COEGA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CDC)

MANAGER: PROJECT ACCOUNTING FINANCE UNIT: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

ACCOUNTABILITY

To oversee the Programmes Accounting function, provide financial management and oversight of Programmes revenue, expenditure, financial accounting, reporting and compliance. To ensure effective financial controls, accurate programme accounting records, timely submissions and quality financial reporting across the CDC’s programmes. The role provides leadership and guidance to accountants within the CDC programmes, acts as the key interface between Finance and Programmes on financial management matters, and ensures that financial issues are escalated, resolved and monitored appropriately.

MANDATE

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Programme Financial Management

• Provides financial management oversight and guidance to Project Accountants on all programme accounting matters which includes the following:
• Oversees the preparation, review and accuracy of programme revenue, expenditure, cash flow, budget and general ledger information.
• Serves as the primary interface between Finance and Programmes on financial management, reporting and accountability matters.
• Manages the escalation, resolution and follow-up of financial issues raised by Project Accountants and business units.
• Provides reliable programme-related financial information, analysis and advice to the CFO, Executive Management and relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinates and reviews monthly, quarterly and annual budget preparation, approval and monitoring project budgets against approved plans and analyses variances.
• Oversees internal management reporting and external client reporting to ensure accuracy, completeness and alignment with funding and service delivery requirements.
• Represents Finance in programme meetings and client briefing sessions where financial input, advice or reporting is required.
• Reviews and coordinates funding applications and related financial submissions to client departments.
• Oversees programme account reconciliations, cash flow projections and related analyses to support effective financial decision-making and improved Return on Capital Employed.
• Facilitates workload balancing and cross-programme support within the programme accounting team.
• Coordinates staff cover and resource allocation across different Project Accounting teams.
• Reviews and maintains client commitment registers and ensures expense capitalisation.
• Reviews management fees for billing and follows up on collections.

Project Risk and Compliance

• Reviews and updates relevant finance policies, controls, plans, and processes.
• Identifies project-finance risks and implements mitigation strategies.
• Implements reporting frameworks as per clients’ Service Delivery Agreements (SDAs).
• Reviews and enhances internal controls and programme processes.
• Ensures financial compliance with relevant legislation (PFMA) and regulations.

Audit Management/Oversight

• Oversees the preparation and review of project audit files for internal and external auditors.
• Maintains the overall programme recon for audit requirements
• Facilitates the provision of responses to programme finance related audit queries and RFIs.
• Takes responsibility for the closure of audit findings related to programmes.

People Management

• Manages subordinates in line with CDC policies.
• Fosters an environment conducive to staff development and departmental objectives.
• Develops annual performance plans and assigns work in accordance with plans.
• Implements performance management and monitors the work of subordinates.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection for subordinate roles.

DESCRIPTION

COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Educational Qualifications

Essential

• Postgraduate qualification (NQF 8) in Financial Management, Accounting, any related or equivalent.

Preferred

• CA (SA).

Experience

Essential

• 5 years of commensurate core experience in financial management or accounting.

Preferred

• Proven experience in project financial management. 
• Experience in team leadership and managing multi-programme workloads. 
• Experience working on an ERP system like Oracle.

Competencies

Essential

• Advanced knowledge of IFRS and programme accounting principles and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• Highly analytical with the ability to interpret complex financial data and explain variances.
• People management skills.
• Ability to act as an interface between technical programmes and financial functions.
• Deadline-driven with a focus on audit closure and service delivery.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) and ERP systems like Oracle and Pastel. Preferred
• Knowledge of supply chain legislation.

Preferred

• Knowledge of supply chain legislation.

Licences, Registrations & Certifications

Essential

• None.

Preferred

• Professional registration with a relevant body.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

Performance is monitored regularly at both an individual and a team level, in accordance with the CDC’s performance management system and control measures relevant to the position.

Key outcomes in the role include:

• Increased Profitability 
• Improved Cashflow Management -Increased Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) 
• Level of Service Provision and Support to Clients, Funder, Investors, Service Providers; Scored by Independent External SP 
• Closure of Audit Findings for Programmes 
• SLA's

COMPLIANCE AND ETHICS

The incumbent is required to:

• Uphold the CDC’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy, demonstrating ethical behaviour and contributing to good corporate governance.
• Actively participate in and adhere to the CDC’s Quality, Safety, Health, Environmental, Information Security and IT Service Management System (SHEMS) policies and procedures. This includes a responsibility for identifying and reporting potential risks and incidents related to safety, security, and quality, and for contributing to the ongoing improvement of the CDC's SHEMS.
• Be familiar with and adhere to the CDC emergency preparedness plans.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding CDC trade secrets and Information Security policies.
• Obtain prior written permission for any business or pursuit outside of the CDC that may conflict with the CDC’s interests, including immediate family members working for a direct competitor, adhering to the CDC’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

This job description outlines the primary responsibilities and key performance areas of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and tasks.

Closing Date: 12 October 2026

CDC is an employment equity employer and placement will be in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.  

The appointment of candidates is subject to the verification of all their credentials (employment history, educational, financial, criminal and any other checks as may be necessary). Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and if you have not heard from us within one month of submitting your application, please consider it unsuccessful. 

CDC reserves the right not to make an appointment to any advertised position. No late applications will be considered.

All applications must be forwarded to recruitment@coega.co.za

LOCATION: Gqeberha

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT

GRADE: D2