Job Description

Job Title
Assistant Director (post level 7) Job ID: 6126
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Vice-Rector: Operations -> Finance -> Financial Aid
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Junior Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
18/5/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:

https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll

- Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

Duties and responsibilities:

Coach and mentor staff to maintain and improve productivity levels which is aligned institutionally. Assist with compliance of relevant financial policies. Foster a positive climate within the team. Maintain positive work environment that enhances the wellness, satisfaction and motivation of staff. Instil, inform and monitor practices of reporting and sharing of information and manage effective communication channels within the department. Review business processes on a regular basis to determine effectiveness and efficiency. Identify and make recommendations in areas of business service delivery improvement. Reduce and manage the risk of fraud. Plan and allocate resources to core projects that support the academic year, i.e. registration, private accommodation allowances, refunds, etc. Prepare and submit statistics and reporting. Calculate NSFAS amounts for refund and final submission. Improve processes to accommodate changes and challenges. Calculate and arrange overdrafts. Assist with audits. Assist with yearly close-out processes, including payment of credit balances to NSFAS. Assist with financial statement information. Determine the expectations of internal and external clients. Assist with escalated complaints. Maintain regular communication with all stakeholders on campus through notices and workshops. Improve the quality and availability of information. Conduct regular meetings with funders and service providers to communicate new information and raise

issues where there are concerns.

Build relationships with funders to sign MOUs and optimise funding opportunities. Update website information. Manage response time on enquiries, which includes call centre and the universal email address enquiries and operational efficiency and report on activity.

Inherent requirements:

Bachelor's degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7 with Accounting as a final-year subject (attach academic record). Minimum of four (4) years' relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

Knowledge of PeopleSoft. Work experience in Financial Aid in the higher-education environment.
Competencies

Results oriented.

The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations. The ability to deal calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

o Strategic thinking.

The ability to deal with several activities at a time. The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.

o Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office.

o Leading.

The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

o Building coalitions

The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter. Copies of qualifications or proof of qualifications obtained (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications). A copy of your identity document (SA ID or passport for foreign nationals). Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if required). A copy of your driver's license (if required). Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

18 May 2025

Salary:

The salary is available on request.


Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.


Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact

051 401 2979 or email

JardineS@ufs.ac.za

or

Recruit@ufs.ac.za

. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9813 /9810 /9848 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at :

EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.