Project Manager Financial Reporting

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CYNTHIA MANGENA

Mobile: +27-73-459-**** Email: **********@*****.***

** ******* ****, *********, ************

Dedicated and detail-oriented professional with over 10 years of experience in donor-funded and academic environments, complemented by 14 years in the corporate sector. Specializes in financial planning, reporting, procurement, and governance, with a strong track record in coordinating large-scale, locally and internationally funded projects. Over the years, has gained valuable managerial experience in overseeing complex budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering high-impact projects on time and within budget. Demonstrated expertise in financial management, office administration, procurement, and multi-stakeholder coordination has consistently contributed to a proven record of leadership, a solution-driven mindset, and a steadfast commitment to operational excellence.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2018 – present

Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL) University of Witwatersrand Finance Officer & Project Coordinator

Responsibilities: Coordinate and administer strategic projects funded by both local and international stakeholders, ensuring effective planning, execution, compliance, and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle. Domestic Funded Projects:

• National Research Foundation Sarchi Chair (NRF) -R14 750,000.00 o Project Title: Skills Development.

• Public Service Sector Education & Training Authority (PSETA) – R6,500,000. o Project Title :E-Learning and Skills Development within the Public Service sector.

• Insurance Sector Education & Training Authority (INSETA) – R5,500,000. o Project Title Impact Study .

• Banking Sector Education & Training Authority (BANKSETA) – R2,530,000 o Project Title :Just Transitioning of the Banking Sector: Digitalization and sustainability impact on the nature of jobs.

• Energy & Water Sector Education & Training Authority (EWSETA) – R1,031,000 o Project Title :Just Transitioning of the Banking Sector: Digitalization and sustainability impact on the nature of jobs

• Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority (CHIETA) – R755,000 Internationally Funded Projects:

• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) – R3,500,000 o Project Title : Economic and Labour Market Analysis for a Just Transition in South Africa:

• University of Nottingham – R3,469,000

o Project Title : Reducing Inequality and enhancing sustainability through skills development

• Swiss National Science Foundation – R1,950,000

o The contribution of vocational skills development to inclusive industrial growth

• International Labour Organisation (ILO) – R996,000 o Project Title : Assessment of Skills Supply and Demand for Renewable Energy 2

2020 to date

Centre for Deaf Studies, School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand. Independent Finance Officer

Responsibilities: financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting. Managing finance operations including accounts payable, receivable, and reconciliation. Producing an Excel spreadsheet monthly reflecting all projects managed by the Department. Correcting all incorrect entries of all listed divisions. Transferring funds and/or allocating expenditure. Addressing General Ledger queries and maintaining the cost centres in the General Ledger 2016 -2018

Financial Aid Office, University of the Witwatersrand Financial Aid Officer

Annual Budget Managed R 15 000 000.00

Responsibilities

• Administered student financial aid systems, donor payments, and reconciliations

• Processed bursary applications, created journals, and coordinated disbursements

• Managed unresolved receipts and student refunds

• Liaised with faculties on aged debt and managed student accounts 2013 -2015

Bidvest Afcom

Administration Manager

Annual Budget Managed R 12 000 0000

Responsibilities:

• Managing and reconciling petty cash and credit card statements.

• Ordering and controlling office supplies and equipment.

• Processing orders and deploying stock to clients.

• Managing internal documentation and procedures.

• Coordinating courier services and handling staff management. 2009 - November 2012

Total Gaz

Finance & Administration Manager

Annual Budget Managed R9 500 000

Responsibilities:

• Managing depot accounts and administration.

• Handling customer service and resolving queries.

• Ensuring compliance with OHS-Act and company safety standards.

• Overseeing inventory management and stock control.

• Conducting financial reporting and analysis.

3

2005 – 2008

University of the Witwatersrand

Reconciliations Officer

Annual Budget Managed: R12,000,000

Responsibilities:

• Preparing student debtors control books.

• Reconciling general ledger and subsystems.

• Investigating discrepancies and resolving variances. 2001 -2005

Techno Serve Inc.

Senior Administrator/Office Manager

Responsibilities:

• Coordinating seminars and meetings.

• Managing office operations and procedures.

• Handling confidential company files.

• Assisting with procurement and executive projects.

• Preparing financial reports and statutory returns. EDUCATION

Wits School of Governance

Current: Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Public and Development Sector Monitoring and Evaluation

Wits Plus: University of the Witwatersrand

2024: Certificate in Project Management

Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa(SA) 2023: Bachelor’s degree in governance Practice

Professional Affiliations

• Member, Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa STRENGTHS AND EXPERTISE

• Project Administration & Coordination .Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Documentation & Compliance Management. Budget Monitoring & Procurement Support

• Financial management & reporting. Budget planning & expenditure tracking

• Payroll & reconciliations. Meeting Scheduling & Agenda Preparation

• Donor compliance & audit preparation. Office & stakeholder management

• Advanced MS Office & financial systems proficiency. Digital Tools: Microsoft Office

• Report Writing & KPI Tracking Time Management & Multi-project Support 4

References

Mr Misheck Ndoro Mrs Merly Plasket

FINANCE & BUSINESS MANAGER PROJECT MANAGER

Wits School of Education REAL Centre

University of Witwatersrand Wits School of Education Contact Details: 011-***-****/074-***-**** Contact Details: 011-***-****/083******* Ms Charlene Timmerman MR Malusi Mboyi

SENIOR FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT TREASURY MANAGER

WITS University (University of Witwatersrand) WITS University Contact Details: 083-***-****/011-***-**** Contact Details: 011-***-****

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