Job Title: Finance Manager
Reports to: Deputy Executive Director
Direct Reports: Senior Bookkeeper, Bookkeeper
Location: Cape Town, South Africa (with limited regional travel as required)
Job Type: Manager

Salary Range: R60 000 – R70 000

 

Job Purpose

The Finance Manager is accountable for the efficient planning, management, compliance, and reporting of IJR’s financial resources. This role ensures that financial systems, policies, and practices enable effective programme delivery, support donor and statutory compliance, and sustain the long-term financial health of the organisation.
The Finance Manager partners with leadership to drive sound, ethical, and prudent financial decision-making and contributes to the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of IJR.

Key Outcomes

1. Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Cash Flow Management

• Lead and coordinate the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, HODs, and Programme Managers.
• Provide financial planning advice and monthly updates on financial performance, risks, and forecasts.
• Oversee cash flow management, banking operations, and ensure adequate liquidity for programme delivery.
• Maintain accurate and timely management reports, including variance analysis and expenditure tracking.
• Oversee Annual Audits.

 

2. Financial Management and Systems

• Refine and maintain financial systems in line with IFRS for SMEs and donor requirements.
• Ensure timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Oversee payroll, bookkeeping, fixed asset management, and reconciliations.
• Strengthen internal financial controls and compliance frameworks across all functions.
• Facilitate capacity building for staff on financial management and budgeting.

 

3. Donor and Grant Management

• Develop and review donor proposal budgets in collaboration with relevant leads.
• Ensure donor reporting is accurate, compliant, and submitted timeously.
• Manage donor-specific audits and maintain transparent relationships with funding partners.
• Support sub-granting processes (e.g., Afrobarometer) by ensuring partner compliance, foreign currency management, and reporting accuracy.

 

4. Compliance, Audit, and Governance

• Ensure full compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations (CIPC, PAYE, UIF, Tax, Workman’s Compensation, etc.).
• Prepare for and manage annual external and donor-specific audits, ensuring timely resolution of findings.
• Serve as company secretary on finance matters, including preparation of board reports, minutes, and statutory filings.
• Maintain up-to-date financial policies and procedures, reviewed at least annually.

 

5. Procurement and Risk Management

• Oversee procurement and inventory processes to ensure transparency and compliance.
• Review and improve procurement policies and train staff on compliance.
• Monitor and report on financial and operational risks and implement mitigation measures.

 

6. People Leadership and Development

• Manage, coach, and develop the Bookkeeper and other finance support staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and learning within the finance function.
• Participate in organisational planning forums and contribute to financial insights at EXCO and MANCO levels.

 

Competencies

• Strategic financial management and analysis
• Donor financial reporting and grants management
• Knowledge of IFRS for SMEs, Companies Act, and NPO governance
• Cash flow and budget planning
• Risk management and audit coordination
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills
• Cross-team collaboration and capacity development
• Ethical judgment and integrity in financial decision-making

 

Personal Attributes

• Confident, ethical, and assertive communicator.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Innovative, reflective, and open to learning.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across diverse teams.
• Commitment to IJR’s mission and values of justice, reconciliation, and social cohesion.

 

Experience Required

10 years’ experience in financial management, preferably in the NGO or donor-funded sector. Experience with grants management, multi-currency budgeting, and audit preparation essential.

 

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field required.
• Postgraduate qualification in Financial Management required
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Pastel Accounting, and Payroll systems required.

 

Application Process:

 

• Submit a letter of motivation, CV with two contactable references to Simone Naidoo at vacancies@ijr.org.za
• The deadline to submit your application is 28 November 2025
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, you can assume your application has been unsuccessful.
• We encourage applications from historically disadvantaged individuals.