Internship: Financial Administrator

The CSIR has an Internship opportunity in the financial services support team in Advance Production and Security Division. The purpose of the internship is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience through performing accounting and administrative duties. The position is based in Pretoria.

This role reports to the Management Accountant of the division.

For more information about the cluster: https://www.csir.co.za/what-we-do/manufacturing and https://www.csir.co.za/what-we-do/defence-and-security

Key Responsibilities

• Gain exposure to CSIR financial policies, processes, controls and governance frameworks;
• Capture projects and contracts in People Soft in accordance with CSIR policies and procedures, ensure completeness of relevant supporting documentation;
• Generate invoices to customers upon receipt of an approved request and assist where required with queries related to follow-ups on outstanding debtor accounts and gather necessary approvals for credit notes in line with the approval framework
• Assist with the preparation of financial reports (e.g. timesheet and expenditure (projects) reports); Including preparation of journals and bad debt provisions
• Provide financial administrative support to line staff and management accountants;
• Process financial transactions (ie revenue recognition updates; contract status maintenance and amendments) under guidance and supervision to ensure the transactions are recorded accurately, in compliance with policies, processes, guidelines and legislation;
• Perform financial account reconciliations to identify discrepancies or items to be actioned and ensure that all transactions are recorded in the correct accounting period;
• Keep record of financial documents, e.g. journals and invoices, for future easy reference for queries and audit purposes.
• Follow up and action on the status of open orders and ensure accuracy for financial reporting and year-end accruals;
• Assist with month-end and year-end processes to enable financial departments to meet deadlines and process all financial transactions before final closure.
• Assist with ad-hoc finance-related tasks as required and identify opportunities to improve business processes.
  

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A three-year Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance;
• Ability to implement basic accounting principles and knowledge of relevant statutory requirements.
• Basic knowledge of VAT principles, Microsoft Office Suite and email;
• Ability to function under pressure and manage stress;
• Good office administrative and record keeping skills;
• Good analytical and problem solving skills;
• Good time management and planning skills;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills;
• Sound work ethic and ability to work in large teams is essential.
  

Closing Date: 21 April 2026