Job Description

Purpose

The Finance Manager will oversee a wide range of financial, governance, and day-to-day operational activities for both Siyavula Foundation and SEE. Working closely with the Executive Director, they will translate organisational strategy into sound financial plans, track performance, and manage financial processes to support business objectives.

The ideal candidate is an experienced, hands-on finance professional who combines meticulous attention to detail with the ability to shape and deliver strategic initiatives. They value South Africa's rich cultural diversity and are energised by contributing to an organisation making a significant impact across South Africa and the African continent.



Role and responsibilities

Financial management Lead and deliver the full spectrum of financial operations, including transaction processing, expense control, Accounts Payable/Receivable and banking. Ensure timely and accurate records, reconciliations, VAT and statutory submissions and efficient cash flow across all entities

Strategic financial planning Develop and implement the financial strategy aligned with organisational goals and priorities, with management and board where appropriate.

Budget management and forecasting Develop budgets in collaboration with the executive team and monitor spending against budget. Manage cash flow across entities, identify variances, and recommend corrective actions to align with financial targets.

Analysis and reporting Prepare and present monthly management accounts, cash flow projections, and financial reports. Lead bi-weekly finance reviews and provide insights into performance and risks.

Grant Management and fundraising support Support funding proposal development. Monitor and track grant expenditure. Prepare and submit accurate and timely financial reports to funders in line with grant agreements.

Compliance and audit:

Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations, internal controls, and donor requirements. Coordinate the annual statutory audit and liaise with auditors during the audit process.

Payroll management Manage end-to-end payroll processing on Simple Pay, incl. leave management and compliance with statutory requirements.

Procurement and asset management Ensure cost-effective, compliant procurement and maintain accurate asset records to safeguard and optimise organisational resources.

Software management Manage and optimise financial systems (Xero and SimplePay), ensuring accurate data, system integrity.

REQUIREMENTS

Requirements

Qualifications and experience

Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting

five+ years finance management experience, ideally within a small to medium sized organisation

Previous non-profit or education sector experience would be highly advantageous

Skills and attributes

Excellent technical accounting skills

Highly proficient in using relevant software and tools (e.g. Xero, Simple Pay, Google Suite, Monday etc.)

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Strategic, big-picture thinking combined with attention to detail

Outstanding organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

Curiosity, open to taking feedback and commitment to ongoing learning.

All Siyavula Foundation work remotely but the candidate will ideally be based in Johannesburg that they can meet with the CEO on a regular basis.

Please send your CV and 1-page cover letter with the subject line Finance Manager . For further information on Siyavula Foundation, https://www.siyavulafoundation.org visit

Please accept your application as unsuccessful if you have not heard from us by 10 October 2025.

Applicants must declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children, and must consent to the disclosure of any such information by their former employers during verification of references.