Finance Operations Intern

Company description

Publicis Groupe Africa has opened applications for Le Cubs 2027, its flagship 12-month internship programme designed to give young South African graduates meaningful workplace experience and an opportunity to build future-ready careers in the marketing and communications industry.

Starting in March 2027, successful applicants will join teams across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, gaining hands-on experience in disciplines including creativity, strategy, human resources, data, technology, AI, media and business support.

Le Cubs is designed to bridge the gap between tertiary education and the workplace, giving graduates the opportunity to move beyond theory, contribute to real work, learn from industry professionals and develop practical skills in a connected, collaborative environment.

Overview

The Finance Intern will support the Publicis Group Africa Finance team with the efficient processing of supplier invoices, purchase orders, payments, reconciliations, and administrative finance activities. This role provides practical exposure to finance operations and offers an opportunity to develop skills in financial controls, compliance, supplier management, and accounting processes.

Responsibilities

Accounts Payable Processing

• Ensure supplier invoices are captured accurately and timeously.
• Validate invoices against approved purchase orders and supporting documentation.
• Ensure all invoices are appropriately authorized in accordance with company policies.
• Follow up on outstanding approvals to facilitate timely payment processing.
• Assist with preparing supplier payment schedules.

Supplier Management

• Respond to supplier queries regarding invoice status and payments.
• Maintain positive working relationships with suppliers.
• Assist with supplier statement reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Support the vendor onboarding process and maintain supplier records.

Accounts Receivable Responsibilities

• Assist with preparing and issuing client invoices accurately and on time.

• Capture and allocate client receipts to the correct customer accounts.

• Reconcile client statements and resolve billing discrepancies.

• Monitor the debtors age analysis and follow up on overdue accounts.

• Respond to client queries regarding invoices, statements, and payments.

• Assist with month-end accounts receivable reconciliations and reporting.

• Maintain accurate customer records and supporting documentation.

Purchase Order Administration

• Assist with raising purchase orders.

• Assist with monitoring purchase order compliance.
• Verify that supplier invoices match approved purchase orders.
• Support business teams in resolving PO-related issues.
• Help maintain accurate records of open purchase orders.

Financial Administration

• Assist with audit requests and preparation of supporting documentation.
• Prepare reports and schedules as required by the finance team.
• Support ad hoc finance projects and administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• A completed, a National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Financial Management, or a related field.
• Completed coursework in financial accounting and/or management accounting is an advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including formulas, lookups, and pivot tables), Word, and Outlook.
• Exposure to an accounting or ERP system (e.g. SAP, Pastel, Sage, or Oracle) is an advantage.
• Prior exposure to accounts payable, accounts receivable, or general finance administration is beneficial but not essential.
• Eligibility to work in South Africa and to participate in an internship programme.

Additional information

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail and accuracy when capturing, validating, and reconciling financial data.
• Numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies.
• Planning, organisation, and time management, with the ability to meet month-end and payment deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for engaging with suppliers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Customer and service orientation, with a professional and courteous approach to queries.
• Integrity and a strong awareness of confidentiality, financial controls, and compliance.
• Ability to follow processes and policies, and to work accurately under supervision.
• Teamwork and collaboration within a finance and cross-functional environment.
• Initiative, a willingness to learn, and adaptability to changing priorities.