SENIOR FINANCIAL AID/BURSARY OFFICER REF NO: CORP/SNR-FIN- AID/02 Permanent (PERSAL Appointment)

This permanent position, based at the Corporate Office of Western TVET College, is central to the effective management and oversight of all student bursary and financial aid activities across the entire college. Reporting within the corporate structure, the Senior Financial Aid/Bursary Officer ensures that financial support schemes operate smoothly, transparently, and in full compliance with applicable legislation and funder requirements. The role is ideal for an experienced financial aid professional who can combine supervisory responsibility with hands-on administrative and reconciliation duties.

Candidates must hold a Matric or Grade 12 certificate together with a recognised three-year National Diploma or Degree in Financial Management, Accounting, or a related relevant qualification. At least three to five years of direct work experience in bursary or financial aid services is required. Practical computer literacy is essential, with strong proficiency in MS-Excel specifically. A valid driver’s licence is also mandatory. The successful candidate will need a thorough understanding of financial functions and practices, the ability to capture data and collate financial statistics, and sound knowledge of Public Service financial legislation, including the PFMA, Treasury Regulations, NSFAS guidelines, and general financial management principles. Familiarity with basic financial operating systems, strong verbal and written communication skills, numeracy, accuracy, and the ability to handle routine tasks and operate office equipment are all expected. Personal attributes such as flexibility, good interpersonal relations, and an aptitude for figures are also important.

The core duties involve supervising and coordinating all bursary schemes and financial aid administrative support services for the college. This includes overseeing the application process for bursaries and financial aid in line with NSFAS guidelines, funder memoranda of understanding or service level agreements, and institutional policies. The officer will be responsible for supervising and authorising the disbursement of funds, facilitating other financial aid schemes, and maintaining a comprehensive database of all student applications in accordance with Department of Higher Education and Training and NSFAS requirements. Reporting is a significant part of the role, with the officer consolidating reports on all bursary and financial aid allocations. The position also requires uploading and posting NSFAS student tuition remittances on the Pastel and Coltech systems, reconciling and balancing these transactions, and preparing the annual NSFAS reconciliation report covering advances and tuition fee receipts. Identifying NSFAS overpayments and credits with interest that must be repaid or refunded annually, as well as following up on outstanding close reports, are further key responsibilities.

This is an equal opportunities position, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and successful appointees will be subjected to vetting and financial disclosure processes. Applications must be submitted using the prescribed Z83 form, accompanied by a comprehensive CV with contactable references, and foreign qualifications require SAQA evaluation. The college reserves the right not to fill the post, and applicants not contacted within six months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.