Part-time Trust & Financial Administrator

Location: Remote / Work from Home (Johannesburg based)
Employment Type: Part-Time
Hours: Flexible – approximately 3–4 mornings or afternoons per week
Remuneration: R20,000 per month, depending on experience

POSITION OVERVIEW

An opportunity is available for an experienced Trust & Financial Administrator to take responsibility for the day-to-day financial administration and oversight of a private trust serving approximately 65 beneficiaries.

The beneficiaries are predominantly young adults in their 20s. While the majority operate within the established trust guidelines, a portion of beneficiaries require more frequent financial assistance and may submit requests for additional or exceptional payments.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing these requests objectively, ensuring that payments are appropriate and in accordance with the trust’s requirements, and maintaining proper financial controls and supporting documentation.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced accountant, ex-accountant, financial administrator or bookkeeper who is looking for a flexible, part-time role and has the maturity, discretion and financial judgement required to work independently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the day-to-day financial administration of the trust.
• Review and assess beneficiary requests for financial assistance or additional payments.
• Exercise sound judgement when determining whether requests are reasonable, appropriate and in accordance with the trust’s guidelines.
• Process and monitor approved payments to beneficiaries and/or service providers.
• Obtain and verify invoices, receipts and other supporting documentation where required.
• Ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose and that appropriate supporting documentation is retained.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting schedules.
• Work with the general ledger and perform basic accounting functions up to balance sheet level.
• Review and reconcile financial information and identify discrepancies or irregularities.
• Prepare and manipulate spreadsheets for financial and beneficiary-related reporting.
• Filter, sort and analyse spreadsheet data effectively.
• Utilise Sage 1 for relevant accounting and financial administration.
• Maintain confidential records relating to beneficiaries and the trust.
• Provide regular financial and administrative updates to the relevant trustees.
• Ensure that financial processes are followed consistently and that adequate controls are maintained.
• Identify unusual, excessive or questionable requests and escalate these where appropriate.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience in accounting, bookkeeping, financial administration or a similar financial role.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial records up to balance sheet level.
• Practical experience working with a general ledger.
• Experience using Sage 1 or a similar accounting package.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to manipulate, sort and filter spreadsheets.
• Excellent numerical and analytical ability.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to assess information objectively and exercise sound financial judgement.
• High level of integrity and discretion.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Mature approach to dealing with beneficiaries and potentially sensitive financial requests.

ADVANTAGEOUS

• Previous experience working with a trust, estate, family office, fiduciary environment or similar structure.
• Experience dealing with beneficiaries, clients or individuals requiring financial assistance.
• Previous experience in an accounting practice or financial services environment.
• Experience with financial controls, reconciliations and supporting documentation.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

The successful candidate will be:

• Mature and trustworthy.
• Financially astute and practical.
• Objective and fair when assessing requests.
• Comfortable questioning expenditure when necessary.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Discreet when dealing with confidential information.
• Comfortable working autonomously.
• Professional but approachable when dealing with beneficiaries.

WORKING ARRANGEMENT

This is not a full-time position and is particularly suited to an experienced finance professional who has availability during the week and is looking for a flexible opportunity.

The anticipated working arrangement will be approximately 3–4 mornings or afternoons per week, with the flexibility to work remotely from home.

The role offers an attractive level of remuneration of approximately R20,000  per month, depending on the candidate’s experience and suitability.