Research Finance Officer
Listing reference: manco_000953
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 31 October 2026
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Durban
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
EE position: Yes
Introduction
The Research Directorate is seeking to appoint a highly organised and detail-oriented Finance Officer to oversee financial and contractual administration associated with research activities and initiatives. The incumbent will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient processing of research-related payments, management of service provider contracts, administration of research subscriptions and software licences, and coordination of financial activities linked to research events and projects.
This role serves as the primary coordinator for specialised research expenditure and independent contractor management, ensuring compliance with institutional policies, financial controls, and contractual obligations.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Financial Administration
- Processing and monitoring research-related payments and requisitions on SAGE.
- Coordinating payment of annual software and database subscriptions, including but not limited to:
- Turnitin
- NVivo
- SurveyMonkey
- Similar research support platforms and services.
- Processing journal publication payments and other research dissemination costs.
- Managing special payments associated with research workshops, symposiums, conferences, and other research events.
- Ensuring accurate financial recordkeeping and reconciliation of research expenditure.
- Monitoring expenditure against approved budgets and providing expenditure reports.
Contract and Service Provider Management
- Managing the end-to-end contracting process for independent contractors and service providers.
- Coordinating on-boarding requirements and documentation for new contractors.
- Monitoring contract periods and proactively managing contract renewals and terminations.
- Maintaining a central register of contracts and service-level agreements.
- Ensuring compliance with procurement, finance, and legal requirements.
Research Event Financial Coordination
- Coordinating financial processes for research-related events, including:
- Research workshops
- Weekend writing retreats
- Research symposiums
- Quality conferences
- Supervisor development initiatives
- Processing payments for venues, facilitators, catering, accommodation, travel, and event service providers.
Compliance and Governance
- Ensuring adherence to institutional financial policies and procedures.
- Maintaining accurate financial and contractual records.
- Data management ensuring confidentiality and adherence to POPIA requirements
Stakeholder Support and Reporting
- Providing financial guidance to Research Directorate staff regarding payment and procurement processes.
- Liaising with Finance, Procurement, contractors, vendors, and external stakeholders.
- Preparing regular financial and contract management reports for management.
Minimum requirements
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma in:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Financial Management
- Business Administration
- Related field
Experience
- At least 3 years' experience in financial administration.
- Experience in contract administration and service provider management.
- Experience processing supplier payments and managing procurement-related activities.
- Experience within higher education, research administration, or a public sector environment will be advantageous.
Competencies
- Financial management and reporting
- Contract administration
- Budget monitoring
- Strong organisational skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Advanced MS Excel skills
- Problem solving and analytical ability
- Stakeholder management
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills