Job Description – Senior Assistant Officer (Job ID: 6555)
- Position: Senior Assistant Officer (Post Level 12)
- Department: Finance – Student Finance
- Institution: University of the Free State (UFS)
- Campus: Bloemfontein Campus
- Employment Type: Permanent
Job Purpose
The Senior Assistant Officer provides administrative and financial support within the Student Finance division by managing bursary administration, assisting students and funding partners, ensuring accurate allocation and reconciliation of funds, and maintaining efficient financial records and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Administrative Support
- Perform routine office administrative duties to support the effective functioning of the Student Finance section.
- Attend and participate in sectional, departmental, and quarterly staff meetings.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure proper filing of bursary documentation.
Customer Service
- Respond professionally to verbal and written enquiries from students, parents or guardians, landlords, and funding partners.
- Provide guidance to students regarding bursary processes and documentation requirements.
- Assist students with capturing and uploading bursary information onto the system.
Bursary Administration
- Verify the completeness and accuracy of bursary applications and supporting documentation.
- Ensure the correct allocation of bursary funds to student accounts.
- Monitor bursary allocations to prevent students from receiving more than one full-cost bursary.
- Assist funding partners by providing requested information and documentation.
Financial Administration
- Reconcile payments received from funding partners against student accounts.
- Follow up on outstanding payments with funding partners.
- Compile payment and reconciliation reports for management.
- Identify funding partners with growth potential and report opportunities to management.
General Support
- Perform other bursary-related and administrative duties as assigned by management.
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, procedures, and funding regulations.
Minimum Requirements
- Grade 12 or National Vocational Certificate (NQF Level 4).
- At least one (1) year of relevant experience in bursary administration, student funding, finance, or administrative support.
Recommended Knowledge and Experience
- Knowledge of PeopleSoft.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet applications.
- Experience within a higher education environment.
- Knowledge of bursary policies, procedures, and funding requirements.
Required Competencies
- Strong administrative and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Customer service orientation.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- High level of integrity and confidentiality.
- Ability to follow policies and procedures.
- Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.