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
05.2017 - 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
11.2007 - 04.2017
- 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
05.2005 - 11.2007
- 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)
01.2000 - 04.2005
- 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
05.1999 - 09.1999
- My responsibilities included document preparation, administrative support, and records management within the insurance operations team.
Administrative Clerk
DBLS Consultancy
07.1998 - 04.1999
- I provided clerical support, handled correspondence, and contributed to general administrative duties within the consultancy.
Administrative Clerk
NBC for the Road Transport Industry
02.1997 - 06.1998
- My role included data processing, document filing, and maintaining records for transport-related employer and employee administration.
Accounts Clerk
Galaxy Head Office
12.1996 - 01.1997
- I managed financial transactions, reconciliations, and assisted with monthly account summaries.
Education
Master of Arts - Master of Management (GEN)
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
Post-Graduate Certificate - Public Management And Governance (M&E)
University of The Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Business Administration
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg 04.2001 -
Diploma - Business Management
University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa 04.2001 -
Skills
Operations management
Problem-solving
Customer service
Performance monitoring
Timeline
Operations Manager – Finance and Administration
University of the Witwatersrand
05.2017 - Current
Office Manager – Finance and Administration
University of Johannesburg
11.2007 - 04.2017
Senior Financial Officer
Ernst & Young
05.2005 - 11.2007
Master of Arts - Master of Management (GEN)
University of The Witwatersrand
04.2001 -
Post-Graduate Certificate - Public Management And Governance (M&E)
University of The Witwatersrand
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Technology - Business Administration
University of Johannesburg
04.2001 -
Diploma - Business Management
University of Johannesburg
04.2001 -
Senior Financial Assistant / HR Administration Assistant
Rand Afrikaans University (RAU)
01.2000 - 04.2005
Typist
Standard Bank Insurance Brokers
05.1999 - 09.1999
Administrative Clerk
DBLS Consultancy
07.1998 - 04.1999
Administrative Clerk
NBC for the Road Transport Industry
02.1997 - 06.1998
Accounts Clerk
Galaxy Head Office
12.1996 - 01.1997