Vacant Position – Finance Assistant (Internal Position)

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Level: Junior
Closing Date: 29 September 2026

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.

The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) spearheads South Africa’s activities in the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope, commonly known as the SKA, in engineering, science and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the National Research Foundation and incorporates radio astronomy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT and KAT-7 telescopes in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry (AVN) programme in nine African countries as well as the associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

The role must provide relevant financial and administrative support functions and services to the department and business division in line with approved policies and procedures. The role is also responsible to assist in managing fixed assets and assist in the fixed asset verification process where relevant, and/or travel coordination for the relevant business units, where applicable.

Key Responsibilities

* Provide administrative function and support for physical verifications of fixed assets
* Provide administrative function and support for inventory system
* Perform the courier service function for SARAO
* Perform other financial duties as when required
* Filing of financial paperwork

Key Requirements:
Qualification:
* Matric/Grade 12, with Mathematics/Accounting as a subject.

Experience:
2 Years’ relevant experience within a Finance and/or accounting environment or equivalent.

Knowledge:
* Working knowledge of financial reconciliations and accounting systems and bookkeeping.
* Experience in policy implementation.
* Experience with various financial systems and processes.
* Ability to work accurately and deal with high volumes of repetitive work.
* Proficient in MS Office products (particularly MS Excel).

Additional Notes:
* Good communication skills (both oral & written in English language)
* Problem-solving
* Good interpersonal skills
* Ability to work independently and meet multiple deadlines
* Ability to comply with legislation (PFMA, Supply Chain), policies and procedures
* Ability to establish/maintain good working and team relationships with people
* Keep abreast with current issues and new developments

Application Process

Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV online at https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment.

Applications must be accompanied by:

• A letter of motivation indicating suitability for the position.
• The names and contact details of at least three referees.

For more details on NRF initiatives, please visit www.nrf.ac.za.

Please Note: The NRF offers a challenging career and a competitive remuneration package commensurate with qualifications and experience. The appointment will be made in line with the NRF Employment Equity Plan. The NRF reserves the right not to make an appointment. Correspondence will be sent to short-listed candidates only.