SENIOR BURSARY OFFICER

This position, based at the Head Office, offers a significant opportunity for an experienced financial aid professional to take ownership of the bursary administration function within a public education environment. As the Senior Bursary Officer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end management of student financial aid, ensuring that all applications, allocations, and disbursements align with the prescripts of the Department of Higher Education and Training, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and various funders’ memoranda of understanding and service level agreements. The role is central to maintaining the integrity of the college’s bursary portfolio, requiring meticulous record-keeping, compliance monitoring, and clear reporting to stakeholders. Operating at a senior administrative level, this post also carries responsibility for overseeing human, physical, and financial resources within the bursary function, making it ideal for someone who combines strong financial acumen with leadership and organisational skill.

To be considered, candidates must hold a Matric certificate or equivalent, supplemented by a recognised National Diploma or Degree in Financial Management, Accounting, or another relevant field. A minimum of three to five years of applicable experience in bursary or financial aid services is required, along with a working knowledge of financial functions, practices, and data management. Proficiency in MS-Excel is essential, and possession of a valid driver’s licence will serve as an added advantage. Applicants should be familiar with basic financial operating systems such as Coltech, and must demonstrate a solid understanding of the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, NSFAS guidelines, and general financial management practices. The ideal candidate will also bring strong planning, communication, numeracy, and computer skills, as well as accuracy, flexibility, and the ability to build positive interpersonal relations. Aptitude for working with figures and performing routine administrative tasks is critical.

In this role, your main duties will encompass maintaining comprehensive databases of all student applications according to both DHET/NSFAS requirements and the college’s own bursary criteria. You will be tasked with logging submissions, verifying that all necessary supporting documents are attached, and monitoring bursaries and other awards alongside the finance portfolio and college procedures. You will coordinate the allocation of bursaries, review financial aid applications, and analyse the status of students provisionally funded by NSFAS, making recommendations as appropriate. The role includes authorising the disbursement of funds and ensuring every aspect of bursary administration remains compliant with applicable funder agreements and internal policies. Additionally, you will be responsible for compiling and reporting on all bursary and financial aid allocations, as well as progress updates, and managing the human, physical, and financial resources assigned to this function.

This is an equal opportunity employer, and the final appointment will be guided by the employment equity targets of the college, with people with disabilities encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete two pre-entry assessments: a practical exercise to gauge technical and generic suitability for the post, and an integrity assessment to evaluate ethical conduct. These assessments will be scored as part of the interview process. Recommended candidates will be subject to a personnel suitability check, which includes verification of criminal record, citizenship, financial records, qualifications, and previous employment. It is important to note that the onus is on applicants to submit the required application form and a detailed curriculum vitae; failure to do so will result in disqualification. Late applications will not be accepted, and applicants who have not received feedback within three months after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful. The employer reserves the right not to fill this vacancy. Candidates who are detail-driven and committed to promoting fair and transparent financial aid administration are encouraged to apply for this career-building post.