Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Accountant (Job Level 8) (Five-year fixed-term contract) Ref. VRN/305/1124 Kindly note that only South African citizens from the designated groups will be considered for the position. This is a full-time position, of which 4/8th will be spent at the Office of the DVC: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies (RI&PS) and 4/8th at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). Stellenbosch University (SU) is a research intensive University with the vision of being Africas leading research intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society. One of the six strategic objectives is Research for Impact, which is driven at a strategic level through the Research, Innovation and Postgraduate portfolio. The Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies (RI&PS) portfolio interfaces with internal and external stakeholders, including funders, science councils, donors, industry, non-profit organisations, industry and government entities. The Schools for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Climate Studies; the Library; the Division for Research and Development; the Central Analytical Facilities and Centers of Research Excellence have a direct reporting line to the DVC RI&PS. The accountant role will support the Office of the DVC RI&PS with regular updates, tracking and reporting on the status of the Responsibility Centres budgets and oversight of these across the different direct reporting entities. The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) is a Creative Space for the Mind that provide an independent space where innovative ideas and original thinking can thrive. STIAS is the first of its kind in Africa. Here, leading researchers and intellectuals from across the world are supported to think innovatively and pursue sustainable strategies to the challenges facing the world, with a focus on Africa. Offering various fellowships and partnership initiatives across disciplines of sciences and humanities, STIAS provides a uniquely supportive space for thinking, reading, debating and writing. In this age of tumultuous change, the development of a long-term view and a critical mass of expertise on a broad range of issues is crucial to the well-being of future generations. The Institute aims to advance scholarship and invest in the intellectual future of the African continent in conversation with the best minds from all regions of the world. STIAS enjoys the long-term funding of donors, including but not limited to the Wallenberg Foundations and Stellenbosch University, to ensure it runs world class programmes, such as the Nobel in Africa. Duties: Responsible for compiling the detailed integrated budget of the RC and STIAS, respectively, and performing an advisory role to all divisions within the RC and STIAS relating to budgeting. Compiling and interpreting cash flow statements, projections, and analyses for budget control and planning purposes of the respective entities. Continuously monitoring budgets, tracking and adjusting allocations to approved activities to ensure optimal and responsible use of allocated budgets, as well as advising, on the one hand, the DVC and divisional heads, and on the other, the STIAS Director, to ensure that funds are effectively managed. Finding and reporting financial deviations/errors (e.g. with the application of differentiated remuneration adjustment and erroneous dates of promotion) and taking the necessary steps to remedy those deviations. Overall financial management for the RC and STIAS, respectively, and advising divisional heads on managing their environments financially effective and optimal. Acting in an advisory capacity regarding financial policy and operational management (including contracts, debt collecting and handling of cash). Conducting special investigations into the improvement of current processes and compiling related memoranda on behalf of the DVC and Director of STIAS, for presentation to an appropriate forum (e.g. Finance Committee / Remuneration Committee / Rectorate / STIAS Board). Identifying improvements for effective financial management, thereby initiating and coordinating processes to ensure the implementation of practical and financially accountable systems and procedures. Ensuring that STIASs financial transactions and public benefit activities meet the requirements of an NPC. Having accountable systems and procedures. Advising and supporting the DVC and divisional heads, as well as the STIAS Director regarding control of the funding implications and coordinating requests for funding in the implementation of staff plans. Monitoring the staff budget of the RC and STIAS to ensure sufficient funding for the implementation of divisional staff plans, new appointments, and promotions. Requirements: Bachelors degree in finance and/or accounting. At least five years experience in a financial and/or accounting environment. Proven experience in financial and administration processes and procedures. Experience of providing administrative and financial support. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex instructions and guidelines, and to critique documents and provide constructive feedback. Demonstrated competencies in planning and organising, teamwork, applying expertise and technology, analysing, communication, and adapting and responding to change. The ability to function effectively in a multilingual and multicultural environment. The ability to work independently, and to make objective and decisive yet flexible decisions under pressure and within set deadlines. The ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Computer literate in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Recommendations: Work experience within the higher education sector, including the administration of Human Resources-related financial aspects. Adaptability to environmental change.
