Named after Nobel Laureate and Wits University graduate, Sydney Brenner, the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) is a burgeoning multi-disciplinary research institute dedicated to investigating the molecular and genomic aetiology of diseases among African populations.
By creating a world-class research environment, where top scientific and clinical researchers can tackle the big scientific questions in biomedical molecular research areas, the SBIMB aims to enable the development of new and innovative solutions to some of Africa’s greatest health challenges.
Job Title: Finance Officer
Location: SBIMB, 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown, Johannesburg
Responsibility
To manage the finances and procurement for activities of the H3Africa cardiometabolic Collaborative Centre (AWI-Gen) and H3Africa BioNet projects according to good management practice, project protocols and the standard operating procedures for the WHC and the NIH. To manage the other WHC and Wits accounts for the SBIMB.
Key performance areas
Financial management: –
- Refine and implement financial strategies, including systems, processes, procedures and policies by practicing sound governance.
- Manage the financial operational processes used by AWI-Gen, BioNet and SBIMB; ensure smooth running by maintaining appropriate relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist with the development of SOPs that comply with the rules and regulations of the WHC, Wits, SBIMB, NIH, and any other relevant parties.
- Ensure ongoing knowledge of financial policies and practice, and an awareness of changes that may impact future operations.
- Prepare regular financial reports and costing models that will assist with the tracking, management and re-budgeting of funds.
- Oversee cash flow planning and management and ensure availability of funds as needed.
Ensure compliance with donor requirements and management of audits: –
- Ensuring all costs incurred by the division are compliant with WHC policies as well as donor rules.
- Liaising with WHC Compliance, donors and auditors on issues raised and resolving such issues.
- Ensure that all requests for financial transactions are accompanied by the appropriate documentation.
- Ensure that all purchases are approved by the relevant budget holder and/or project manager.
Financial reporting (division and donor): –
- Manage the consolidation of relevant financial reporting data.
- Manage and review all month-end, quarterly and year-end closing activities for SBIMB and sub-awardees.
- Manage the preparation and communication of month-end and year-end financial statements.
- Produce accurate financial reports within set deadlines to relevant stakeholders.
- Arrange and chair monthly finance meetings, including sub-awards (WHC and Wits).
Budget management: –
- Work with director and researchers to develop budgets.
- Forecast future financial outcomes.
- Plan, prepare and review annual budgets, including operations budget, for approval by stakeholders.
- Disseminate and present budgets to stakeholders (including donors).
- Monitor the budget through effective internal controls.
- Manage expenditures and report any irregularities.
- Manage cost recovery from projects.
- Take appropriate steps to prevent unauthorised expenditure or overspending.
- Produce variance reports and budget forecasts.
Stakeholder liaison, customer service and financial advice: –
- Gain a full understanding of the division’s financial needs.
- Provide advice to researchers on the rectification of over- and under-spending.
- Communicate with group leaders regarding cash flow and project developments.
- Serve as the point of contact for internal and external auditors.
Staff management: –
- Attend to staffing and student requirements and administration.
- Supervise and manage the duties of the research administrator to ensure optimal staff utilisation and maintenance of sound labour relations.
- Perform and facilitate performance development and assessments.
- Coach and train research administrator and team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills in financial matters.
- Promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information.
Administration: –
- Guide and oversee activities related to travel, meetings and workshops.
- Ensure effective upkeep of the building, SBIMB and infrastructure.
- Manage the process for completing and processing of timesheets, and other HR-related information as required.
- Oversee asset register and ensure it is up to date and report as required.
Required minimum education and training:
- BCom in Accounting
- Required minimum work experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in Accounting and/or Financial Management. Experience in academia or science council will be an advantage.
Additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
- Must have strong organizational skills; financial management and financial reporting experience.
- Sound knowledge of financial management.
- Sound written and verbal communication skills.
- A broad knowledge and understanding of financial and management accounting principles.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and accounting systems.
- A high degree of integrity and trust. Attention to detail, meticulous and thorough.
- Ability to influence and negotiate with all stakeholders and manage people.
- Able to prioritize own work load in meeting deadlines and handle pressure.
Salary is negotiable, 2 years, full-time contract, renewable based on funding availability.
To apply
Criteria to be addressed in the applicant’s cover letter:
- Previous experience in financial management and management abilities.
- Previous experience in academic/grant environment.
- Describe why you are suitable for this position.
Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, clearly state which vacancy you are applying for and forward your cover letter detailed CV (include 2 current referees who could be approached) to: Nomonde Gaju at [email protected]
Application Deadline: Thursday, 30 April, 2020