Company: Dentsu South Africa
Industry: Media, Digital Marketing & Advertising
Department: Finance / Internal Control
Location: Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Position Type: Full-Time Fixed-Term Internship
Contract Type: Student / Intern Fixed-Term Contract
Posted Date: 05 August 2026
Closing Date: Friday, 14 August 2026
About Dentsu & The Finance Internship
Dentsu is a premier global media, digital communications, and advertising network operating in over 145 countries. In South Africa, Dentsu drives brand growth and marketing innovation for major local and international clients.
The Finance Internship is a structured fixed-term program based at Dentsu’s Sandton office in Gauteng. Guided directly by the Internal Control Manager, the finance intern will gain hands-on operational exposure across general ledger accounting, financial reconciliations, compliance frameworks, and internal controls within the dynamic media and advertising sector.
Key Responsibilities & Daily Operational Workstreams
In this operational finance role, your daily deliverables will cover four core accounting pillars:
1. General Ledger & Reconciliations
- Account Reconciliations: Perform routine supplier, bank, and general ledger account reconciliations.
- Journal Entries: Process monthly journal entries, expense allocations, and trial balance adjustments.
2. Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Expense Claims: Capture employee expense claims and verify supporting tax invoices.
- Invoicing: Process supplier invoices, intercompany invoices, and assist in managing accounts receivable collections.
3. Internal Controls & Compliance
- Compliance Framework: Assist in maintaining the Dentsu Group Internal Control Framework and corporate compliance standards.
- VAT Reporting: Gain practical exposure to Value Added Tax (VAT) reporting and documentation.
Candidate Profile & Requirements
To qualify for this finance internship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualification: Completed Diploma in Accounting (or equivalent accounting qualification).
- Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data handling, formulas, spreadsheets).
- Advantageous: Exposure to accounting software packages (e.g., SAP, Sage, Pastel, or similar ERP systems).
- Citizenship Status: Must possess a valid South African ID Document.
- Core Competencies: High attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, excellent time management, effective communication, and a highly driven work ethic.
- Location: Based in or able to commute to Sandton, Gauteng.
What Dentsu Offers
- Comprehensive Practical Training: Gain hands-on exposure across accounts payable/receivable, trial balance, VAT reporting, and internal auditing.
- Global Corporate Exposure: Work within a leading international media and marketing network.
- Mentorship: Receive direct guidance from the Internal Control Manager and senior finance leaders.
Career Advice for Applicants
- Highlight Excel & Accounting Software: Clearly state your Excel level (e.g., VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) and any accounting packages you used during your studies on your CV.
- Emphasize Attention to Detail: Finance roles require precision—ensure your resume is completely error-free and formatted neatly.
- Apply Urgently: Applications close strictly on 14 August 2026. Submit your documents immediately to avoid missing shortlisting.
Sample Technical & Interview Preparation Questions
Accounting & Reconciliations
- Question (Reconciliations): “What steps do you take when performing a bank or supplier reconciliation and discover an unexplained discrepancy?”
- Question (Accounts Payable): “How do you verify whether a supplier invoice meets VAT compliance requirements before processing it?”
Internal Controls & Work Ethic
- Question (Internal Control): “Why are internal controls and segregation of duties important in a corporate finance department?”
How to Apply
Submit your application directly through the official Dentsu Careers portal:
- Brand: Dentsu
- Location: Sandton, Gauteng
- Closing Date: 14 August 2026