Purpose

• The Project Specialist role is a project and planning focused support role responsible for coordinating initiatives across the firm within Shared Services. This role supports rather than leads planning and project delivery, working closely with senior stakeholders to ensure smooth execution of business planning, budgeting, remuneration, and adherence to intercompany arrangements.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business, or Project Management.
• Professional qualification (CA, CPA, CIMA, PMP) preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in project coordination or financial support roles, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong understanding of budgeting cycles, remuneration frameworks, and intercompany structures.
• Proficiency in project and financial tools (e.g., Advanced Excel, MS Project, legal practice management systems).
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Key Accountabilities:

• Planning Coordination:
• Support the planning and execution of firm-wide strategic and operational projects.
• Assist in developing project timelines, tracking milestones, and coordinating resources.
• Maintain project documentation and ensure timely updates to stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across departments including Finance, Talent, and Operations.
• Support change management and communication efforts related to project rollouts.
• Project Management:
• Planning and Budgeting Process:
• Support the head of Business Planning and Projects in coordinating the group planning and budgeting process, ensuring timely input collection and consolidation; manage scheduling and stakeholder engagement throughout the budgeting cycle.

Remuneration:

• Work closely with the Head of Business Planning and Projects to manage the timetable for all group remuneration initiatives; support the development and refinement of salary and bonus models.
• Intercompany Arrangements:
• Working with the head of Business Planning and Projects and Finance Manager for offices outside of SA ensure that the intercompany billing arrangements are managed in accordance with the agreed protocols
• Project Support:
• Effective coordination of strategic and operational projects.
• Timely delivery of project milestones and stakeholder communications.
• Planning and Budgeting Process Coordination:
• Coordination of the planning process for the business
• On-time execution of the group budgeting timeline.
• Smooth facilitation of input gathering and consolidation.
• Remuneration Process Support:
• Timely coordination of group remuneration initiatives.
• Support for salary and bonus model updates and documentation.
• Intercompany Arrangements:
• Accurate tracking of intercompany balances and payment schedules.
• Timely coordination with finance teams to ensure smooth processing.

Competencies

• Project Coordination and Execution
• Analytical and Financial Acumen
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Stakeholder Management
• Organisational and Time Management Skills
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills
• Change Management Support
• Systems and Technology Proficiency