Lucinda Solomon
Operations Manager
Johannesburg,Gauteng
Summary
I am an accomplished finance and operations manager with over ten years of experience overseeing financial operations, project implementation, and administrative management at leading South African tertiary institutions. My extensive background in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, financial reporting, and team leadership has enabled me to drive process improvements effectively while ensuring compliance with donor requirements in complex, multi-project settings. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management and Governance (Monitoring & Evaluation) in 2025 and am currently enrolled in the Master's in Management (General) program for 2026. I adopt a proactive, solution-focused approach that has consistently optimized performance across academic, research, and donor-funded initiatives.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Operations Manager – Finance and Administration
University of the Witwatersrand
2017.05 - Current
- At WITS, I oversee the full financial and operational management of the Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP), ensuring all processes align with university and donor policies.
- I manage a team of administrators, interns, and students, providing leadership, coaching, and supervision for successful project execution.
- My responsibilities span finance and budgeting for multiple research projects, preparation of quarterly and annual reports for internal and external stakeholders, and continuous liaison with donors, funders, and the university’s research office.
- I supervise project financial reporting, monitor expenses against budgets, and oversee procurement, supplier onboarding, and all staff appointments.
- In addition, I handle the logistical and administrative arrangements for seminars, fieldwork, and strategic planning activities.
- I actively contribute to strategic decisions for the unit and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships, including government departments, funders, and academic networks.
- I participate in senior management meetings, ensuring alignment with broader institutional goals.
Office Manager – Finance and Administration
University of Johannesburg
2007.11 - 2017.04
- At UJ, I managed all financial and administrative functions for the research unit, including oversight of eight junior staff members.
- I led the preparation of monthly and quarterly donor reports, managed internal and external project finances, and processed annual budgets, forecasts, invoices, and journal entries.
- I was responsible for research funding reports for institutions like the NRF, asset management, and procurement.
- My administrative duties included the coordination of local and international travel, weekly seminars, and large-scale academic events.
- I also played a key role in HR management—including staff appointments, terminations, and payroll administration—and student administration, particularly the approval and processing of bursary allocations.
Senior Financial Officer
Ernst & Young
2005.05 - 2007.11
- In this role, I was responsible for preparing and verifying financial reports, managing invoicing, and supporting compliance functions.
- I collaborated with internal departments to ensure accuracy and integrity in financial operations, building foundational experience in professional financial service environments.
Senior Financial Assistant / HR Administration Assistant
Rand Afrikaans University (RAU)
2000.01 - 2005.04
- I supported both financial and HR functions, including financial reporting, record-keeping, payroll administration, and data entry.
- I worked closely with faculty and administrative units, developing skills in university operations, personnel systems, and service excellence.
Typist
Standard Bank Insurance Brokers
1999.05 - 1999.09
- My responsibilities included document preparation, administrative support, and records management within the insurance operations team.
Administrative Clerk
DBLS Consultancy
1998.07 - 1999.04
- I provided clerical support, handled correspondence, and contributed to general administrative duties within the consultancy.
Administrative Clerk
NBC for the Road Transport Industry
1997.02 - 1998.06
- My role included data processing, document filing, and maintaining records for transport-related employer and employee administration.
Accounts Clerk
Galaxy Head Office
1996.12 - 1997.01
- I managed financial transactions, reconciliations, and assisted with monthly account summaries.
Education
Master of Arts - Master of Management (GEN)
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 2001.04 -
Post-Graduate Certificate - Public Management And Governance (M&E)
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa 2001.04 -
Bachelor of Technology - Business Administration
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg 2001.04 -
Diploma - Business Management
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa 2001.04 -
Skills
Operations management
Problem-solving
Customer service
Performance monitoring
Timeline
Operations Manager – Finance and Administration
University of the Witwatersrand
2017.05 - Current
Office Manager – Finance and Administration
University of Johannesburg
2007.11 - 2017.04
Senior Financial Officer
Ernst & Young
2005.05 - 2007.11
Master of Arts - Master of Management (GEN)
University of The Witwatersrand
2001.04 -
Post-Graduate Certificate - Public Management And Governance (M&E)
University of The Witwatersrand
2001.04 -
Bachelor of Technology - Business Administration
University of Johannesburg
2001.04 -
Diploma - Business Management
University of Johannesburg
2001.04 -
Senior Financial Assistant / HR Administration Assistant
Rand Afrikaans University (RAU)
2000.01 - 2005.04
Typist
Standard Bank Insurance Brokers
1999.05 - 1999.09
Administrative Clerk
DBLS Consultancy
1998.07 - 1999.04
Administrative Clerk
NBC for the Road Transport Industry
1997.02 - 1998.06
Accounts Clerk
Galaxy Head Office
1996.12 - 1997.01