Accountant (N001543) at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To provide appropriate support to the Executive Manager and his/her management team of the assigned portfolio/s onin the field of Financial Planning and Financial Management in accordance with NWU requirements, policies, guidelines and procedures. To coordinate the Financial Planning functions for the assigned Divisions/Faculties. To act as team leader for the assigned Financial Planning team. To stand in (act as Deputy) for the Senior Accountants in their absence. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management and leadership

• Coordinate the Financial Planning functions and processes for assigned portfolio/s.
• Lead the Financial Planning team assigned to this position.
• Attend the management meeting/s of the assigned portfolio/s as the finance specialist and provide financial advice and feedback and coaching, as and when needed.
• Act in the Senior Accountants/Accountants role in their absence.
• Assist in the development, revision and maintenance of financial planning processes.

Financial planning and budgeting

• Assist with the planning and driving of an effective budget process, including strategic planning (forecasting, financial modelling) on Executive Portfolio level.
• Manage and coordinate the annual budget process of the assigned portfolio/s.
• Review external funding budgets and ensure the adherence to the NWU financial policy, guidelines and the requirements of the external funders.
• Provide input regarding the financial implications and consequences of strategic decisions and formulation of business strategies (integrated planning function) to assist the Executive Manager and his/her management team.

Financial analysis, evaluation and reporting

• Prepare a consolidated financial report for the assigned portfolio/s. The report needs to include (but not limited to) information on the following: subsidy, tuition fees, external funding, sundry debtors and variance analysis.
• Discuss the consolidated financial report with the Executive Manager/management team.
• Review and sign off on the financial reports requested from external parties, aligned with the schedule of authorisation levels.

Financial control and risk management

For assigned divisions and faculties:

• Keep abreast of changes in NWU financial policies and guidelines and give advice on the interpretation thereof.
• Oversee the KFS Fiscal Officer role.
• Act as KFS Financial Reviewer.
• Assist executive manager with the financial aspects of all external contracts, including sundry debtor’s management.
• Assist in the control of physical assets.
• Evaluate the financial internal controls and the effectiveness of the processes and procedures in the assigned portfolio/s and seek and implement improved internal controls, processes and procedures.
• Identify any irregularities and risks and report it to the relevant role players.
• 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.

Ad hoc assignments

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

Minimum requirements

• A bachelor of commerce in Accounting 3 or Management Accounting 3 (NQF Level 7).
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Financial/Management accounting in a medium to large-size organizational environment.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in staff management.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience working with ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, KFS.

ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• Completed articles

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Proven knowledge of management and general financial principles.
• Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel and Power Point).
• Intermediate to advance proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstration of language proficiency to function optimally in the various functionally multilingual environments of the NWU.
• Must be able to handle interruptions and changes (Ability to multi-task and still function effectively under pressure).
• Good communication, written and numeracy skills.

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 work accurately and to deadline with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Ability to strictly enforce policy and procedures.

Deadline:12th October,2026