If you want a solid start in South Africa’s financial services sector, the Financial Services Advisory Internship Programme at BDO could be the right move for you right now.
What the opportunity is
BDO is offering a 17‑month Financial Services Advisory Internship in Johannesburg, Gauteng. The role gives you practical experience in financial reporting, technology risk, governance, regulatory compliance and client advisory work.
Who can apply
The internship is open to South African graduates from any of the following degrees:
- Business Management
- Engineering
- Accounting
- Information Systems
- Informatics
- Finance
- Internal Auditing
- Law (LLB)
No prior work experience is required. If you have done vacation work, clerkships, part‑time roles or projects in consulting, audit, legal, financial services or regulatory environments, include them – they will be recognised.
What you will gain
You will develop a blend of business, technology and advisory skills while working on real client engagements. Specific benefits include:
- Hands‑on testing of IT controls and application controls.
- Experience analysing data for accuracy, completeness and timeliness.
- Exposure to emerging technology risks and financial reporting risks.
- Opportunities to support auditors with computer‑assisted audit techniques.
- Practice preparing client reports and management presentations.
- Involvement in regulatory compliance reviews, risk advisory projects, business process improvement and governance reviews.
- Use of tools such as IDEA and advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Familiarity with frameworks like COBIT, ITIL and ISO 27001‑2.
- Insight into South African legislation such as FAIS, FICA, FSCA, National Credit Act and POPIA.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents: your most recent academic transcript, a copy of your South African ID and an updated CV.
- Visit BDO’s recruitment portal at Apply here.
- Complete the online application form, entering your personal details and education history.
- Upload the transcript, ID copy and CV in the requested formats.
- Review all entries for accuracy, then submit the application.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.
Tips to improve your chances
- Tailor your CV to highlight any coursework, projects or part‑time work that relates to finance, IT risk, audit or regulatory compliance.
- If you have used COBIT, ITIL, ISO 27001, data‑analytics tools, IDEA or advanced Excel, mention them explicitly.
- Write a concise cover note (if the portal allows) that shows your enthusiasm for financial services advisory and your curiosity about emerging technologies such as AI, machine learning, IoT or robotics.
- Proofread all documents – attention to detail is a key competency for the role.
- Apply early. The posting does not state a closing date, so the sooner you submit, the better your chances before the vacancy fills.
Next steps and encouragement
Take a moment now to collect your transcript, ID and CV. Then follow the step‑by‑step guide above to submit your application. Remember, many graduates feel uncertain about applying without experience, but this internship is designed for entry‑level candidates like you. By acting promptly and presenting a clear, well‑prepared application, you increase your likelihood of being selected.
Good luck, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in financial services advisory.
