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The City of Johannesburg is inviting graduates to apply for the 2026 Finance Officer Internship Programme. This 18-month opportunity offers hands-on experience in financial management, procurement, and municipal accounting. Apply by 22 October 2025
City of Johannesburg Finance Officer Internship Programme 2026: Building Tomorrow’s Financial Leaders
The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) continues to lead the way in empowering young South Africans through targeted skills development initiatives. The Finance Officer Internship Programme 2026 offers aspiring finance and accounting professionals the chance to gain invaluable practical experience while contributing to the effective financial administration of Africa’s economic hub.
This opportunity is tailored for graduates with a passion for public finance, accounting, and supply chain management, and who are ready to transform their academic knowledge into professional competence. As part of the City’s broader youth development strategy, the programme strengthens Johannesburg’s capacity to manage its financial systems effectively while providing practical pathways into public service careers.
Programme Overview
Department: Environment, Infrastructure and Service Department (EISD)
Branch: Finance
Designation: Internship Programme (Finance Officer)
Duration: Up to 18 months
Remuneration: R10 109.86 per month (Basic Salary, no benefits)
Location: Traduna House, 118 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein
Publication Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025
Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
This internship provides a real-world learning environment where graduates can gain exposure to public sector financial processes, accounting systems, and regulatory frameworks such as the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
The programme forms part of the City’s commitment to good governance, financial transparency, and skills development—essential pillars for effective municipal service delivery.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the internship:
- Grade 12 / Matric (NQF Level 4)
- A three-year Bachelor’s Degree or National Diploma (NQF Level 7) in one of the following:
- Accounting
- Management Accounting
- Finance or a related qualification
- Must be unemployed and have not participated in an internship programme previously
- Only City of Johannesburg residents will be considered
This programme is best suited for graduates who are analytical, detail-oriented, and passionate about financial management within the public sector.
Primary Purpose
The primary function of the Finance Officer Internship is to coordinate and apply accounting procedures and financial policies within the Environment, Infrastructure and Service Department (EISD).
Useful Links:
- Learnerships Programme 2025
- Online courses
- Funding Bursaries
- Internships Programme
- Youth Opportunities
Interns will gain hands-on experience in:
- Procurement and supply chain processes
- Financial reporting and reconciliation
- Accounting record management
- Compliance with municipal financial regulations
Through guided mentorship, participants will build technical expertise in line with public sector accounting standards and develop the professional discipline required for long-term success in the finance industry.
Key Learning Areas
The internship’s structured learning path ensures that participants are exposed to multiple aspects of financial management, with a focus on the daily operations of municipal finance.
| Learning Area | Responsibilities and Skills Gained |
|---|---|
| Creditors and Debtors Accounts | Process transactional information for specific accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. |
| General Ledger Maintenance | Assist in maintaining and reconciling financial records to comply with reporting standards. |
| Procurement and Supply Chain Management | Learn about procurement procedures and liaise with the Group Strategic Supply Chain Management (GSSCM) to ensure policy compliance. |
| Stock Control and Inventory Management | Manage the ordering, receipt, maintenance, and issuing of internal stock items in line with CoJ’s supply chain policies. |
| Asset Management | Support the processing, movement tracking, and verification of assets within the department. |
| Financial Record Keeping | Maintain accurate documentation and data management systems for audit readiness. |
This experiential structure helps graduates understand not only how to manage finances effectively but also how public accountability and fiscal discipline shape the functioning of a city.
Core and Leading Competencies
Leading Competencies:
- Strong computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel
- Effective communication skills for internal and external coordination
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
Core Competencies:
- Basic understanding of Generally Recognised Accounting Practices (GRAP)
- Knowledge of financial reporting principles and municipal accounting systems
- A commitment to accuracy, attention to detail, and ethical conduct
The internship is designed to build both technical competence and personal attributes such as professional integrity, teamwork, and initiative, which are critical for thriving in the financial sector.
Why This Internship Matters
Public finance is the backbone of sustainable governance, and this internship provides the opportunity to learn how financial systems power local government operations. Participants will gain practical experience that bridges the gap between university studies and real-world financial management.
This programme is particularly valuable in South Africa’s evolving economic landscape, where efficient financial management and transparency are key to restoring public trust and achieving long-term development goals.
By joining the City of Johannesburg’s finance team, interns become part of a network of professionals dedicated to sound fiscal governance—contributing to better infrastructure, service delivery, and citizen well-being.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their applications online only using the official link provided by the City of Johannesburg.
🔗 Apply Online: https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1iAZYQsPsRI6XrAnzw7B1Twew554
🌐 Visit: www.joburg.org.za
Enquiries:
Contact Person: Siphiwe Khumalo
Tel No: (011) 082 7997
Important Notes:
- Only online applications will be accepted.
- Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
- If you do not receive feedback within six (6) weeks of the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
Employment Equity and Ethical Standards
The City of Johannesburg promotes diversity, equality, and inclusivity in the workplace. As part of its Employment Equity Plan, the City encourages applications from previously disadvantaged groups and persons with disabilities.
By applying, candidates consent to their personal information being used solely for recruitment and selection purposes in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
This ensures that the recruitment process remains transparent, fair, and in line with ethical standards.
Career Growth Opportunities
Graduates who successfully complete the Finance Officer Internship Programme can explore numerous career paths in the public and private sectors. Possible progression routes include:
- Finance Officer or Assistant Accountant
- Budget Analyst or Financial Administrator
- Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner
- Internal Auditor or Compliance Officer
- Project Accountant or Treasury Assistant
The internship equips participants with the experience and confidence to pursue permanent employment in municipal finance, provincial or national government departments, or even corporate finance environments.
Moreover, interns gain exposure to financial regulations, procurement policies, and budgetary control systems, providing a strong foundation for professional certifications such as:
- SAICA (South African Institute of Chartered Accountants)
- CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
- SAIPA (South African Institute of Professional Accountants)
A Stepping Stone Toward a Career in Public Service
The City of Johannesburg’s internship programmes represent more than job opportunities—they are investments in the future of young professionals and the sustainability of the city.
For finance graduates, this programme is a chance to see firsthand how financial decisions impact infrastructure projects, service delivery, and long-term urban planning. Interns will learn from experienced professionals, apply their skills to real projects, and gain insights into the complexity of public sector financial operations.
This experience fosters a strong sense of purpose, responsibility, and pride in contributing to the effective governance of one of Africa’s most dynamic cities.
How to Succeed as a Finance Intern
While academic qualifications are essential, success in this programme depends on more than technical knowledge. Interns who stand out often share the following traits:
- Proactivity: Taking initiative in problem-solving and learning opportunities.
- Attention to detail: Ensuring accuracy in data and financial records.
- Adaptability: Managing changing priorities and working in a fast-paced environment.
- Ethical conduct: Upholding integrity in all financial processes.
- Collaboration: Working effectively within diverse teams.
The City values interns who not only perform well technically but also embody professionalism and a strong sense of public service.
Final Thoughts
The City of Johannesburg Finance Officer Internship Programme 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for young South Africans ready to launch their careers in finance, accounting, or public administration.
It provides real-world exposure, mentorship, and the chance to make a tangible contribution to the city’s financial sustainability. With Johannesburg being the financial heart of South Africa, this internship offers unmatched learning potential for graduates determined to make their mark in the world of finance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your qualification into a meaningful career.
📅 Application Deadline: Wednesday, 22 October 2025
🌍 Apply Online: www.joburg.org.za
