STATE ACCOUNTANT: MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT (PROJECTS)

This position is for a State Accountant specialising as a Management Accountant for projects, based at the Head Office of the department. The role sits at a salary level that brings additional benefits, and it focuses on the full financial lifecycle of project-based work within the public service education and training environment. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that projects are financially sound, properly budgeted, and that funds are used in line with agreements, policies, and legislative frameworks. The work is largely operational but also requires strategic thinking around partner identification and market linkages, especially in support of student workplace exposure initiatives.

To be considered, candidates need a Matric or equivalent qualification, plus a recognised National Diploma in Cost Management Accounting, Project Management, Financial Management, or a related degree at an equivalent level. Applicants should have between two and three years of practical experience working in a project management environment, which gives them the grounding to handle complex budgeting and expenditure monitoring tasks. A valid driver’s licence is seen as an added advantage, as the role may require travel to project sites or stakeholder meetings. The department is looking for someone with a solid understanding of project management principles, budgeting processes, and the coordination of meetings. Knowledge of the PSET and CET Act, Public Service prescripts, and Department of Higher Education and Training policies is important, as is familiarity with industrial operations and the ability to spot opportunities in the market and labour market. Key skills include excellent written and verbal communication, networking, negotiation, research, interpersonal relations, planning, organising, computer literacy, promotion, and placement.

The duties are broad and cover the entire project accounting function. The successful candidate will conduct project-related costing investigations, compile project budgets and cash flow sheets, and control project accounts. They will prepare costing tables, analyse project expenditure against approved budgets and project milestones, and provide support in managing the project budget and cash flow. The role also involves receiving, evaluating, and processing procurement requests for project consumables and goods, as well as supporting the management of funding grants for projects. There is a need to monitor the timely availability of funds in line with memoranda of understanding and service level agreements, match data to different ledger accounts, verify account postings, and support the processing of stipends. Reconciliation of project income and expenditure is a routine responsibility, along with monitoring project expenditure, service level agreements, income, invoicing, reporting, and close-out reports. The position also includes human resource planning and management of the project team, identifying potential partners and networks to benefit students exiting the system, conducting monitoring and evaluation for workplace learning and work-based experience initiatives, and managing project time lines effectively.

This permanent, benefits-bearing post offers an opportunity to work at the heart of the department’s financial project operations, ensuring accountability, compliance, and successful delivery of training and education programmes. It is suited to a meticulous financial professional who can balance technical accounting work with stakeholder engagement and team coordination.