Global banking giant Citi has opened applications for its South Africa Finance Graduate Learnership Programme 2026, offering graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within one of the world’s leading financial institutions.
Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, the full-time programme provides structured workplace learning, professional development, and exposure to multiple finance disciplines, including financial reporting, treasury, taxation, regulatory reporting, financial planning, and analysis.
The programme is ideal for graduates who are eager to build long-term careers in banking and finance while working in a multicultural environment with teams across South Africa and international Citi offices.
Programme Overview
| Programme | Citi South Africa Finance Graduate Learnership Programme 2026 |
|---|---|
| Company | Citi |
| Programme Type | Graduate Learnership |
| Job Reference | 26961744 |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Work Model | On-site |
| Industry | Banking and Financial Services |
| Qualification | Undergraduate Degree or Master’s Degree |
| Preferred Fields | BCom Accounting, Business Science and related disciplines |
| Experience | 0–1 Year |
| Closing Date | Not Specified |
About the Citi Finance Graduate Programme
Citi’s Finance Graduate Learnership Programme is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in the financial services industry through structured workplace learning and professional mentorship.
Graduates become part of Citi’s Finance division, supporting financial reporting, regulatory compliance, business analysis, treasury activities, tax reporting, planning, and financial controls.
Throughout the programme, participants receive practical exposure to local and international finance operations while working alongside experienced professionals.
The programme also provides opportunities to collaborate with global finance teams based in Budapest, India, Poland, and Dubai, giving graduates valuable international exposure.
What the Programme Offers
Successful candidates will receive exposure to:
- Financial Reporting
- Regulatory Reporting
- Treasury Operations
- Tax Reporting
- Financial Planning and Analysis
- Forecasting
- Capital Planning
- Liquidity Monitoring
- Financial Controls
- Project Coordination
- Data Quality Management
- Global Banking Operations
- International Team Collaboration
- Professional Mentorship
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Participants may be responsible for:
- Supporting financial and regulatory reporting
- Preparing financial analysis reports
- Assisting with management reporting packs
- Supporting income tax and VAT reporting
- Assisting with financial forecasting
- Monitoring capital and liquidity positions
- Supporting US financial reporting requirements
- Ensuring compliance with Citi policies and internal controls
- Providing analytical support to business stakeholders
- Participating in finance improvement projects
- Maintaining financial data integrity
- Collaborating with local and international finance teams
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold an undergraduate degree or Master’s degree
- Achieve a minimum GPA of 65%
- Preferred qualifications include:
- BCom Accounting
- Business Science
- Finance
- Related business disciplines
- Maximum of one year of work experience
- Strong academic performance
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work in diverse teams
Applicants should submit:
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter
- Academic Transcripts
- South African ID
Skills You Will Gain
Graduates will develop valuable professional skills including:
- Financial Reporting
- Regulatory Compliance
- Accounting
- Financial Analysis
- Treasury Operations
- Tax Reporting
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Financial Controls
- Business Analysis
- Data Management
- Corporate Finance
- Stakeholder Management
- Global Team Collaboration
- Professional Communication
Desired Competencies
Citi is looking for graduates who demonstrate:
- Leadership potential
- Strong analytical ability
- Quantitative reasoning
- Teamwork
- Communication skills
- Integrity
- Organisational skills
- Planning ability
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Professionalism
- Adaptability
Knowledge of banking and the global financial industry is beneficial but not mandatory.
Career Opportunities
The programme can lead to careers such as:
- Financial Analyst
- Finance Graduate
- Treasury Analyst
- Financial Reporting Analyst
- Regulatory Reporting Analyst
- Tax Analyst
- Financial Planning Analyst
- Business Finance Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Corporate Finance Professional
- Banking Professional
Graduates also gain experience that is highly valued across the broader financial services industry.
Why Consider Citi?
Working at Citi offers graduates several advantages:
- Join one of the world’s leading global banks
- Gain exposure to international finance operations
- Learn from experienced finance professionals
- Build a global professional network
- Develop technical and leadership skills
- Work in a diverse and inclusive environment
- Access long-term career development opportunities
Application Tips
To strengthen your application:
- Highlight your academic achievements and finance-related coursework.
- Ensure your GPA is clearly reflected on your transcript.
- Tailor your cover letter to explain your interest in banking and finance.
- Demonstrate leadership experience through university projects or extracurricular activities.
- Review your CV carefully for accuracy and professionalism.
- Submit all required documents before completing your online application.
Where to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official Citi Careers website by searching for:
Job Reference: 26961744
Applicants should upload:
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter
- Academic Transcript
- South African ID
Only applications submitted through Citi’s official recruitment portal will be considered.
Closing Date
Closing Date: Not Specified
Applications may close once suitable candidates have been identified. Graduates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
Graduates with an undergraduate or Master’s degree, preferably in Accounting, Business Science, Finance or related fields.
Is previous work experience required?
No. Applicants may have up to one year of work experience, but previous experience is not required.
Where is the programme based?
The programme is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
What GPA is required?
Applicants should have achieved a minimum 65% GPA.
Which documents are required?
Applicants should submit an updated CV, cover letter, academic transcript and South African ID.
Is this a full-time programme?
Yes. The programme is a full-time, on-site graduate opportunity.
Final Thoughts
The Citi South Africa Finance Graduate Learnership Programme 2026 offers graduates an exceptional opportunity to launch a career in global banking. With structured learning, exposure to multiple finance disciplines, international collaboration, and mentorship from experienced professionals, the programme provides a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the financial services sector.
Graduates who meet the academic requirements are encouraged to apply early through the official Citi Careers portal.
Editorial Policy
This article has been independently prepared using information published in the official Citi graduate programme advertisement. It is intended to inform graduates about available career opportunities. We are not affiliated with Citi. Applicants should verify all programme details and submit applications through the official Citi Careers website.
Sources and References
- Citi Careers – Official Careers Portal (Where to Apply)
- Citi South Africa Finance Graduate Learnership Programme 2026 (Job Reference: 26961744)
- Programme information published by Citi Recruitment Team
