Personal Assistant

PERSONAL ASSISTANT (Payclass 8; Permanent Position) Office of the Chief Financial Officer Finance Department The University of Cape Town's Finance Department is seeking to appoint an exceptional, highly organised and service-oriented professional to the permanent position of Personal Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a challenging and rewarding role at the heart of one of Africa's leading universities, providing strategic, administrative and operational support to the CFO and the Office of the CFO. The successful candidate will play a critical role in directing, planning, coordinating and overseeing the projects, operations and activities of the Office of the CFO, while engaging with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the University's financial leadership and strategic objectives while working in a fast-paced, dynamic and purpose-driven environment. The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong combination of administrative excellence, analytical capability, professionalism, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex executive environment. Requirements for the post: A relevant NQF 6 qualification in Business Administration, Office Management, Public Administration, or a related field. At least five (5) years’ relevant experience supporting and coordinating an executive office. Proven experience in data management and analysis, and in the preparation of high-quality reports, presentations, briefing notes, and executive correspondence. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience coordinating governance and committee processes, including agenda preparation, meeting logistics, minute-taking, action tracking, and reporting. Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to producing work of the highest quality. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, particularly Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Strong analytical skills with the ability to source, interpret, organise, and manage information from multiple sources. Demonstrated report-writing and document preparation skills suitable for executive and governance environments. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels. Exceptional planning, coordination, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet demanding deadlines. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and take initiative while also contributing effectively as part of a team. Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining accuracy and professionalism. Strong interpersonal skills, with a customer-focused and solutions-oriented approach. Demonstrated ability to identify, implement, and continuously improve systems, processes, and workflows that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office of the CFO. High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive information. The following would be advantageous : Knowledge of higher education governance, funding, and operating environments. Key responsibilities include: The Personal Assistant will play a central role in ensuring the effective operation of the Office of the CFO through: Providing strategic, administrative and operational support to the CFO and Finance Directorate. Coordinating the planning, execution and monitoring of activities, projects and priorities within the Office of the CFO. Preparing executive correspondence, reports, presentations and governance documentation to support informed decision-making. Monitoring strategic and operational initiatives, maintaining reporting mechanisms and tracking the implementation of actions and commitments. Building and sustaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, while facilitating effective communication across the University. Supporting governance, compliance and administrative processes to ensure the efficient and professional operation of the Office of the CFO. Promoting the values of Finance through professionalism, collaboration, accountability, service excellence and continuous improvement. For detailed information about this post, please view the position description on the following link: ( view ). The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R448 889 and R528 105 . To apply, please visit the UCT Internal Careers site ( For Internal Applicants ) and ( For External Applicants) to create a profile and submit your application. Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application: A letter of motivation, outlining how your expertise aligns with the position's requirements; A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV); Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number; Highest qualification; and Copy of ID/Passport. An application which does not comply with the above will be regarded as incomplete and might not be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and maybe required to undergo competency assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process. Any enquiries for this position are to be addressed to Ms Natasha Khan at natasha.khan@uct.ac.za or 021 650 3469. Please do not send or submit job application/CV via this e-mail. Telephone: 021 650 3469 Website: https://uct.ac.za/about-uct/finance Reference number: ID1506 Closing date: 6 November 2026 UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/oic/employment-equity. When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email popia@uct.ac.za The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.