Finance Learnerships in South Africa 2026
Finance learnerships in South Africa provide an accredited entry point into the financial services, accounting, and auditing sectors through programmes registered with FASSET (Finance and Accounting Services SETA). Combining technical financial theory with practical workplace experience at leading firms and government entities, these programmes equip learners with the skills to process transactions, prepare financial statements, and support accounting functions. Stipends range from R4,000 to R7,000 per month and most programmes run for 12 months.
What Are Finance and Accounting Services Learnerships?
Finance learnerships are structured learning programmes governed by FASSET that lead to NQF-registered qualifications in bookkeeping, accounting, financial planning, or public finance. Learners split their time between a registered training provider for theoretical modules and an employer's finance department for practical application. Core subjects typically include basic bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, VAT calculations, financial reporting, and the use of accounting software such as Pastel, Sage, or SAP. Learners also develop an understanding of relevant legislation including the Companies Act, Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and tax law administered by SARS. FASSET-funded learnerships are available at private accounting firms, banks, insurance companies, and government departments. Employers receive a Section 12H tax incentive for hosting learnerships, which means finance learnerships are widely offered across the sector, particularly at year-end when companies seek to meet their BBBEE training targets.
Qualification Details
- NQF level: NQF Level 3-5
- Example qualifications: National Certificate: Bookkeeping (NQF Level 3), National Certificate: Finance and Accounting (NQF Level 4), Further Education and Training Certificate: Bookkeeping (NQF Level 4), National Certificate: Public Finance Management and Administration (NQF Level 5), National Certificate: Financial Services: Wealth Management (NQF Level 4), National Certificate: Taxation (NQF Level 4)
- Duration: 12 months
- Stipend range: R4,000 - R7,000 per month
Who Can Apply?
- South African citizen with a valid ID
- Matric certificate with Accounting or Mathematics (recommended)
- Age 18-35 for FASSET-funded learnership positions
- Numerically literate with basic computer skills (MS Excel an advantage)
- Unemployed at time of application for government-subsidised positions
- No prior formal finance qualification at the same NQF level
Top Companies Offering Finance and Accounting Services Learnerships
- PwC South Africa
- Deloitte South Africa
- KPMG South Africa
- Ernst & Young (EY) South Africa
- South African Revenue Service (SARS)
- National Treasury
- Nedbank Group
- Old Mutual
Where to Find and Apply
- https://www.fasset.org.za - FASSET official learnership listings
- https://www.learnerships.co.za - National learnership aggregator
- https://www.harambee.co.za - Youth employment platform
- https://www.sars.gov.za/careers - SARS career portal
- https://www.pwc.co.za/careers - PwC South Africa careers
- https://www.pnet.co.za - Professional job board
How to Apply — Step by Step
- Visit the FASSET website (fasset.org.za) to review currently funded learnership projects and accredited training providers in your province.
- Prepare a complete application pack: certified ID copy, certified matric certificate, updated CV with contactable references, and proof of residence.
- Register on Harambee (harambee.co.za) and complete the numeracy and literacy assessments, as many finance employers use Harambee as a pre-screening channel.
- Apply directly via the careers portals of target employers such as SARS, PwC, Deloitte, or Nedbank, attaching all documents in the format specified.
- Complete any online numerical reasoning or accounting aptitude tests that may be required as part of the selection process.
- If selected, sign the tripartite learnership agreement and obtain your payslip banking details ready for the stipend payment setup.
Documents You Will Need
- Certified copy of South African ID (not older than three months)
- Certified copy of matric certificate (showing Accounting or Mathematics if applicable)
- Updated CV with at least two contactable references
- Proof of residence not older than three months
- Bank account confirmation letter
- SARS income tax number (if registered)
- Certified copy of any additional qualifications (bookkeeping courses, etc.)
Career Prospects After Completing a Finance and Accounting Services Learnership
Finance learnership graduates are well-positioned for roles such as bookkeeper, accounts clerk, payroll administrator, creditors or debtors clerk, and junior financial analyst. With further study - such as the ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) Certificate, CIMA qualification, or a BCom degree - these roles can advance to financial manager, management accountant, or chartered accountant level. The demand for finance professionals in South Africa remains strong across private and public sectors. SARS, the National Treasury, municipalities, and all listed companies require ongoing financial management support. Learners who develop proficiency in ERP accounting systems (SAP, Oracle, Sage) alongside their NQF qualification significantly increase their starting salary prospects.