Job Description

ABOUT ELRU



The Early Learning Resource Unit (ELRU) is an NGO within the Early Childhood Development sector located in Lansdowne, Cape Town. ELRU's vision is to give every child in South Africa a good start in life while providing holistic support to the child through enabling access to an integrated package of quality ECD services. Our workspace is diverse, unique and welcoming to all.

Position Overview



The Finance Manager is responsible for safeguarding the financial health of ELRU through effective planning, management, compliance, and reporting. This role provides strategic and operational leadership to the finance team, ensuring accurate donor and statutory reporting, organisational budgeting processes, and strict adherence to regulatory and funder requirements. By driving financial transparency, efficiency, and accountability, the Finance Manager plays a key role in supporting ELRU's mission and long-term sustainability.

Main Job Responsibilities



Lead annual budgeting process in collaboration with Directors. Monitor Organisational financial performance and cash flow forecasting. Prepare and analyse monthly management accounts and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders. Oversee the preparation of annual financial statements in compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. Develop and implement robust financial systems, controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Manage cash flow to maintain liquidity and meet operational needs. Provide high-level financial analysis, including forecasting, risk assessments, and scenario planning, to support strategic decisions. Analyse cost structures across projects and programmes to identify efficiencies and opportunities for cost optimisation. Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to all donors. Develop donor-specific budgets and monitor project expenditure against funding agreements in collaboration with project managers. Support proposal development with budget inputs aligned to donor and Organisational priorities. Ensure compliance with NPO and South African financial regulations, SARS, and donor-specific conditions. Design and implement risk management frameworks to address financial, operational, and strategic risks. Ensure strong internal controls to safeguard assets and maintain Organisational integrity. Oversee the implementation of recommendations from audits to strengthen financial controls. Maintain and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls. Lead and mentor finance team members to ensure high performance and continuous development. Build capacity within the finance team to ensure effective financial operations and compliance. Develop training workshops to enhance financial literacy and compliance awareness across the Organisation. Support other departments in understanding and applying financial principles in their work. Develop and implement strategies to increase revenue streams for Sankofa Academy through data analytics and market insights. Collaborate with the business development team to identify funding opportunities and build financial models for new initiatives. Oversee payroll, statutory submissions, and SARS submissions and reconciliations. Ensure effective financial systems and software are in place and maintained. Present consolidated financial reports to the Directors and Board, highlighting trends and recommendations to improve the Organisation's financial standing. Manage the organisation's reserve fund. Perform any other duties as required by management.

Pre Requisite for the Position



Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field (Master's degree or MBA preferred). Registered Chartered Accountant (CA (SA)) or equivalent qualification (advantageous). Minimum 5 years of progressive financial management experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role. Proven experience working in financial leadership, preferably within NGOs/NPO Organisations. Expertise in setting up and managing financial systems and policies. Knowledge of South African NPO compliance requirements and donor reporting standards. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide strategic recommendations. Excellent knowledge of IFRS, grant compliance, and donor reporting requirements. Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams. Advanced proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks) and Excel. Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent analytical, planning, and problem-solving abilities. High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Commitment to ELRU's values and mission in the ECD sector. Ability to work in a team and sometimes under tight deadlines.
Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

Are you a registered Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) or do you hold an equivalent professional qualification? If so, which qualification? Do you have experience working within the NGO/NPO sector? If yes, please briefly describe your role and key responsibilities. Which financial systems or software (e.g., Sage, QuickBooks, Pastel, Xero) have you used extensively in previous roles? Are you familiar with IFRS, grant compliance, and donor reporting requirements? Have you previously been responsible for preparing annual financial statements and ensuring compliance with South African regulatory and statutory requirements (e.g., SARS, NPO compliance)? Describe your experience in developing and managing annual budgets and cash flow forecasts. Have you ever implemented or improved financial policies, procedures, or internal control systems? Please provide an example. What is your experience with donor financial reporting and budget monitoring for funded projects? How do you approach financial risk management within an organisation? Describe a time you conducted financial analysis or scenario planning that influenced a key strategic decision. How many years of financial management experience do you have, and how many of those were in a senior leadership role?
Education:

Bachelors (Required)
Language:

English (Required)
Work Location: In person

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Job Detail

  • Job Id
    JD1546135
  • Industry
    Not mentioned
  • Total Positions
    1
  • Job Type:
    Full Time
  • Salary:
    Not mentioned
  • Employment Status
    Permanent
  • Job Location
    Lansdowne, WC, ZA, South Africa
  • Education
    Not mentioned