What the job is all about
Illovo Sugar South Africa is looking for fresh graduates who are currently without a job to join its Finance Graduate Trainee Programme for 2026. This programme is a two‑year learning experience where you will help the company track costs, report on sales, and analyze how different parts of the business run. You’ll work with teams in Operations, Sales and Supply Chain and see both the big picture and the day‑to‑day details of finance in a leading sugar manufacturer.
The application deadline for the internship portion of the programme is 21 November 2025.
Where you can work
- Head Office, Illovo Sugar SA – the main office of the company.
- Eston Mill, Illovo Sugar SA – a large sugar mill.
- Noodsberg Mill, Illovo Sugar SA – another sugar mill.
Finance Graduate Trainee Jobs Available
1. Finance Graduate Trainee – Head Office
Positions: 3
Length: 24 months
When it ends: 21 November 2025
You will help the company check how much it costs to produce sugar, create budgets, produce commercial reports, and look at profit for each product. You will also work with the Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain teams.
What you need to have:
- A CTA qualification or an Honours degree in Management Accounting or Finance.
- Good grades from university.
- Strong skills in Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to analyse numbers and produce reports.
- Attention to detail and the ability to stay calm when things get busy.
2. Finance Graduate Trainee – Eston Mill
Positions: 1
Length: 12 months
When it ends: 21 November 2025
What you need to have:
- Diploma or Degree in Finance.
- Honours in Finance.
- Having a CTA is a bonus.
- Good at Microsoft Office.
- Friendly and able to communicate well.
- Comfortable working under pressure.
3. Finance Graduate Trainee – Noodsberg Mill
Positions: 1
Length: 12 months
When it ends: 21 November 2025
What you need to have:
- Diploma or Degree in Finance.
- Honours in Finance.
- CTA is an advantage.
- Strong communication skills.
- Good at Microsoft Office.
- Able to meet tight deadlines.
What you will do at all locations
Cost Management & Analysis
- Look at how much it costs to make sugar and run the factory.
- Help split and track those costs.
- Create and manage budgets and forecasts.
- Spot ways to save money.
Sales & Commercial Reporting
- Make reports on revenue and profit.
- Analyse how different products and customers perform.
- Keep an eye on sales trends and explain differences.
- Support pricing and special offers.
Business Partnering
- Work together with the Operations, Sales and Supply Chain teams.
- Share useful insights with people inside the company.
- Help with big projects and extra analysis when needed.
What Illovo gives back
- You will have a mentor who is a seasoned finance professional.
- You will see how finance works in both business and everyday operations.
- Career growth opportunities are built into the programme.
- You’ll join a team that values teamwork and high performance.
- You get a competitive graduate package and some extra incentives.
How to apply
Apply now for the Illovo Sugar Finance Graduate Trainee Programme 2026 by clicking here: [Apply for the Programme]
Alternatively, you can send your résumé and certified qualifications to:
- Email: Careers@illovo.co.za
- Subject line: Finance Graduate Trainee
A few extra notes
- Only those who are selected will receive a response within four weeks after the closing date.
- The company follows its Employment Equity Plan, meaning that all qualified applicants are considered.
- You may need to go through background checks before a final appointment.
Ready to start your finance adventure?
Don’t wait – send your application today and join a company that values fresh talent and real‑world learning.