About the Role
The Northern Cape‘s Department of Finance is seeking dedicated individuals for the position of State Accountant: Rates and Taxes. This pivotal role is based in various offices across the Northern Cape, including the Namakwa District Office, Frances Baard and John Taolo Gaetsewe District Office, Pixley Kaseme District Office, and ZF Mgcawu District Office. As a State Accountant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial health of the public service by verifying invoices, preparing payment submissions, and assisting clients with their financial queries. Your work contributes directly to the effective management of public funds, enabling the community to benefit from essential services and infrastructure.
This role is significant not only for the department but also for the communities it serves. By managing rates and taxes effectively, you will help ensure that local governments can provide necessary services to residents, thereby enhancing the quality of life in the region. Your efforts will support transparency and accountability in financial management, essential aspects of public service in South Africa.
About the Department
The Department of Finance is responsible for managing the province’s financial resources and ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively and efficiently. Its mandate includes overseeing budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with financial legislation. Working in this department means being part of a team that values integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public service, making a tangible difference in the lives of citizens through sound financial management.
What You’ll Do
- Verify invoices and prepare payment submissions accurately and timely.
- Request and process invoices, statements, and supporting documents from clients.
- Validate billing details, tariffs, calculations, and the legitimacy of charges.
- Prepare payment parcels according to policies and standard operating procedures.
- Submit payment parcels for review and address any queries that arise.
- Reconcile accounts and capture payments in the financial system.
- Investigate discrepancies and substantiate outstanding balances through client engagement.
- Monitor expenditure and track payment progress while following up on outstanding payments.
- Maintain registers for invoices, payments, and outstanding liabilities, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
- Compile reports to support audit processes and monitor progress on backlog reduction and municipal clearance matters.
What You’ll Need
- A Grade 12 Certificate and a Degree or National Diploma in Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, or a related field.
- At least 1 year of experience in a financial management environment.
- A valid driver’s license.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Public Service Act and the Public Finance Management Act.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proficiency in financial management and computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted by hand delivery during office hours or by email as instructed below.
Requirements
Minimum requirements: Applicants must be in possession of a Grade 12 Certificate and a Degree or National Diploma in Financial Accounting / Management Accounting / Financial Management or related equivalent qualification.Minimum of 1 year experience in financial management environment.
A valid driver’s licence.
Job related knowledge: Public Service Act.
Public Finance Management Act.
Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act.
Treasury Regulations, 2005.
Job related skills: Communication (verbal and written).
Facilitation and presentation.
Financial Management.
Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
Job Duties
Verify invoices and prepare payment submissions.Request invoices, statements and supporting documents from clients.
Verify details, billing, tariffs, calculations and validity of charges.
Prepare complete payment parcels in accordance with policies, SOPs and delegations.
Submit payment parcels for review and approval and address queries.
Reconcile accounts and capturing of payments.
Reconcile statements with accounting records, payments and credits.
Investigate discrepancies and substantiate outstanding balances.
Engage clients to resolve queries.
Capture payments on financial system.
Monitor expenditure and payment progress.
Track payment submissions and follow up outstanding payments.
Communicate payment outcomes and confirm correct allocation to municipal accounts.
Maintain invoice, payment and outstanding liability registers.
Monitor overdue invoices and progress in reducing the payment backlog.
Compile reports and support audit processes.
Compile reports on expenditure, liabilities, disputed accounts and overdue invoices.
Report progress on backlog reduction and municipal clearance 79 matters.
Maintain complete supporting records and audit trails.
Respond to audit queries and implement assigned corrective actions.
