Job Description

Job Title
Chief Officer (post level 8) Job ID: 6245
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Finance -> Financial Aid
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Junior Management
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
2/10/2025
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.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

Manage the NSFAS/DHET General fund and NSFAS pre-funders. Prepare, verify, and submit required templates to NSFAS (e.g., academic data, registration data). Review and validate funded lists for accuracy by resolving items on the exception report before allocations. Ensure the accuracy and timely processing of allowance payments. Allocate, adjust, disburse, and cancel bursary amounts as required. Manage the student transport allowance process. Oversee the private accommodation application and approval process. Oversee and manage refund applications. Contribute to the regular review and improvement of Financial Aid information and related documentation. Assist in removing administrative blocks where necessary. Communicate important updates and instructions to students. Manage credit processes, including returning unspent amounts to NSFAS. Assist in compiling and finalising the NSFAS close-out report. Perform reconciliations of entities, funds, and payments. Set up and maintain fiscal amounts on bursary funds, including amendments and reconciliations. Conduct annual setup processes. Create new item types and entities for newly established funds. Assist with statistical reports to senior management, NSFAS, DHET, and other stakeholders. Implement risk management through reconciliation processes and accuracy controls. Supervise, mentor, and train team members. Develop, discuss, and submit performance reviews, work environment assessments, and improvement plans for personnel. Address and resolve escalated enquiries from students, parents, guardians, and external sponsors. Recommend and prepare system improvements to streamline processes. Assist with internal and external audit processes. Participate in the recruitment process for permanent and temporary staff. Attend meetings and provide feedback to relevant staff members. Represent the institution at NSFAS workshops and communicate key updates to management and staff.

Inherent requirements:

Bachelor's or B. Tech degree on NQF Level 7 with Accounting on third year level (attach academic record). A minimum of three (3) years' relevant financial experience.

Recommendations:

Knowledge of PeopleSoft Work in the Higher Education context, especially Financial Aid.
Competencies

Required competencies:

Results Orientated:

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.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

2 October 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 / 9848 / 7659 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 Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.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.


The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.