Finance – accounting and commerce

The main objective of the finance department is to control, gather, analyse and interpret financial information in such a way that internal and external stakeholders, such as management, investors, banks and shareholders, can use it to forecast the future of the company to make decisions based on historic information.

What you should study

You can study towards becoming an accountant at most universities. A matric with university exemption and a good pass in higher grade mathematics is essential.

To qualify as a chartered accountant, a commerce degree at honours level is essential, followed by a stint "doing articles" at an auditing firm. This is followed by the Public Accountants' and Auditors' Board exam.

Graduate career

Graduates join the mine as finance trainees and are given exposure to the various areas of finance. In preparation for the diverse work opportunities that may become available. Promotion is subject to vacancies being available and incumbents meeting the inherent requirements of the job.

We are looking for

The requirements here include good communication skills, an aptitude for figure work and an interest in computers. The following attributes are also important:

• Analytical ability
• Flexibility
• The ability to work under pressure
• Problem solving ability
• Integrity
• Self motivation