Senior Assistant Officer- University of the Free State x1
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Assistant Officer (Post Level 12)
Job ID: 6656
Reference Number: 2355
Company: University of the Free State (UFS)
Department: Finance – Student Finance
Location: Qwaqwa Campus, Free State
Employment Type: Permanent
Occupational Level: Semi-Skilled
Salary: R403,692.54 – R506,869.63 per annum
Closing Date: 11 November 2026
Assumption of Duties: 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible.
Benefits: Pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits (subject to conditions).
Job Description
The University of the Free State is seeking a dedicated and organised Senior Assistant Officer to join its Student Finance Department at the Qwaqwa Campus. The successful candidate will provide administrative and financial support relating to student funding, bursaries, accommodation and transport allowances.
The role involves assisting students, landlords and parents or guardians with enquiries, processing financial applications and ensuring the accurate administration and disbursement of bursary funds.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
Performing general office administration.
Attending and contributing to sectional, general staff and quarterly staff meetings.
Attending NSFAS workshops and providing feedback to management and staff.
Assisting with telephonic enquiries.
Handling verbal and written enquiries from students, landlords and parents or guardians.
Assisting with off-campus transport applications.
Administering, awarding and disbursing bursaries.
Calculating and adjusting bursary amounts.
Processing private accommodation applications.
Processing transport allowance applications.
Receiving, processing and submitting refund requests.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements:
Grade 12 (Matric) or National Vocational Certificate at NQF Level 4.
At least one (1) year of relevant experience in bursaries, student funding, financial support or administrative support.
Recommendations:
Knowledge and understanding of computer programmes, including PeopleSoft, Microsoft Word, Excel and the Internet.
Work experience in a higher education environment.
Experience dealing with staff, students and parents.
Knowledge of bursary requirements and rules.
A post-school qualification in Finance or a closely related field.
Required Competencies
Results Orientated: Reliability, responsibility and the ability to handle stressful situations effectively.
Strategic Thinking: Strong attention to detail, organisation, analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Business Acumen: Ability to follow rules and regulations, with proficiency in MS Office.
Leading: Self-motivation, enthusiasm and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
Building Coalitions: Good negotiation, communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.