contact details, and certified copies of ID and qualifications to

by Sun
day, 30 November 2025
.