BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-
The Senior Financial Data Analyst will develop and maintain financial models, conduct financial analysis, and provide strategic support to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of Stellenbosch University's financial operations. Key responsibilities include financial data analysis and planning, strategic participation, process ownership and audits, and operational support. The ideal candidate will possess a Honours degree in a relevant field, at least five years' experience in financial planning and analysis, and proven complex problem-solving and decision-making skills.
**Job Title: Senior Financial Data Analyst**
**Company: Stellenbosch University**
**Job Overview**
We are seeking an experienced and skilled Senior Financial Data Analyst to join the Student Finances Division at Stellenbosch University. As a key member of the team, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining financial models, conducting financial analysis, and providing strategic support to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of our financial operations.
**Key Responsibilities**
**Financial Data Analysis and Planning**
Our ideal candidate will develop and maintain comprehensive financial models to forecast and ensure the long-term sustainability of our internal and external bursaries. They will also perform thorough reconciliations on internal and external funds received and disbursed, identifying any discrepancies or anomalies that require corrective action. Additionally, they will conduct a thorough audit of our financial operations to identify potential risks and implement measures to mitigate them.
**Strategic Participation**
The successful candidate will participate in strategic planning sessions, contributing to the development of initiatives that align with our university's goals and objectives. They will also prepare, maintain, and share data to inform strategic decisions, including funding, processes, and policies. In this role, they will benchmark our current processes and models against those of other universities, providing valuable insights to drive improvement.
**Process Ownership and Audits**
As a Senior Financial Data Analyst, the candidate will take ownership of our Student Finance processes, ensuring that they are documented and continuously improved. They will assist with audits, providing information and resolving queries in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, they will support the Student Finance Division with data capture, collection, and reporting tasks, and provide input to the development of new systems or system enhancements to ensure compliance with audit and other requirements.
**Standard Operating Procedures and Stakeholder Relationships**
Our ideal candidate will adhere to our Student Finances Division's Standard Operating Procedures, effectively logging new information or changes on SharePoint and reviewing announcements for updates. They will maintain excellent relationships with relevant stakeholders, including clients, colleagues, and other university departments. They will also foster positive team cohesion by maintaining professional and supportive internal relations within the Student Finances Division.
**Operational Support**
In this role, the candidate will provide data insights to enhance our service offering and contribute to an improved student experience. They will conduct operational data collection and analysis to support decision-making and reporting, and prepare and present at committee meetings and other engagements.
**Requirements**
To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will possess:
- A Honours degree (NQF 8) or equivalent in finance, accounting, economics, statistics, or a related field * At least five years' previous experience in financial planning and analysis, data analysis, or a similar role * Experience in interpreting and creating financial models, as well as recent accounting practices * Proven abilities to plan, organize, and prioritize * Proven complex operational problem-solving and decision-making skills * Excellent communication and computer skills
**Preferred Qualifications**
- Experience in a similar environment * Experience in or knowledge of Stellenbosch University's financial and other applicable systems
**Deadline: 3rd November, 2026**
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APPLICATION INFORMATION
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Note: Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
