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CERI is looking for a Senior Project Accountant to support the financial management of our growing research portfolio. This three-year fixed-term role is based at Stellenbosch University and is open to candidates with 5+ years' experience in research funding and international grants. Applications close 13 May 2026.

 

Senior Project Accountant : Three-year fixed-term contract | Stellenbosch Campus | Ref: SDR/095/0426

The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University (SU) is dedicated to pioneering research and innovation in epidemic response within Africa. CERI's mission is to lead Africa in effectively managing its epidemics and pandemics through pathogen genomic surveillance, biomedical discovery, and advancements in disease treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. At CERI, researchers are empowered to make significant contributions to public health through collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and partnerships to address critical health challenges facing the continent.

Duties:

• Presenting formal internal workshops and programmes to clearly communicate financial policies and systems
• Representing CERI at national and international finance conferences and seminars
• Providing a financial advisory service to CERI with regard to budget preparation and financial management
• Managing and facilitating points of contact between CERI and the Finance Division
• Responding to telephonic, walk-in and email requests for assistance with financial procedural or system enquiries
• Compiling research contract reports or financial statements
• Providing timeous and accurate administrative support service during audits
• Providing a financial advisory service to researchers in terms of budget preparation, financial management and project proposals
• Developing and communicating tools and methodologies to support the implementation of full cost policy
• Assisting with and/or reviewing full cost budgets drafted at CERI
• Responding to ad hoc requests from management within CERI and the Finance Division
• Providing a general administration and advisory service
• Ensuring excellent service culture and a positive mindset, improving interaction with clients, keeping clients informed and ensuring interactive communication with stakeholders

Requirements:

• BCom Honours or similar qualification with accountancy as a major
• Completed articles with an auditing firm
• At least five years' relevant work experience of managing research funding
• Experience with the preparation of financial statements
• Experience with international research funding
• Proven experience with managing a financial external audit process
• Experience in project management
• Strong understanding of international donor compliance frameworks and grant financial regulations
• Working knowledge of South Africa's public sector governance and institutional controls
• Advanced MS Excel skills and experience with integrated financial and grants management systems
• The ability to interpret complex funding agreements and translate requirements into practical financial processes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including engagements with international stakeholders
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with good judgement
• Proven ability to give guidance to colleagues at senior level
• The ability to perform effectively under pressure
• Knowledge of financial procedures, policies, systems, reporting and analysis
• Compliance and regulatory knowledge

Recommendation: Professional accounting registration (SAIPA, SAICA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent).

How to Apply: Apply online at https://www.su.ac.za/en/careers-su

Your application must include a comprehensive curriculum vitae with the names and email addresses of at least three references, and must reach the University before or on the closing date.

Commencement date: 1 June 2026 

Closing date: 13 May 2026

Click here to apply

Stellenbosch University is committed to employment equity, and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you have received no feedback from the University after four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application was unsuccessful.

Enquiries: Post enquiries: Zama Khathi-Majyambere | 021 808 4755 | Khathiz@sun.ac.za

Remuneration/benefits and application assistance: Human Resources Client Services Centre | 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch) | 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg) | sun-e-hr@sun.ac.za

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News date: 2026-04-23

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