Are you a university student eager to explore the world of risk advisory and assurance, especially within the financial services sector? If so, the Financial Services Advisory Internship at BDO South Africa is an excellent opportunity for you to gain practical experience and build your career foundation in a fast-paced, rewarding industry.
Financial Services Advisory Internship Overview
- Job Title: Financial Services Advisory Intern
- Company: BDO South Africa
- Job Reference: INCFSAJHB03/06/2025SA
- Location: Open to National Offices across South Africa
- Industry: Audit
- Job Type: Contract
- Positions Available: 5
- Start Date: June 2025
About the Financial Services Advisory Internship
BDO South Africa, a leading global network of audit and advisory firms, is offering a unique internship designed to provide students with valuable insights and hands-on experience in risk advisory, internal audit, and IT systems auditing. This internship is not only an excellent learning experience but also a stepping stone for those wishing to pursue a career in the financial services and risk management industries.
Key Learning Areas
During the internship, you will delve into several key areas that are crucial for a career in risk advisory and audit, including:
- Introduction to Audit Methodologies and Risk-Based Approaches: Understand how risk-based audits are structured, the processes involved, and why they are critical in assessing financial systems and practices.
- Understanding IT General Controls (ITGCs) and Application Controls: Get to grips with the core principles of ITGCs and how they help ensure the integrity and security of an organization’s information systems.
- Exposure to Internal Audit Procedures and Control Testing: Interns will gain a first-hand understanding of internal auditing, from control testing to the assessment of operational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Data Risk Assessment and Basic Data Analytics Concepts: Learn how to identify, assess, and manage data risks within the financial services sector. Basic data analytics will also be introduced to help with risk mitigation strategies.
- Hands-on Experience with Audit Tools and Working Papers: Use the latest audit tools and gain exposure to real-time working papers to understand how professionals handle complex audit tasks.
- Observing Client Engagement Processes and Team Collaboration: Interns will observe client engagement, contributing to team discussions, and gaining insight into how audit processes are managed and executed.
Responsibilities of the Financial Services Advisory Intern
As part of your internship, you will work closely with experienced professionals on live engagements. This exposure will offer you invaluable learning experiences in various aspects of audit and risk management.
Your key responsibilities include:
- Job Shadowing: Shadow seasoned professionals on actual client engagements, providing you with practical experience and a deeper understanding of the work environment.
- Training and Workshops: Participate in various training sessions and workshops tailored to develop your technical and professional skills.
- Research and Documentation: Assist with research on different industry practices, and help document findings to contribute to client engagements.
- Internal Knowledge Sharing: Attend team meetings, internal knowledge-sharing sessions, and learn how professionals collaborate to execute audit tasks.
- Observation of Audit Processes: You will be involved in observing audit planning, fieldwork, and reporting, allowing you to learn the different stages of an audit project from start to finish.
Requirements for the Internship
To apply for this exciting internship, applicants must meet the following qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- University Graduate or Final Year Student in one of the following fields:
- BCom / BSc / BBSc or a Post-graduate degree in:
- Information Systems / Informatics
- Information Technology
- Actuarial Science
- Computer/Data Science / Analytics
- Mathematical Sciences / Statistics
- (Applied/Financial) Mathematics
- Quantitative Risk Management
- (Applied) Statistics
- BCom / BSc / BBSc or a Post-graduate degree in:
Additionally, if you have the intention to pursue a professional qualification like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), FRM (Financial Risk Manager), PRM (Professional Risk Manager), FIA (Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries), or FASSA (Fellow of the Actuarial Society of South Africa), it would be advantageous.
Additional Skills that are Beneficial:
- Computer Literacy: Proficiency in Office 360 tools.
- Programming Experience: Familiarity with programming languages like C#, Python, R, or SAS.
- Experience in Internal Audit: Any prior knowledge or experience in internal auditing will be considered an asset.
How to Apply
If you are eager to kick-start your career in risk advisory and financial services, apply for the Financial Services Advisory Internship at BDO South Africa today! Applications are open now, and the job reference code is INCFSAJHB03/06/2025SA.
The Financial Services Advisory Internship at BDO South Africa offers an exceptional opportunity for university students to gain practical, hands-on experience in the financial services sector, with a strong focus on risk advisory, internal auditing, and technology governance. This internship is an ideal starting point for those interested in building a career in audit, data risk management, or financial services.