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    Tuesday, April 21
    Job Opportunity

    Senior Finance Officer (Post Level 9) UFS

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    Senior Finance Officer

    Senior Finance Officer (Post Level 9) UFS

    The University of the Free State (UFS), a leading South African university committed to excellence, equity, and innovation, is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Senior Finance Officer to join the Research Development Directorate. This role is vital in managing project contracts, budgets, financial reporting, and compliance in support of the university’s dynamic research environment. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of Research Development, providing both technical financial expertise and strategic support.

    Job Overview:

    • Job Title: Senior Finance Officer (Post Level 9) – Job ID: 6225
    • Company: University of the Free State (UFS) – Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation, Research Development Directorate
    • Location: Bloemfontein Campus, Free State, South Africa
    • Employment Type: Permanent | Junior Management
    • Closing Date: 31 August 2025

    Company Overview:

    The University of the Free State (UFS) is one of South Africa’s most respected higher education institutions, recognised for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The Directorate of Research Development plays a critical role in advancing UFS’s research strategy, supporting academics, and managing national and international research grants. Joining UFS means being part of an institution that values innovation, inclusivity, and a commitment to making a positive impact in South Africa and beyond.

    Key Responsibilities

    Project Management (Contracts & Budgets):

    • Assist with preparing institutional cost recovery journals and related documents.

    • Reconcile project financial information and submit periodic project management accounts.

    • Coordinate consortium agreement activities and assist with data extractions from RIMS and other grant systems.

    • Review pre- and post-award grants/contracts to ensure compliance with UFS policies, VAT legislation, NIPMO regulations, and financial principles.

    • Support budget preparation, risk identification, and contract interpretation.

    • Collaborate with the RIMS team on system upgrades and module development.

    Financial Management & Reporting:

    • Prepare payment journals and track expenditure for reporting.

    • Extract financial data from UFS systems (Inquiry & General Ledger) for reporting purposes.

    • Conduct financial analyses using Excel (pivot tables, graphs, formulas).

    • Verify accuracy of system data and correct discrepancies.

    • Support preparation of dashboards, fact sheets, and reports.

    • Assist with process control improvements, risk management updates, and ad hoc projects.

    Inherent Requirements

    • Bachelor’s degree OR Advanced Diploma/B.Tech/Postgraduate Certificate (NQF Level 7) OR 3-year National Diploma (NQF Level 6) in Accounting or related field.

    • Minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience in accounting, auditing, or related duties.

    Recommendations (Advantageous)

    • Honours degree in Accounting/Finance.

    • Knowledge of higher education finance, business drivers, risks, and trends.

    • Understanding of IFRS, costing, and budgeting principles.

    • Familiarity with VAT, Intellectual Property Rights Act, Companies Act, and related legislation.

    • Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, advanced formulas, graphs) and proficiency in MS Office.

    • Experience with financial/project monitoring and reconciliation.

    • Ability to interpret financial obligations in research contracts and grants.

    Key Competencies

    • Results Oriented: Reliable, adaptable, and able to meet obligations in a changing environment.

    • Strategic Thinking: Analytical, detail-focused, and able to apply logical problem-solving.

    • Business Acumen: Strong compliance focus with MS Office proficiency.

    • Leadership: Ability to take initiative, provide direction, and collaborate effectively.

    • Teamwork & Communication: Cooperative, confident, and effective in diverse environments.

    Remuneration & Benefits

    • Salary: Available on request.

    • Benefits (subject to conditions): Pension scheme, medical aid, group life insurance, housing allowance, service bonus, study benefits, annual and sick leave.

    Application Process

    • Applications must be submitted online via the UFS vacancy portal: UFS Vacancies.

    • Required documents:

      • Detailed CV.

      • Certified copies of qualifications (SAQA accreditation for foreign qualifications).

      • Copy of South African ID or passport (foreign applicants).

      • Proof of employment (external applicants only).

    Important: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

    Enquiries

    Equity & Compliance

    The UFS is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and redress in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from underrepresented groups, including persons with disabilities. The University also complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in handling all applicant information.

    APPLY NOW

    Also see: Lecturer / Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor UFS X1

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