SENIOR STATE ACCOUNTANT: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING REF NO: CORP/SNR-STATE/03 Permanent (PERSAL Appointment)

This permanent position is for a Senior State Accountant specialising in financial accounting at the Corporate Office of Western TVET College, operating within the broader public service financial management framework. The role is central to ensuring the college’s financial integrity, with a strong focus on preparing accurate financial reports, supervising financial processes, and maintaining robust accounting controls. The incumbent will work within the finance unit and is expected to provide leadership, technical guidance, and hands-on management of financial transactions, reconciliations, and audit support activities.

Candidates must hold a Matric or Grade 12 certificate together with a recognised three-year National Diploma or Degree in Accounting, Financial Management, Cost and Management Accounting, or a related relevant qualification. In addition, applicants need between three and five years of relevant working experience in a financial management or finance environment. Computer literacy is essential, as is possession of a valid driver’s licence. The role demands a thorough understanding of the TVET sector prescripts, regulations, and legislative frameworks, as well as the Public Service Act and its regulations. Knowledge of financial accounting procedures, methods, and principles for processing salary and financial transactions is required, along with familiarity with Treasury Regulations, PFMA, GRAP, and the Financial Manual. Practical experience with financial operating systems such as COLTECH, BAS, and PASTEL is also expected. Strong numeracy, accuracy, report writing, problem solving, planning, organising, team leadership, and communication skills are essential for success in this post.

The main duties are extensive and include the overall preparation, supervision, and provision of financial reporting. The Senior State Accountant will submit monthly reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training, management, and council sub-committees as required. Responsibilities also involve preparing payment packs, reconciling all accounts on Pastel, managing retention creditors, and ensuring payments are accurate before release. The role requires clearing unknown deposit accounts, processing student refunds, managing debt collectors, and preparing reports for internal management decisions. The incumbent will prepare monthly financial accounts, process month-end journals, and balance the Fixed Asset Register to support accurate month-end reporting. Other key functions include reviewing income, balancing debtors control accounts with Pastel, and supervising banking, cash, and revenue management services. The position also entails reconciling all Memoranda of Understanding with SETAs on a monthly basis, including invoicing and recovering outstanding funds, as well as preparing annual audit reconciliation schedules of SETAs against stipends. Maintaining fully updated and signed documentation for each SETA agreement is critical. The role further involves managing finance internal audit services, ensuring the accuracy of general balances, preparing annual supporting schedules for external audit, reviewing current finance policies, developing new policies where needed, and assisting with ad hoc requests.

Applicants should note the specific application and selection conditions attached to this vacancy. A fully completed and signed new Z83 form, obtainable from any public service department or the DPSA website, must accompany a comprehensive CV with at least three contactable references. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit certified copies of original documents and academic records before the interview. Foreign qualifications must be accompanied by a SAQA evaluation report. All shortlisted candidates will undergo two pre-entry assessments, one practical exercise and one integrity assessment, and successful candidates will be subjected to vetting and financial disclosure processes. Western TVET College is an equal opportunities employer and encourages people living with disabilities to apply. Incomplete Z83 forms will be disqualified, and applicants who have not been contacted within six months of the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.