Chief Officer (post level 8) Job ID 6245

UFS; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in South Africa is seeking a Financial Aid Coordinator to manage NSFAS funds and ensure the accuracy of financial aid processes. The ideal candidate will have a degree in accounting and at least three years of relevant financial experience. This full-time position offers benefits and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Housing allowance

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years relevant financial experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the NSFAS / DHET General fund.
• Prepare, verify and submit required templates to NSFAS.
• Review and validate funded lists for accuracy.
• Ensure timely processing of allowance payments.
• Communicate important updates to students.

Skills

Knowledge of PeopleSoft

Work in Higher Education context

Results Orientated

Strategic Thinking

Business Acumen

Leading

Building Coalitions

Education

Bachelors or B. Tech degree on NQF Level 7 with Accounting

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

Description

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 documents 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 standard documentation listed below.

A detailed Curriculum Vitae.

Copies of qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (foreign qualifications require SAQA accreditation).

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

Confirmation of employment (appointment contract/service certificate/recent payslip from your current or most recent employer) for external applicants only.

Responsibilities

• Manage the NSFAS / DHET General fund and NSFAS pre-funders.
• Prepare verify and submit required templates to NSFAS (e.g., academic data registration data).
• Review and validate funded lists for accuracy by resolving items on the exception report before allocations.
• Ensure the accuracy and timely processing of allowance payments.
• Allocate adjust disburse and cancel bursary amounts as required.
• Manage the student transport allowance process.
• Oversee the private accommodation application and approval process.
• Oversee and manage refund applications.
• Contribute to the regular review and improvement of Financial Aid information and related documentation.
• Assist in removing administrative blocks where necessary.
• Communicate important updates and instructions to students.
• Manage credit processes including returning unspent amounts to NSFAS.
• Assist in compiling and finalising the NSFAS close-out report.
• Perform reconciliations of entities funds and payments.
• Set up and maintain fiscal amounts on bursary funds including amendments and reconciliations.
• Conduct annual setup processes.
• Create new item types and entities for newly established funds.
• Assist with statistical reports to senior management NSFAS DHET and other stakeholders.
• Implement risk management through reconciliation processes and accuracy controls.
• Supervise mentor and train team members.
• Develop discuss and submit performance reviews, work environment assessments and improvement plans for personnel.
• Address and resolve escalated enquiries from students, parents/guardians and external sponsors.
• Recommend and prepare system improvements to streamline processes.
• Assist with internal and external audit processes.
• Participate in the recruitment process for permanent and temporary staff.
• Attend meetings and provide feedback to relevant staff members.
• Represent the institution at NSFAS workshops and communicate key updates to management and staff.

Inherent requirements

• Bachelors or B. Tech degree on NQF Level 7 with Accounting on third year level (attach academic record).
• A minimum of three (3) years relevant financial experience.

Qualifications & competencies

• Knowledge of PeopleSoft
• Work in the Higher Education context especially Financial Aid.
• 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 deal with several activities at a time.
  • 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 lead, take charge of situations and offer opinions and directions to others.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions
  • The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties

As soon as possible.

Closing date

2 October 2025

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: The salary is available on request.
• Fringe benefits: Pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries

For enquiries please contact or email. Additionally kindly contact / 9848 / 7659 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. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025-28 Feb

The University processes personal information in line with POPIA; personal information provided will be treated as confidential and processed accordingly.

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

Experience

Junior IC

Key Skills

Campaigns, Data Entry, Christmas Temporary, Advocacy, Control Engineering

Employment Type

Full-Time

Experience

years

Vacancy

1