Assistant Financial Accountant

Rhodes University; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 693,000 - 903,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking an Assistant Financial Accountant to support financial statement preparation, manage budgets, and ensure the integrity of financial data. The role demands a relevant degree, extensive experience in financial accounting, and proficiency in accounting systems and Excel. Competitive compensation is provided, with a permanent position available.

Qualifications

• Approximately 6 years of experience in financial accounting and reporting.
• Experience preparing financial statements and audit working papers.
• Experience with inventory and fixed asset accounting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare supporting schedules and information for financial statements.
• Maintain the general ledger system and ensure data integrity.
• Manage budget preparation and variance analysis.

Skills

Financial accounting

Budget preparation

General Ledger maintenance

VAT knowledge

Audit coordination

Supervisory experience

Excel proficiency

Education

Relevant bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma in Financial Accounting or Auditing

Tools

Accounting systems

Excel

Job description

Assistant Financial Accountant (Grade 15)

Finance Division

The Finance Divisioninvites suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

To extract and provide supporting schedules and information for the completion of the University’s annual financial statements, prepare financial statements for University-related projects, and complete statistical returns for the SA Reserve Bank and others. To provide a service with regard to budget preparation and budget variance investigation for the Finance Division. Maintaining the general ledger system, thereby ensuring the integrity of data and the quality of financial reporting. To provide effective & efficient accounting/administration and control measures in accordance with the University’s policies and procedures. This includes Fixed Asset administration and Inventory accounting, various VAT and other SARS-related returns administration forms, and participation in month-end and year-end procedures, including internal and external audit requirements.
The Financial Accounting Unit is within the Finance Division and operates within a sub-structure where its sub-units report to the Senior Manager: Financial Control

The Requirements

A relevant bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF 7) in Financial Accounting or Auditing plus approximately 6 years of experience in financial accounting and reporting, where such experience includes: -

• Experience preparing financial statements, reconciliations, and audit working papers.
• Budget preparation and variance analysis, including investigative follow-up.
• Experience maintaining General Ledger structures and account coding.
• Working knowledge of the VAT Act and its application, and Experience in preparing VAT schedules, reconciliations, and dealing with SARS rulings.
• Experience coordinating external audits and managing audit documentation.
• Advanced computer literacy, especially in accounting systems and Excel.
• Experience with inventory and fixed asset accounting, including depreciation processes.
• A minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience
• Exposure to statutory reporting for DHET, SARB, and Statistics South Africa, and familiarity with restricted vs unrestricted fund accounting in a university context will be an added advantage.
• A thorough understanding and experience of VAT as it applies to Higher Education Institutions will be an advantage

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read thejob profilefor further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application please contact 046 603 8753.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting: TBC
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade 15):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R693 760

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R902 270

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 27 August 2025

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.These values are:
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion


Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act of 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2022 and the University's Recruitment and Selection policies.