Senior Officer

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:  - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

•    A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

•    Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).

•    A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).

•    Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

•    Respond to escalated client inquiries promptly and effectively.

•    Provide training to academic and support staff on policies, procedures and processes.

•    Lead and manage communication platforms, developing and improving them to enhance effectiveness and overall performance.

•    Review and approve financial transactions, including expense claims, advance requests, petty cash claims, journal requests, and the creation of entities and entity workflows. Ensure validity, completeness and accuracy.

•    Generate and follow up on exception reports and internal management reports on the general ledger and NRF to ensure data quality.

•    Review transaction allocations in preparation for the year-end process and external audit.

•    Prepare monthly general ledger reconciliations and management reports for effective management.

•    Review the Standard Operating Procedures and Manuals frequently for completeness.

•    Prepare the annual audit file and coordinate the yearly external audit in accordance with NRF guidelines and timelines.

•    Ensure compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures, including procurement, general entity/account structure processes and other relevant financial policies.

•    Ensure adherence to NRF policies and guidelines.

•    Generate Monthly Internal Reporting on the effectiveness, identified risks areas, deviations and non-compliance of the control environment.

•    Demonstrate ability to lead, mentor and motivate a team to achieve goals.

Inherent requirements:

•    Bachelor's degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 in Accounting. 

•    Minimum of two (2) years' relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

•    Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in a related field.

•    Three (3) years of relevant work experience related to duties and responsibilities.

•    Knowledge of university systems, policies, and procedures.

•    Experience within the higher education environment

•    Member of a or registration at a professional body

Required competencies:

•    Results Orientated:

-    The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.

-    The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

•    Strategic Thinking:

-    The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

-    The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

•    Business Acumen:

-    The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.

-    Proficient in using MS Office.

•    Leading:

-    The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.

-    The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 

•    Building Coalitions:

-    The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others.

-    The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

     Closing date:

December 2025

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits: 

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact or email or Additionally, kindly contact / 9813 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:   EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.