Youth Impact is an evidence-based international NGO working in education and health for young people around the world. We partner hand-in-hand with governments to scale high-impact programs through public systems — rigorously testing and refining them to maximize impact and reduce cost. Today, we have close government partnerships and on-the-ground teams in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, India, and the Philippines, alongside partnerships in many other countries and team members working across the globe. Our diverse global team spans disciplines, backgrounds, and time zones, but we are united by shared values and a commitment to learning. We are now entering an ambitious new phase of global growth, scaling rapidly across new geographies while maintaining the quality and rigor that define our work. We’re looking for people excited to join our mission of ensuring all young people thrive.

Finance & Operations Associate

Location & contract

• Location: Based and supporting work in South Africa

• Contract type: 2 year fixed contract, with potential for extension up to 3-5 years pending performance

• Reports to: The Finance and Operations Associate will work closely with the Country Lead, Senior Manager, Finance & Operations, and Finance Associates as part of the finance team

• Application deadline: 08 June 2026, 23:59 CAT

About the role

As the Finance & Operations Associate of a growing & dynamic International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) you will assist with all of the facets of the Finance & Administrative function, supporting the overall success of Country Operations. This includes, but not limited to routine financial management, risk management, ensuring compliance to internal policies and procedures, grants administration, and financial reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Oversees and manages routine finance functions including timely recording of transactions and completion of month-end processes and related reporting

• Prepares payroll schedules and initiates payroll processing; supports annual tax filing, ensuring compliance with applicable legislature

• Lead annual audit engagements, prepares audit schedules and reconciliations. Engages with auditors on a regular basis, following up as necessary. Provides preliminary review of trial balances and draft financial statements. Ensures audits are completed in a timely and efficient manner

• Supports program implementation, ensuring resources are distributed for seamless operations. This includes timely submission of budgets and processing of expense requests

• Ensures principles of cost effectiveness are upheld cross functionally. Assists in building out cost effectiveness analysis and other indicators.

• Participates in grant management, ensuring compliance with grant agreements and requirements, including tracking expenditure and preparation of financial reports

• Provides operational recommendations aligned with organizational objectives and strong financial management

• Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local legislation and donor agreements

• Assists with financial reporting as required on an adhoc basis including responding to donor reporting requests and other external reports.

• Developing organizational fiscal and program budgets. Assist in budget monitoring, quarterly forecasting updates and variance analysis.

• Routine management of the operational and logistics functions, oversee outsourced service providers, engaging various stakeholders as necessary, driving discussions to desired outcomes

• Lead and coordinate office and program purchasing and procurement, ensuring compliance with internal procurement procedures and any donor regulations

• Ensure roll out of all risk management and mitigation procedures as set out in organisational policy. Manage the Comprehensive Business Insurance portfolio, ensuring annual renewals are in place and cover is always bound. Lead claim submission processes for insured resources and follow through to ensure successful processing

• Working directly with the Finance Manager, Senior Management, People & talent on special projects

Required experience and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Accounting or Finance, or similar qualifications required)

• Progress towards completing SAICA/CIMA/ACCA or related courses is considered an asset

• Relevant work experience of three years or greater is required

• Previous experience managing large grants from International Development Bodies and Private Foundations

• Experience managing administrative functions, operations and logistics, procurement and risk management

• Proficiency in Pastel or similar accounting  packages required

Who will thrive in this role

• Attitude: Dedicated and hard-working with excellent ownership and accountability

• Energy & motivation: Enthusiastic, youthful, energetic, innovative, goal-oriented self-starter. Willingness to go the extra mile

• Analytical skills: Analytical & problem-solving abilities are required

• Organizational skills: ability to prioritize projects & manage time & resources effectively. Ability to exercise logic & good judgement.

• Technical skills: Excellent MS Excel skills, good understanding of accounting, reporting standards & Microsoft Office required

• Class B Driver’s License considered an asset

Other requirements

• Legal requirements: Legal right to work in South Africa

• Drivers license: Added advantage

Benefits

Benefits include generous annual leave, sick leave, (including global health insurance provisions), various stipends, professional development opportunities, access to our amazing global networks and much more.