Cotlands is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) committed to creating access to quality play-based early learning experiences through toy libraries and early learning playgroups. We capacitate adults working with children and educate the parents of children on a variety of topics related to early childhood development.Join the passionate team at this leading NGO, with a strong national footprint. The organisation is well established and has been in operation for more than 80 years.The Finance manager is accountable for the administrative, financial, and risk management operations of Cotlands, including the development of a financial strategy, metrics tied to that strategy, and the ongoing development and monitoring of control systems designed to preserve the organisations assets and report accurate financial results.Duties & Responsibilities:1. Bring strategic perspective to the organisation’s finance and accounting needs to manage risksEnsure effective functioning of the organisation’s financial affairs, which enables the organisation to reach its strategic objectives. Manage organisational risk and asset register including leases.Control, update and own the Cotlands Risk Register including updates to various committees2. Build the organisation’s capacity to manage its finances as it grows in size and complexityDevelop costing parameters for project based work, and check costing prepared by team prior to proposal submissionMaintain effective management of reserve funding Prepare monthly Project Reports for all Cotlands stakeholders3. Maintain IFRS, overall good governance and professionalism over the organisation’s finances Oversee and perform daily tasks to ensure effective and smooth functioning of the financial function of the organisation.Track the income on a daily basis.Complete the month end reporting by the 20 of the month for submission to the BoardEnsure IFRS - segregate duties and manage workload in the areas of finance, administration, utilities, technology or legal for the executive team.Provide leadership, focus and coordination to finance and accounting.Ensure the finance and accounts operate efficiently and comply with applicable laws and company policies.Develop internal control policies, guidelines, and procedures for accounting activities.Oversee and maintain records of purchasing, pricing, investments, tax, debt management, and accounts payable and receivable.Carry out basic managerial duties relating to hiring, human resources, and employee direction and discipline. 4. Partner with the executive team to make decisions that benefit the organisation from a financial perspectivePrepare or direct preparation of financial statements, business activity reports, financial position forecasts, annual budgets, and/or reports.Present reports to senior management/budget holders.5. Audit and monitor organisational riskConduct research and audits to ensure that all departments are compliant and following guidelines.6. Maintain technical proficiencyBalance or supplement the skills of the finance team members with the relevant up to date technology and methodology.7. Committee AttendanceEnsure all committee doc and information is prepared for all committee meetingsSupport the company secretary with adhoc requests and minutes8. Ad-hoc itemsProvide support to Cotlands leadership team and staff membersApprove all S18A certificates and provide tax guidance to team for donationsAssist with BD pipeline as part of forecasting processSign off all legal agreements and contractor arrangementsInsurance renewals for professional indemnity and assetsReview and sign off all banking payments (twice a week)Maintain relationships with bankMinimum Requirements Bachelor’s degree in accounting is essential and relevant postgraduate studies an advantage.Proven track record of at least 8 years in a financial experience.Experience in partnering with an executive team and board members.High level of written and oral communication skills.Results-oriented, strategic thinker and planner.Valid driver’s license with own reliable transport.CompetenciesAbility to perform a multidisciplinary finance role including book-keeping, accounting, financial management and strategic finance functionsAbility to deal with changeAbility to work in unstructured environments retaining internal control. Ability to provide management with information for the various cost centres in the organisation e.g. toy libraries, playgroups, training and projectsTrack record of creating quality costing systems for new initiatives and projectsStrong public speaking and presentation skills are highly beneficialStrong computer skills to create meaningful data and reports, especially ExcelProven track record of advanced knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and financial management is essentialAttention to detail, precision with accuracy in all the workStrong listening, perceptual and analytical skillsTransparent, clear and professional communicationGood judgment in the midst of ambiguityFlexibility to work overtime at short notice Special requirements:Prior non-profit experience is beneficial – Understand non-profit budget models, contracts, and regulatory requirements i.e. tax, section 18A and BBEEE financial requirementsKnowledgeable and passionate about the organisation’s missionAbility to conceptualise, plan and manage strategicallyUnderstand the organisation’s database management system to reconcile and align with financial recordsNegotiation with and feedback to key partners and investorsBy applying for the above mentioned position, applicants consent to Cotlands to conduct qualification, ID, Criminal and Reference checks on them which form part of its recruitment process. Closing date for applications: 9 August 2021 by close of business. NB. Applicants who have not heard from Cotlands one month after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful and, any future correspondence from Cotlands thereof will be limited to shortlisted applicants only. Cotlands reserves the right to re-advertise any of the above listed Positions should the need arise and also reserves the right not to fill any of the listed Positions. None South African Citizens and none South African Permanent Residence holders must be in possession of valid documentation authorizing them to work in South Africa. Cotlands is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates from key vulnerable populations are encouraged to apply.
