Finance Internship Programme at Newrest

Newrest South Africa invites ambitious, detail-oriented graduates to apply for the dynamic Finance Internship programme based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This comprehensive internship is structured to provide an aspiring finance professional with vital hands-on workplace exposure across core accounting and commercial financial functions within the fast-paced airline catering and food services sector. Working alongside seasoned finance specialists, the intern will gain invaluable industry experience in managing debtors, accounts payable, costing, and general financial administration.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will rotate through and support key commercial finance disciplines:

• Debtors Management: Prepare and complete debtors reconciliations, capture and process customer invoices timeously, review delivery notes, process adjustments and credit notes, and resolve billing queries.

• Creditors & Accounts Payable: Capture supplier invoices, execute monthly supplier reconciliations, assist with expense and overhead payments, and investigate supplier ledger discrepancies.

• Menu & Airline Costing: Perform detailed menu costing according to airline specifications and standard cost models, ensuring all billing aligns with commercial agreements.

• Data Validation & Auditing: Extract and validate financial data across online enterprise systems, maintain master pricing records, and assist with internal and external audit preparation.

• Financial Controls: Uphold rigorous standard operating procedures and internal controls to maintain overall balance sheet accuracy.

Why Join the Company

Operating in over 50 countries, Newrest is a global leader in multi-sector catering, inflight services, and remote site management. Joining the South African team offers an energetic, multinational environment where high performers thrive. Interns benefit from direct mentorship, continuous learning, structured feedback, and the chance to build a competitive foundation in commercial accounting and cost analysis.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Highlight Practical Software & Excel Skills: Mention specific accounting packages (e.g., Pastel, SAP, QuickBooks) or advanced Excel proficiencies (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) you mastered during your tertiary studies.

• Emphasize Numerical Precision: Detail academic projects or coursework involving reconciliations, cost variance analysis, or ledger balancing to prove your readiness for daily financial workflows.

• Demonstrate Fast-Paced Adaptability: Highlight any experience managing tight assignment deadlines or handling operational pressure, as the airline catering industry demands high agility.

Interview Preparation

Candidates can expect technical and competency-based questions such as:

• "How do you perform a comprehensive supplier reconciliation and address discrepancies between statements and delivery notes?"

• "Why is standard menu costing critical in catering, and how do you ensure billed amounts match airline contractual agreements?"

Enhance your interview confidence and practice your responses using the YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Eligible graduates who meet the qualification criteria are encouraged to submit their formal applications directly via the company portal. Click here to apply for this role.

Salary is estimated based on market research.

• Degree in Accounting, Financial Management, Finance, Accounting Sciences, Cost Management, or a closely related commerce qualification.

• Proficient computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Excel and financial management software.

• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy when working with financial transactions.

• Demonstrated ability to follow strict financial controls, compliance guidelines, and standard operating procedures.

• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and consistently adhere to reporting deadlines.