Knowledge Centre

Financial Administrator 

Financial Administrators ensure that the financial operations of an organisation run smoothly. They bridge the gap between bookkeeping, reporting, compliance, and management support  making them a vital cog in any finance department 

1. What It Is

A Financial Administrator is the operations manager of the finance office. They coordinate systems, processes, and reporting to ensure the business is financially compliant and strategically supported.

Financial Administrators:

  • Manage financial records and systems

  • Prepare budgets and monitor spending

  • Ensure compliance with tax, labour, and regulatory requirements

  • Oversee payroll and supplier payments

  • Support financial reporting and audits
    In short: CFAs don’t just keep records; they keep the organisation financially accountable and future ready.

2. Why It Matters to You

  • Professional growth: The CFA designation builds on bookkeeping skills and prepares you for higher responsibilities 

  • Versatility: CFAs are in demand across private, public, and non-profit sectors

  • Earning potential: As a Chartered Financial Administrator, you move beyond transactional work into analytical, supervisory, and compliance roles.

  • Recognition: CIBA’s CFA designation formally recognises your expertise, ethics, and professional standing

3. The designation advantage

Anyone can call themselves a “financial administrator.” But when you hold the Chartered Financial Administrator (CFA) designation, you demonstrate that you are:

  • Accountable to a professional body

  • Skilled in compliance, budgeting, and financial controls

  • Ethical and trustworthy

  • Recognised for higher-level responsibilities beyond bookkeeping

  • This makes you a lower-risk, higher-value professional, boosting your credibility and earnings.

4. Where Do Financial Administrators Work?

Almost everywhere:

  • Corporates and SMEs

  • Public sector and municipalities

  • NGOs and international organisations

  • Educational institutions and healthcare

  • Professional services firms

5. How Much Do Financial Administrators Earn?

Entry level: R12,000 – R18,000/month
Mid-level: R18,000 – R30,000/month
Senior: R30,000 – R60,000+/month
Freelance/consulting: R400 – R750/hour

6. Skills You Need

  • Strong accounting and financial reporting knowledge

  • Compliance and governance awareness

  • Budgeting and forecasting

  • Leadership and communication skills

  • Systems and software skills (ERP, payroll, compliance platforms)

  • Ethics and integrity

7. Career path

Start → Chartered Bookkeeper
Next → Chartered Financial Administrator (CFA)
Then → Chartered Business Accountant in Commerce/Chartered Financial Manager / Internal Auditor / Compliance Officer
Eventually → Chartered CFO or Senior Executive
Each step unlocks more responsibility, income, and recognition.

8. Key rules and Standards

  • Companies Act & PFMA/MFMA – oversight of compliance and reporting.

  • Labour & Tax Laws – payroll, PAYE, VAT, UIF, and Social Security compliance.

  • CIBA Code of Ethics – professional conduct in managing financial systems.

  • Governance Frameworks – King IV, internal controls, audit standards