Job Description

Title of PositionAccountant : Fixed AssetsPost Number8020636Faculty/DepartmentUniversity of the Western Cape -> Finance & Services -> Fixed Assets & InsuranceType of PositionPermanent - Full TimeLength of Contract PeriodLocationMain Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)Closing Date9/10/2024Role Clarification & Key Performance AreasThe University if the Western Cape has an asset register with historic costs exceeding R3.3 billion, and contains over a hundred thousand unique items. The recording of this huge investment in the fixed assets register poses a complex and challenging set of tasks that require the skills and efforts of a talented and diligent Fixed Asset Accountant. The Fixed Asset Accountant will report to the Financial Accountant and be responsible for staff controlling physical fixed assets. We seek a skilled individual to plan, organize and manage the Fixed Assets Department through the use of resources, systems and people in order to ensure compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.Duties and responsibilities will entail:

• Full disclosure relating on Annual Financial Statements to Fixed Assets in the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Notes in terms of accounting standards (IFRS 16)
• Leases & Corresponding Liabilities
• Knowledge of Maintaining the asset register with this class of assets
• Knowledge of capitalisation of lease requirements in terms of IFRS.
• Disclose capital projects i.e. property, plant and equipment according to IFRS standards.
• Knowledge of significant assets and IFRS.
• Liaise with Building Contractors and other major infrastructure and equipment projects
• Budget & Planning
• Forecasting the effect of Future capital investments for Budgets and Five-year Plan
• Knowledge and application of capital budgeting to assist the Management Accountant with Budgets, Forecasting and Five-year Plans
• Developing and maintaining the asset register
• Maintaining accounting and management information relating to fixed assets
• Reviewing and reporting on GL fixed asset and related information to detect potential errors/inconsistencies
• Informing and advising relevant department heads of fixed asset management
• Providing fixed asset related information on request and being available to clarify such information to users and heads of cost centres
• Staying abreast of practical implications of legislation and IFRS changes relating to fixed assets
• Ensuring the accounting for additions, disposals and depreciation of fixed assets is accurately and timeously updated in the ledger
• Providing financial procedural advice relating to various stakeholders
• Responsible for the asset registers and general ledger to ensure completeness, accuracy and validity

• Preparing/assisting with the preparation of various fixed asset accounting related reports required by the Department of Higher Education and other statutory bodies
• Performing various administrative tasks that form part of the Fixed Asset Accounting and Management function of the university
• Design, write, update and enforce policies and procedures which govern fixed assets
• Enforcing the Fixed Asset policy
• Plan, execute and reconcile ad hoc asset counts periodically, carrying out asset counts.
• Attend infrastructure project meetings

Minimum Requirements

• Post matric qualification: Bachelor's in Accounting (NQF 7)
• 3 years' relevant experience in fixed assets
• 2 years' supervisory experience
• Valid Drivers' Licence with 2 years driving experience
• MS Word (including creating templates, using tables etc.); MS Excel (non-negotiable) including developing reports, using lookups and pivot tables; and an e-mail and scheduling application (preferably G-mail).
• Experience with the following software will be a distinct advantage:

• Infor LN or any other ERP system
• Fixed Assets Register system.

Knowledge and skills specific to the roleThe candidate will deal with large volumes of data and must be able to work in an ordered and organised manner.The role requires dealing with people from widely differing professional, financial, social and educational backgrounds and the candidate must be able to maintain a professional demeanour towards them.The position requires analysis of current financial policies, conditions and circumstances as well as understanding the implications of proposed actions.To effectively manage all of the above, the candidate will require the following skills/attributes:

• exceptional data management and organisational skills
• the ability to think analytically regarding financial and operational matters
• commitment to solving problems rather than merely following procedures
• good written and verbal communication skills, including the use of electronic media
• self-confidence
• honesty, integrity and trustworthiness.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae and the highest qualification to your online profile. To be considered for this vacancy, you must click on the Apply for this Job link below or apply directly via UWC Careers at https://uwc.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll. For any queries, please contact the Human Resources Department at +27 21 959 4063/9763/9708/3551/3756 or email: e-recruitment@uwc.ac.zaDISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University's commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.

University of the Western Cape