| Location: |
Goethe-Institut Johannesburg |
| Project: |
The Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture – Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Position: |
Financial Officer in Johannesburg |
| Start Date: |
01 November 2025 or later |
| Employment Type: |
Full-time (40 hours/week) |
| Contract Duration: |
Until 31 July 2028 |
| Application Deadline: |
22 October 2025 (for a start on 01 November 2025) |
Email for Applications: Lukas.Dollmaier@goethe.de
The Goethe-Institut Johannesburg is seeking a committed Financial Officer from 01 November 2025 (or later) until 31 July 2028 as part of the EU-funded project “Africa-Europe Cultural Partnerships: Sub-Saharan Africa (2025–2028).” The position is full-time (40 hours/week), limited to the duration of the project, and dependent on the availability of EU funding. Remuneration is based on the current salary scheme for local staff at the Goethe-Institut in South Africa.
About the Project
The project “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture: Sub-Saharan Africa (2025–2028)” promotes cultural dialogue between Sub-Saharan African countries and Europe, as well as within the African continent. The aim is to strengthen cultural integration, networking, and cooperation.
The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, active worldwide. We promote the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We provide a comprehensive image of Germany through information on its cultural, social, and political life. The Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg coordinates activities in countries south of the Sahara, with a special focus on strengthening pan-African dialogue and promoting mobile access to information and education.
Our programs support intercultural dialogue and cultural participation, strengthen civil society structures, and promote the exchange of values. We connect people, ideas, and cultural innovation worldwide, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
More information: www.goethe.de/johannesburg
Your Responsibilities
In this responsible position, you will manage key tasks in financial administration, controlling, and reporting across all project locations.
Financial Accounting
- Handling of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger accounting
- Monitoring of asset accounting processes and maintaining an overview of project-related assets
- Execution of special postings (e.g. internal cost allocations, transfers, repostings)
- Clarification of outstanding items
- Execution of financial transactions in SAP in compliance with the German Commercial Code (HGB) and the Goethe-Institut’s internal accounting principles
Controlling and Financial Planning
- Monitoring of budget execution and cost structures across projects
- Preparation of financial reports and forecasts for internal stakeholders as well as external parties such as funding bodies
- Support in the development and application of key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Contribution to financial planning and strategic decision-making processes
- Collaboration with project teams to ensure cost efficiency and transparency
Financial Oversight and Audit Procedures
- Review and verification of financial transactions and payment-related documents to ensure compliance with accounting standards and budgetary regulations
- Numerical and substantive verification of operating expenses and income
- Advisory and operational support in procurement processes in accordance with German and EU public procurement regulations
- Participation in internal and external audits, including cash audits
- Contribution to compliance consulting, including the planning and delivery of training sessions
- Support for the project team in addressing finance-related queries
Optimization of Administrative Process
- Maintenance and continuous improvement of internal administrative documentation
- Support in the optimization and digitalization of administrative workflows
- Onboarding and offboarding of local staff, including registration/deregistration, contract and access management
- Assistance with local HR management tasks as needed
- Support in monthly updates of personnel cost overviews
Additional Responsibilities
- Providing support to the project team in addressing financial-related queries
Your Profile
- Completed commercial training or degree with a focus on finance and accounting
- Several years of professional experience (minimum 2–4 years) in accounting
- Solid knowledge and practical experience in SAP ERP and MS Excel (MS Office), with a strong affinity for numbers and IT systems
- German language skills are desirable (if not yet at the required level, willingness to improve through language courses is expected); very good English skills required
- Willingness and ability to familiarize yourself with complex, mostly German-language administrative regulations and guidelines
- Openness and commitment to learning and using the Goethe-Institut’s planning and control tools.
- Structured, careful, and reliable working style
- Strong social and intercultural skills, and quick comprehension
- Valid work permit for South Africa
Application Process
If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, we look forward to receiving your application!
Please send the following documents by email to Lukas.Dollmaier@goethe.de with the subject line “Application Financial Officer EUP”:
- A tabular CV
- Your diploma or university certificate
- A Motivation Letter
Application deadline: 22 October 2025 (Important note: Only complete applications will be considered.)
Please include the following consent statement in your application:
“I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in the application documents for the purposes of the recruitment process at the Goethe-Institut.”
Due to South African labor law, we can only accept applications from South African citizens or individuals with a valid South African work permit or visa.
