Vacant Position – Finance Assistant

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Level: Junior
Closing Date: 20 October 2025

About the Organisation

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 (SKA) Radio Telescope in engineering, science, and construction. SARAO is a National Facility managed by the NRF 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 associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day requirements for local and international travel specific to business needs. This function must be completed within the policies and procedures of the PFMA framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete domestic and international travel based on authorised requests received from travellers.
• Match invoices to supporting documents to prepare for data capturing.
• Perform other financial duties as required.
• File financial paperwork.

Key Requirements

• Qualification: National Diploma in Finance / Accounting.
• Experience: 1 Year in an office environment.
• Knowledge: This position is earmarked for training the successful incumbent in all areas of administration, finance, and travel bookings.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of computers and related software packages.
• Ability to capture financial information.
• Good communication skills (both oral & written in English).
• Problem-solving skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

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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.