The Centre for Environmental Rights is a non-profit organisation and law clinic of activist lawyers who work with communities and civil society organisations in South Africa to realise our Constitutional right to a healthy environment by advocating and litigating for environmental justice.They seek a just, equitable, compassionate society that is resilient, celebrates diversity, and respects the inter-dependence between people and the environment.As South Africa’s largest public interest environmental law organisation, we use our expertise and commitment to fight for environmental justice and advance the right to a healthy environment for all. We take on the big environmental battles: cases in which we can empower local communities, have an enduring impact, set powerful precedents for other cases, and help improve policy and practice across the country.
Winning the legal case is only part of the battle. CER’s litigation work is strengthened by local training and empowerment, dedicated policy and advocacy work, and strategic communications. In all of our work, we work closely with partners in affected communities, with other civil society organisations in the environmental and social justice sector, and with other public interest law organisations.They work across the following core themes: Mining, Water, Pollution and Climate Change, Corporate Accountability & Transparency, and Activist Support & Training. We have our main office in Observatory, Cape Town, with a smaller office in Johannesburg.
The Centre for Environmental Rights is recruiting for a Finance Manager to be based in Cape Town.
Requirements:
Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance or its recognised equivalent
5-7 years relevant experience including a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory role within financial management and reporting
CA(SA), ACCA, CIMA professional qualification is required
Relevant software skills to include automated accounting software and database spreadsheets and Management Information Systems
Demonstrated analytical skills in the compilation and interpretation of budgetary, financial, and related management information
Ability to conduct complex system analysis studies involving financially oriented applications
Ability to effectively communicate financial and internal control issues to staff with little or no financial background
Ability to handle financial and quantitative information with accuracy and precision; resourceful in gathering, verifying, and analysing financial data
High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication, including presentation and report
Excellent attention to detail whilst able to stay abreast of impacts to the big picture
Prioritisation of potentially competing resources and tasks
Deadline driven
High ethical code and demonstrable integrity
Ability to connect dots and apply a systematic approach
Key Responsibilities:
Key performance areas for this position include:
Strategic financial management:
Leading the financial well-being, sound financial management, and financial resilience of the organisation
Leading the annual budgeting process, including organisational and programme budgets
Advising the Management Team on financial planning, forecasting, monitoring and reporting of the operating and capital budgets and financials; analysing and interpreting financial data for the purpose of determining financial performance and projecting financial probability; analysing budget patterns, programme expenditure.
Advising the Board’s Finance & Audit Committee on the organisation’s financial sustainability, financial management and controls:
Financial procedures, systems and controls:
Overseeing bookkeeping and financial controls in compliance with the organisation’s Finance Policy & Procedures, including expenditure of funds, and overseeing the preparation of monthly payroll and staff benefits. Applying accounting and auditing principles and techniques to ensure that data integrity, internal controls, and audit trails are maintained throughout all transactions.
Leading the organisation’s preparation for its annual external audit, and maintaining relationship with the organisation’s auditors
Maintaining the organisation’s relationship with financial service providers
Assisting internal business with procurement management
Overseeing the financial aspects of the organisation’s staff benefits and maintaining relationship with external service providers
Supporting the organisation’s resourcing through funder proposals and reporting.
Risk and compliance:
Overseeing relevant tax requirements of the organisation
Overseeing compliance with the legislative and regulatory reporting requirements that have an impact on the organisation’s finance and governance
Review risks environment and contribute to reporting on and formulation of effective mitigants
Human resources and talent management: Building the finance team, and developing the capacity of finance staff in financial management and reporting
Transformation: Leading the ongoing transformation, inclusion and diversity of the organisation’s financial and procurement system, including providing support to Black and women-owned suppliers and service providers
The salary range for the position is between R515 733 and R697 756 (total cost-to-company). The salary offered will be dependent on factors that include the qualifications, level of expertise, and experience of the successful candidate. All new staff joins our medical aid group scheme with Discovery Health, and the salary package includes a medical aid subsidy.
At CER, we value our staff and regard their well-being as a priority. We are committed to a work environment that is inclusive and empathetic, and in which diversity is celebrated and supported.
Please send the following documents to [email protected], with the email subject line: “CER Finance Manager Position Application”:
A cover letter setting out your skills and relevant experience, as well as why you want to work at the CER;
A copy of your CV;
Two recent written references.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For more about Centre for Environmental Rights , refer to Legislation – Centre for Environmental Rights (cer.org.za