Internship: Finance at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About The Job

The CSIR has an Internship opportunity in the Financial Services portfolio. The purpose of this internship is to provide graduates with an opportunity to gain practical work experience through performing accounting and administrative duties. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key Responsibilities

• Process financial transactions in the bursary administration and payroll environment under guidance and supervision to ensure the transactions are recorded accurately, in compliance with policies, processes, guidelines and legislation.
• Assist with processing monthly allowance for bursars and study fees upon receiving invoices from academic institutions to ensure that payments are done in accordance with the award letter.
• Assist with processing of bursary payments on receipt of approved Workflow requests and prepare bursary agreement between CSIR and employee, to be signed prior to transferring of funds to academic institutions.
• Prepare and process monthly transactions relating to employee salaries, in accordance with legislation, CSIR policies and procedures.
• Ensure the correct accounting of transactions based on valid substantiating documents for review by the supervisor.
• Assist with preparing monthly reconciliations of the relevant study/bursary/payroll control and suspense accounts to detect long outstanding transactions for action to reduce the risk of losses or incorrect legislative application.
• Follow up and resolve outstanding stakeholder queries (internal and external) or escalate to the Payroll Management Accountant.
• Record keeping of all relevant documents in adherence with the CSIR document retention policy and legislative requirements to ensure documents are available when necessary.
• Comply with month-end and year-end processes according to the established plan so that transactions, processes and reports are completed on time

Qualifications, Skills And Experience

• A three-year diploma or bachelor degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Good understanding and ability to implement basic accounting principles.
• Basic knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel and VAT principles
• The ability to pay attention to detail, work under pressure and manage stress
• Good office administrative and record keeping skills.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good time management and planning skills.
• Effective communication and listening skills.
• Effective and professional writing skills.
• Attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Sound work ethic and ability to work in large teams is essential.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in performing duties.
• Requirement to work outside of normal working hours.