Accountant (N001543)
Position summary
About our company
Introduction
Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
To provide appropriate support to the Executive Manager and his/her management team of the assigned portfolio/s onin the field of Financial Planning and Financial Management in accordance with NWU requirements, policies, guidelines and procedures. To coordinate the Financial Planning functions for the assigned Divisions/Faculties. To act as team leader for the assigned Financial Planning team. To stand in (act as Deputy) for the Senior Accountants in their absence.
Management and leadership
- Coordinate the Financial Planning functions and processes for assigned portfolio/s.
- Lead the Financial Planning team assigned to this position.
- Attend the management meeting/s of the assigned portfolio/s as the finance specialist and provide financial advice and feedback and coaching, as and when needed.
- Act in the Senior Accountants/Accountants role in their absence.
- Assist in the development, revision and maintenance of financial planning processes.
Financial planning and budgeting
- Assist with the planning and driving of an effective budget process, including strategic planning (forecasting, financial modelling) on Executive Portfolio level.
- Manage and coordinate the annual budget process of the assigned portfolio/s.
- Review external funding budgets and ensure the adherence to the NWU financial policy, guidelines and the requirements of the external funders.
- Provide input regarding the financial implications and consequences of strategic decisions and formulation of business strategies (integrated planning function) to assist the Executive Manager and his/her management team.
Financial analysis, evaluation and reporting
- Prepare a consolidated financial report for the assigned portfolio/s. The report needs to include (but not limited to) information on the following: subsidy, tuition fees, external funding, sundry debtors and variance analysis.
- Discuss the consolidated financial report with the Executive Manager/management team.
- Review and sign off on the financial reports requested from external parties, aligned with the schedule of authorisation levels.
Financial control and risk management
For assigned divisions and faculties:
- Keep abreast of changes in NWU financial policies and guidelines and give advice on the interpretation thereof.
- Oversee the KFS Fiscal Officer role.
- Act as KFS Financial Reviewer.
- Assist executive manager with the financial aspects of all external contracts, including sundry debtor’s management.
- Assist in the control of physical assets.
- Evaluate the financial internal controls and the effectiveness of the processes and procedures in the assigned portfolio/s and seek and implement improved internal controls, processes and procedures.
- Identify any irregularities and risks and report it to the relevant role players.
- Ensure that all system requirements in terms of half-year and year-end procedures have been met timeously.
- Review information for audits as required and refer recommendations to relevant parties for follow-up.
Ad hoc assignments
- Office administration.
- Personal development.
- Delivering of other financial planning and -management task from time to time in coordination with the Director of Financial Planning.
Minimum requirements
- A bachelor of commerce in Accounting 3 or Management Accounting 3 (NQF Level 7).
- A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Financial/Management accounting in a medium to large-size organizational environment.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in staff management.
- A minimum of five (5) years’ experience working with ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, KFS.
ADDED ADVANTAGE:
- Completed articles
KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
- Proven knowledge of management and general financial principles.
- Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel and Power Point).
- Intermediate to advance proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various functionally multilingual environments of the NWU.
- Must be able to handle interruptions and changes (Ability to multi-task and still function effectively under pressure).
- Good communication, written and numeracy skills.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
- An ability to interact successfully with individuals from a wide range of professional and non-professional backgrounds, including internal and external clients.
- A commitment to the provision of excellent client service in a cross-cultural environment.
- Ability to work accurately and to deadline with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work effectively in a team.
- Ability to strictly enforce policy and procedures.
REMUNERATION:
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Antoinette Vosloo on 018 299 4820
ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Melissa Freeman on 018 299 4811
CLOSING DATE: 12 October 2026
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible
Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
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