Accountant (N001168)

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: Education and Training

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) DIVISION: FINANCE AND FACILITIES DEPARTMENT: FINANCIAL PLANNING POSITION NUMBER: N001168 VACANCY: ACCOUNTANT PEROMNES: P8 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

Job Description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Provide a strategic, responsive, sound and enabling financial framework within which the faculty/support department is able to function optimally. Exercise joint accountability with the Executive Dean/Executive Director/DVC for the full range of financial functionality. Provide appropriate financial management and support services to management and staff of the assigned entities in accordance with NWU requirements, policies, guidelines, and procedures.

Be a member of the Faculty Management Team (EXCO)/ Executive Support Management Team and provide a high-level financial, strategic, systems & operational perspective to shape the direction of the faculty/support department in alignment with NWU objectives and strategic direction. Provide guidance on institutional alignment, ensure adherence to statutory requirements, assess risk and strive for operational efficiencies across the entire faculty/department.

Key Responsibilities

Management and Leadership

• Take co-ownership with the dean/executive support manager for the financial function/management of the faculty/support department.
• Lead the financial team assigned to the faculty/support department.
• Assist the dean/executive support manager with the financial aspects of staff related issues (recruitment, appointing staff, incentives and bonuses, salary reviews, etc.
• Take responsibility for the workforce planning, personal development, training, mentoring, and coaching of the financial team as well as the coaching of non-financial managers in interpreting and communicating financial data

Financial Planning and Budgeting

• Do scenario and forecasting for the faculty/support department and assist with the alignment of the faculty/support departments strategic plan with the NWU strategy and APP
• Discuss the output of the viability model with the relevant management and advise/give input in the strategies to improve business performance.
• Provide input to key strategic decisions and formulation of business strategies (including enrolment planning, new academic programs, external contracts, etc.)
• Advise on the financial implications and consequences of business decisions.
• Take responsibility for the coordination and preparation of the faculty/support department annual budget within the budget guidelines, financial success model parameters and the strategy of the faculty/support department (which is in line with the NWU strategy and APP)
• Assist the Dean/Executive Director in presenting the annual budget to the budget committee.
• Review/assist in the preparation of project budgets and ensure the adherence to the NWU financial policy and guidelines.

Financial analysis, evaluation and reporting

• Responsible for providing useful financial information (which included, but not limited to, subsidy, tuition fee, sundry debtors, and variance analysis information) to assist line managers in the budget management/control process.
• Obtain input and commentary on performance, progress, and reasons for variances, where relevant, from the units reporting to the dean/executive support manager.
• Discuss monthly the financial results and other financial relevant issues with the dean/executive support manager.
• Submit financial reports requested from external parties within the pre-determined deadlines.
• Ensure that all system requirements in terms of half-year and year-end procedures have been met timeously.
• Review information for audits as required and refer recommendations to relevant parties for follow-up.

Financial control and risk management

• Keep abreast of changes in NWU financial policies and guidelines and advice management and staff on the NWU financial policies, guidelines, and procedures.
• Oversee/fulfil the KFS Fiscal Officer role.
• Ensure budget control by identifying possible overspending up-front and providing management with funding options that adhere to the NWU policies and guidelines, this includes, but is not limited to, the staff cost budget of the faculty/support department.
• Manage financial aspects of all external contracts, including sundry debtors management.
• Manage control of physical assets of the Faculty/Support department.
• Act as the KFS account manager.
• Implement and monitor compliance with and effectiveness of corporate governance procedures, risk management measures and internal controls and report any irregularities and/or potential problems to the dean/executive support manager.

Ad hoc assignments

• Office administration.
• Personal development.
• Delivering of other financial management task from time to time in coordination with Manager in the Director of Financial Planning office.

Minimum Requirements

• A B.Com degree (NQF level 7) with Accounting 3 or Management Accounting 3.
• A minimum of five (5) years financial or management accounting experience in a medium to large size organizational environment with a focus on budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analytical reviewing.

ADDED ADVANTAGES

• Completed articles.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (e.g. Oracle KFS).

Functional / Technical Competencies (knowledge And Skills)

• Intermediate to advance proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Proven knowledge of management and general financial principles.
• Computer literacy in MS Office (Word and Excel).
• Proven high level analytical and interpretive abilities and problem solving.
• Report writing skills.
• Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various functionally multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Excellent time management, organisational skills (including organising various types of people), as well as ability to prioritise.
• Must be able to handle interruptions and changes (Ability to multi-task and still function effectively under pressure).

Behavioural Competencies

• An ability to interact successfully with individuals from a wide range of professional and non-professional backgrounds, including internal and external clients.
• A commitment to the provision of excellent client service in a cross-cultural environment.
• Ability to take initiative, exercise judgement, solve problems, and work accurately and to deadline with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead and motivate others and work effectively in a team.
• Ability to strictly enforce policy and procedures.
• Ability to function effectively under pressure while maintaining good interpersonal relations.

REMUNERATION

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Mr. Farai Chingono on 016 910 3102

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Ms. Akhona Maqungo on 018 299 2624

CLOSING DATE: 24 July 2024

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.