Assistant Manager: Research Finance

Assistant Manager: Research Finance (Grade 13)

Division of Finance

The Division of Finance invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

The Department

The purpose of this job is to support the Manager: Research Finance by coordinating the activities and supervising the staff in the section, in delivering a quality service to Rhodes researchers, Institute directors and staff, students and postdoctoral fellows, in the financial management of the various sources of research and project funding. Areas of responsibility include:

• Ensuring staff provide an acceptable level of service in providing financial administration support to the Rhodes community who have been awarded research grants and project funding.
• Monitoring performance of the staff in following the standard operating procedures and/or unique processes deemed necessary to ensure careful governance of grant and contract funding.
• Facilitating, managing and coordinating the various financial training programmes offered by Research Finance as a service offered to administrators in academic departments and at Institutes.
• Overseeing the staff in their financial reporting duties, so that they produce accurate financial reports in accordance with funders’ specified financial reporting formats, timeframes and auditors requirements.
• Where applicable, timeous production and/or authorisation of accurate financial reports, prepared on the basis of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) and International Accounting Standards (IAS), in accordance with funders’ specified requirements.

The Research Finance section shares responsibility for financially administering various sources of contract and grant funding received by the university. In addition, responsible for financial administration of all sources of funding received by Institutes and self-funding units, income from short courses, conferences and workshops, consulting income, sundry external income and reserves. These funds represent approximately 25% of the annual income received by the university.

In this document, the (senior) financial administrators report into the assistant managers, who in turn report into the managers of the offices in the section, either the Institutes and Projects office or the NRF and SARChI Chair support office. These two offices are currently the focus areas of the “Research Finance” section of the Finance Division.

The Requirements

An appropriate B Com (Accounting) or similar degree at NQF Level 7 (with Financial Management) PLUS minimum 4 years relevant experience:

• Previous experience in a pressurised computerised accounting administrative environment where there were multiple demands and tight deadlines.
• Demonstration of advanced Excel skills for financial reporting and analysis.
• Previous experience in the preparation and checking of financial statements for audit, prior to their submission to external funders.
• Previous experience working with VAT and applying the principles of the Income Tax Act.
• At least 4 years’ supervision experience which includes the motivation of staff and the ability to deal with conflict.
• Previous experience in research grant financial administration would be an advantage.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following:
• Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
• Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation which tells us your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note, no hand-written applications will be considered. Failure to submit all documentation will result in an application being disqualified.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for the TBC 2024.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade 13):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R511 439.00

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R672 381.00

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Rhodes University has a vaccination mandate as part of its Conditions of Service. The implementation of the vaccine mandate has been held in abeyance from 01 January 2023. Should the COVID-19 situation change in a way that the number of cases of COVID-19 pose a threat to the University, the implementation of the Vaccine Mandate will be re-activated and all staff would be required to be fully vaccinated.

Closing Date: 22 November 2024

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission. These values are: Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion