Assistant Accountant (P002926) at North West University

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

• To provide appropriate support to the Manager/s and his/her management team of the assigned Organisation Unit/s (OU’s) in the field of Financial Planning and Financial Management in accordance with NWU requirements, policies, guidelines and procedures. To fulfil the Financial Planning functions for the assigned Organisation Unit/s (OU’s). To support the Accountant in fulfilling his/her tasks. To stand in (act as Deputy) for the Accountant in his/her absence. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management and leadership

• Take co-ownership with the Accountant for the Financial Planning functions and processes for assigned portfolio/s. 
• Act in the Accountant/Assistant Accountant role in their absence.

Financial planning and budgeting

• Participate in the budget planning process.
• Assist the Accountant with the management and coordination of the annual budget process of the assigned portfolio/s.
• Assist the OU manager with the preparation and input of the annual budget on OU level.
• Assist the project manager in the OU with the preparation of project budgets, including the adherence to the NWU financial policy and guidelines.
• Collect input that can assist Accountant with 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 financial report for the assigned OU’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 financial report with the Manager/management team.
• Assist the Accountant with the preparation of the consolidated financial report for the assigned Division/Faculty.
• Prepare and submit financial reports requested from external parties.

Financial control and risk management

• For assigned Organisation Unit/s (OU’s):
• Keep abreast of changes in NWU financial policies and guidelines and give advice on the interpretation thereof.
• Fulfil the KFS Fiscal Officer role.
• Prepare all the relevant reconciliations done in the department as part of the financial control function.
• Assist manager with the financial aspects of all external contracts, including sundry debtor’s management.
• Assist in the control of physical assets.
• Assist in the evaluation of 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.

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 three (3) years’ experience in Financial/Management accounting in a medium to large size organizational environment.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience working with ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, KFS.

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