Accountant (P8) (Finance: Revenue Administration Division: Student Finance Department)
Position Summary
Introduction
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a vibrant and cosmopolitan institution, guided by its bold UJ Strategy 2035, which emphasises Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. Committed to transformative change, UJ’s mission is “To transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge.” The University is guided by the vision of building “An international university of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future".
Job description
“Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.
- Maintain the integrity and accuracy of all Student Debtors, NSFAS and Bursary control accounts.
- Ensure monthly balancing of sub-ledgers and the General Ledger.
- Prepare and review journals and accounting entries.
- Compile monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
- Assist with year-end closure processes and statutory reporting requirements.
- Ensure compliance with IFRS, Generally Recognised Accounting Practice and University policies.
- Report on reconciliations and the performance of external debt collectors.
- Timeously allocate NSFAS and bursary funding allocations.
- Calculate, review and maintain the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) provision for student debtors in accordance with IFRS 9.
- Analyse student debtor ageing and recovery trends to support ECL assessments.
- Coordinate all internal and external audit engagements affecting Student Finance.
- Facilitate audit requests, supporting schedules and financial information.
- Monitor, track and report on audit findings and ensure timely resolution.
- Prepare and review Annual Financial Statement (AFS) notes related to student debtors, revenue, bursaries, provisions and receivables.
- Compile, manage and monitor budgets for Student Finance operations.
- Manage assets within the area of responsibility and ensure compliance with University asset management policies.
- Oversee monthly reconciliations of student debtor, bursary and NSFAS accounts.
- Investigate and resolve financial discrepancies and reconciling items.
- Ensure robust financial controls and data integrity.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including NSFAS, sponsors, faculties and service providers.
- Assist with the development, implementation and annual review of Standard Operating Procedures.
- Promote sound corporate governance, regulatory compliance and continuous improvement within the division.
- Support staff development, accountability, integrity and service excellence initiatives.
Minimum requirements
- Relevant Accounting Qualification at NQF Level 7 (Degree or equivalent in Accounting, Financial Accounting, Accounting Sciences or Financial Management).
- Minimum of 3 years' relevant accounting and financial management experience.
- Experience in preparing Annual Financial Statements and IFRS disclosures, particularly IFRS 9.
- Experience with Expected Credit Loss (ECL) calculations and receivables impairment assessments.
- Experience coordinating internal and external audits and managing audit findings.
- Experience in financial reporting, reconciliations and control account management.
- Strong understanding of internal controls, risk management and governance principles.
- Advanced reconciliation and analytical skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Relevant Accounting Qualification at NQF Level 8 (Postgraduate Diploma, Honours Degree or equivalent in Accounting, Financial Accounting, Accounting Sciences or Financial Management), will be an advantage.
- Successful completion or actively pursuing the completion of an accredited SAICA, SAIPA or CIMA training programme/articles.
- Experience within a Higher Education environment.
- Experience with ITS, Oracle or other ERP financial systems.
- Experience in Student Finance and receivables environments.
- Knowledge of NSFAS funding processes and donor fund administration.
- Exposure to audit management systems and compliance monitoring.
- Asset management and fixed asset accounting experience.
- Budget preparation and financial monitoring experience.
- Advanced financial accounting and reporting skills.
- Strong IFRS interpretation and application capability.
- Expected Credit Loss (ECL) modelling and analysis.
- Financial statement preparation and note compilation.
- Budgeting and forecasting skills.
- Asset management knowledge.
- Audit coordination and compliance monitoring capability.
- Advanced computer literacy in Microsoft Office (Excel) and ERP systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent planning and organisational skills.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Integrity, accountability and professionalism.
- Strong decision-making and conflict-resolution skills.
- Customer service orientation.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
Your application, comprising of a detailed Curriculum Vitae as well as the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees must be uploaded before or on the closing date of the advertised post. Please also attach the following: a copy of your highest academic qualification, proof of registration with professional bodies you might belong to and if applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/ or a portfolio of your creative output.
If you require technical support / assistance on the UJ e-recruitment website, please contact our service provider PNET on the following contact details: 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email ujsupport@pnet.co.za.
Candidates may be subjected to appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.
In conjunction to merit on the basis of qualifications, experience and proven achievements the University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and those individuals from the historically disadvantaged groups. As necessitated by operational requirements the University reserves the right not to make an appointment to positions advertised. If you have not received a response from the University within 8 weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.
Please note that the University is obligated, in terms of recent amendments to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021), to assess all prospective employees (including applicants) against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). The outcome of such an assessment may have an impact upon possible employment with the University.