Principal Accountant: Financial Aid and Bursaries (1 Post) Ref: 106/2024/NGM/P8 at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/ Finance
• Registration with any professional accounting body will be an added advantage
• At least three (3) years working experience at a tertiary institution in a Financial Aid environment, or related experience in the relevant field
• Experience and knowledge of the Integrated Tertiary Software (ITS) will be a strong recommendation
• Ability to navigate online platforms such as, Zoom and Microsoft Teams with requisite proficiency
• Willingness to work out of normal working hours where necessary
• Computer literacy, with a sound knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel and Powerpoint)

COMPETENCIES

• Technical / professional knowledge and skill
• Formal presentation skill
• Resource Management
• Analytical
• Communication (verbal and written)
• Decision-making and problem-solving skill
• Interpersonal skills

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Compile and analyse reports for managerial purpose
• Supervise staff in collaboration with the HO
• Maintain sponsor and student details on ITS System
• Keep abreast of developments within financial aid industry and its implications for the University funding
• Contribute and participate in policy development and review
• Provide sponsors with invoices, fee statements and student result
• Analyse sponsor payments, identifying risk timeously and develop intervention strategies
• Full allocation of funds received for eligible students
• Ensure timeous, accurate loading of students’ allowance
• Attend to general and specific enquiries from students, parents and sponsors
• Ensure proper record keeping (e.g. sponsors correspondence, AOD’s etc)
• Compile relevant reports, communicate and consult with relevant stakeholders
• Preparation of General Ledger reconciliations and monthly reports
• Participation in departmental committees
• Ensure compliance with the University’s safety and health policies and procedures
• Contribute to the overall development of SMU and actively improve Institutional culture
• Perform any other official duties as directed by the Head of Department