Assistant Officer- Student Financial Services x2
Job Details
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Job Title: Assistant Officer (Post Level 13) – Student Financial Services
Job ID: 6671
Posting Number: 2348
Number of Positions: 2
Department: Finance – Student Finance
Location: Bloemfontein Campus and South Campus, Bloemfontein, Free State
Employment Type: Not specified
Occupational Level: Semi-Skilled
Salary: R240,866.45 – R403,692.54 per annum (including benefits)
Assumption of Duty: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 9 November 2026
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking two suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill Assistant Officer positions within its Student Financial Services department.
The successful candidates will provide professional, efficient and customer-focused financial administration support to students and clients. The role involves responding to financial enquiries, assisting with tuition fee payments and arrangements, processing financial transactions, maintaining student account records and providing administrative support.
Candidates must demonstrate strong communication, customer service, numerical and administrative skills, with the ability to handle financial information accurately and confidentially.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Provide professional and customer-focused support through the Call Centre, responding to student and client enquiries about financial matters, payment arrangements and university financial processes.
Provide accurate financial information and guidance in accordance with UFS policies, procedures and regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and maintain the confidentiality of student and client information.
Process financial transactions, including generating invoices, quotations, requisitions and purchase orders.
Assist students with tuition fee payment arrangements.
Perform cashier, reception and general administrative duties when required.
Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, financial documentation and student account information.
Capture and verify student and financial information on relevant systems, including PeopleSoft.
Ensure that information is processed accurately and within prescribed deadlines.
Respond to email enquiries within established service standards.
Follow up on outstanding financial matters and aim to resolve enquiries during the first interaction.
Identify recurring service delivery challenges and recommend improvements to customer service and operational efficiency.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
Grade 12 (Matric) at NQF Level 4, with Mathematics and/or Accounting as a subject.
A minimum of one year’s relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas:
Financial administration.
Accounts administration.
Student accounts.
Processing financial transactions.
Payment arrangements.
Customer service or call centre operations involving financial enquiries, transactions or payment arrangements.
Important: Applicants must attach a copy of their Grade 12 certificate.
Recommended Knowledge and Experience
The following will be an added advantage:
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems.
General accounting knowledge.
Good mathematical and calculation skills.
Computer literacy, particularly MS Office and PeopleSoft.
Understanding of business operations and financial administration processes.
Experience in word processing, filing and records management.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate and implement solutions.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to identify, analyse, interpret and communicate financial information.
Required Skills and Competencies
Results Orientation
Ability to be reliable, responsible and dependable.
Ability to fulfil work obligations.
Ability to remain calm and work effectively under pressure.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously.
Creative and open-minded approach to resolving workplace challenges.
Business Acumen
Ability to follow rules, policies and workplace procedures.
Proficiency in using MS Office.
Leading
Ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
Ability to cooperate with colleagues and encourage teamwork.
Building Coalitions
Confidence when interacting with people in different social and professional situations.
Ability to understand and respond sensitively to the needs and feelings of others.
Salary and Benefits
The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is:
R240,866.45 – R403,692.54
Per annum, depending on available budget, relevant work experience and qualifications.
Additional fringe benefits, subject to specific conditions, include:
Pension scheme.
Medical aid scheme.
Group life insurance.
Housing allowance.
Annual leave and sick leave.
Service bonus.
Study benefits.