Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Finance
- Closing Date: 2026-08-26
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and monitor accounts receivable, perform reconciliations, review ageing, follow up outstanding balances, and identify potential collection issues.
- Process and review supplier transactions, maintain creditor records, perform reconciliations, and monitor outstanding obligations to ensure timely and accurate payments.
- Maintain cash and bank records, perform bank reconciliations, monitor cash movements, and investigate discrepancies or outstanding items.
- Compile, analyze, and provide accurate financial information and management reports within agreed reporting timelines.
- Process, review, and maintain accounting transactions and records in accordance with applicable accounting principles, policies, and procedures.
- Compile and validate financial data, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and adequate supporting documentation.
- Prepare audit schedules, reconciliations, and supporting documentation, and respond to audit queries from internal and external auditors.
- Identify control weaknesses, unusual transactions, process gaps, and financial risks, and escalate significant matters appropriately.
- Allocate and review work performed by junior staff, where applicable, and provide appropriate guidance and support.
- Analyze financial and operational data, identify trends, discrepancies, risks, and exceptions, and recommend appropriate action.
- Maintain proper financial records, documentation, and audit trails.
- Implement agreed corrective actions and address identified control or process weaknesses.
- Prepare concise reports and communicate financial results, variances, and issues clearly to Finance and non-Finance stakeholders.
- Independently plan, prioritize, and execute assigned responsibilities within required deadlines.
- Maintain confidentiality, integrity, accountability, and professional standards in all financial activities.
- Continuously develop professional knowledge and skills and participate in relevant training and professional development activities.
- Perform any other duties as allocated by the University or Finance leadership.
Requirements
- A relevant qualification in Finance, Accounting, or a related field, with AAT or ACCA Part Qualification preferred.
- A minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in a Finance and Accounting environment.
- Practical experience in one or more of the following areas: Cash and Bank Management, Debtors/Accounts Receivable, Creditors/Accounts Payable, reconciliations, financial reporting, or general accounting operations.
- Experience in compiling, analyzing, validating, and reporting financial information.
- Experience working with financial policies, procedures, internal controls, and applicable accounting standards.
- Experience in preparing audit schedules, reconciliations, supporting documentation, and responding to internal and external audit queries.
- Experience using accounting or ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Experience in Microsoft Business Central would be an added advantage.
- Previous supervisory experience or demonstrated ability to guide and support junior staff would be an added advantage.
How to Apply
About the Company
Botho University is Botswana's largest private tertiary educational provider, founded in 1997. The college offers certificates, diplomas and graduate degrees in accountancy and computer science. It is the first private tertiary institution in the country to be accredited by the Tertiary Education Council (TEC). All of its programs are also accredited by the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA). It has trained 16,000 graduates, and enrolls 4,000 students, supported by 150 academic staff.
Website: https://www.bothouniversity.com/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for a Senior/Principal Officer – Finance role at Botho University?
Typically, employers in Botswana look for a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or BICA membership being highly valued. A Master's degree or significant post-qualification experience strengthens your application for senior-level roles. Several years of progressive finance experience is usually expected.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Senior/Principal Officer in Finance?
The role usually involves preparing and reviewing financial reports, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with BURS tax requirements and IFRS standards, and supervising junior finance staff. You may also handle audits, reconciliations, cash flow management, and support strategic financial planning. At principal level, there is often greater involvement in policy development and decision-making.
What benefits can I expect when working in a finance role at a private university in Botswana?
Common benefits in Botswana include medical aid contributions, pension or provident fund schemes, paid annual leave (typically around 20–25 days), and sometimes housing or transport allowances. Private institutions like universities may also offer tuition discounts or study support. Specific packages vary by employer and should be confirmed during the offer stage.
What career progression paths are available from a Senior/Principal Officer position?
From this role, you can typically progress to Finance Manager, Head of Department, Financial Controller, or eventually Director of Finance or CFO positions. Gaining full professional certification such as ACCA or CIMA fellowship accelerates advancement. Moving between sectors—private education, parastatals, banking, or government—is also common in Botswana's job market.
How do I apply for this role, and what do employers in Botswana look for?
Applications are usually submitted via the employer's careers portal or by email with a CV, cover letter, and certified copies of qualifications. Employers in Botswana value attention to detail, knowledge of local compliance requirements (BURS, BICA standards), strong references, and demonstrated integrity. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience in the education sector if you have it.
What is the work culture like in Botswana's finance sector?
Workplaces in Botswana tend to be hierarchical but collegial, with respect for seniority and formal communication being important. Punctuality, professionalism, and adherence to procedures are highly valued, especially in finance roles handling institutional funds. Team collaboration and community engagement are also common aspects of organisational culture.