Rentokil Initial – Payroll Intern

Rentokil Initial is offering a 12-month Payroll Intern opportunity in Claremont, Cape Town, for a newly qualified graduate who wants practical payroll and finance administration exposure. This full-time internship is suited to applicants with a Payroll, Finance or Accounting degree or diploma who are comfortable working with payroll data, reports, audit checks, payslips, payment batches and deadline-driven administration.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This Payroll Intern opportunity gives a newly qualified graduate the chance to support Rentokil Initial’s payroll team while gaining workplace exposure in payroll administration, payroll reporting, payment processing and compliance-related payroll work.

The successful candidate will also need to register for and complete a company-selected, SETA-approved learnership. This means the role combines practical workplace experience with structured learning linked to payroll, finance or business administration development.

Who this opportunity may suit

This opportunity may suit finance, accounting or payroll graduates who are detail-oriented, organised and interested in payroll administration as a career path.

• Newly qualified graduates in Payroll, Finance or Accounting.
• Applicants who are comfortable working with numbers and payroll records.
• People with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Applicants who can work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
• People who are computer literate and able to use MS Office and Windows.
• Applicants who are willing to complete a SETA-approved learnership selected by the company.

What you’ll do / learn

The successful applicant will support the payroll team with payroll processing, payroll checks, reporting and general administration.

• Assist with processing and capturing payroll data on VIP.
• Assist with collating payroll and audit reports for monthly checking.
• Assist with checking payroll input and NAV coding for monthly payroll audits.
• Support payroll checks related to new engagements.
• Support payroll checks related to transfers and job changes.
• Support payroll checks related to terminations.
• Support payroll checks related to monthly contract workers.
• Prepare weekly payment batches.
• Assist with airfreighting and emailing payslips on a monthly basis.
• Assist with ad hoc payroll duties.
• Attend and complete the company-selected SETA-approved learnership.

Note: This is a 12-month fixed-term internship. The official listing does not state that permanent employment is guaranteed after completion.

Eligibility requirements

Qualification requirements

• Newly qualified graduate in Payroll, Finance or Accounting.
• Degree or diploma in Payroll, Finance, Accounting or a related field.

Skills and competencies

• Above-average communication skills, including written, verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Strong financial numeracy and analytical skills.
• Numerical acumen.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office and Windows.
• High energy level and self-motivation.
• Planning and organising ability.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Initiative and innovation.
• Persuasive communication.
• Structured and organised approach.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to challenge views and make rational arguments.
• Ability to work under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong connection with values of service, relationships and teamwork.

What payroll work really involves

Payroll work requires accuracy, confidentiality and strong deadline management. Payroll teams handle sensitive employee information, salary data, deductions, payment batches, payslips and audit checks. Small mistakes can affect employee payments, reporting and compliance, so attention to detail is especially important.

For this application, your CV should clearly show your Payroll, Finance or Accounting qualification, numerical ability, Excel or MS Office skills, attention to detail, report-handling ability and any exposure to payroll systems, accounting systems, finance administration, audit checks or payment processing. If you have used VIP Payroll, Sage, Excel formulas or accounting software during studies or practical work, include those details clearly.

Application checklist

Make sure your application is complete before submitting.

• Updated CV.
• Certified copy of your South African ID, if requested during the application process.
• Payroll, Finance or Accounting degree/diploma certificate, if completed.
• Latest academic transcript or academic record.
• Any payroll, finance, accounting, Excel, MS Office, VIP or bookkeeping certificates, if available.
• Clear contact details, including phone number and email address.
• Make sure your CV clearly shows your newly qualified graduate status and relevant qualification.

Need help with CVs, certified copies, and application tips? Use our Resources & Guides Hub.

About the sponsor

Rentokil Initial is an international business services company operating across areas such as pest control, hygiene services, interior plant services and related workplace support solutions. The company operates in South Africa through its local business and offers career opportunities across operational, commercial, technical, finance and support functions. More information is available on the official Rentokil Initial website and the Rentokil Initial Careers website.

Quick tips for applicants

• Make your Payroll, Finance or Accounting qualification easy to find on your CV.
• Highlight numerical ability, payroll interest and attention to detail.
• Mention MS Office, Excel, Windows and any payroll or accounting systems you have used.
• Show that you can work with deadlines, confidential information and structured admin tasks.
• If you have experience with VIP Payroll or payroll-related coursework, include it clearly.
• Use your CV profile section to explain why you want to build a payroll or finance administration career.
• Apply early because no closing date is shown on the official listing.

Common mistakes that get applicants rejected

• Submitting a CV that does not clearly show a Payroll, Finance or Accounting qualification.
• Not mentioning numerical, analytical or MS Office skills.
• Using a generic CV that does not connect your background to payroll administration.
• Leaving out academic transcripts or qualification documents when requested.
• Not showing attention to detail and ability to work with deadlines.
• Not checking email or phone messages after applying.
• Applying through unofficial WhatsApp, Facebook or third-party links instead of the official Rentokil Initial Careers page.

Scam warning

Applicants should only apply through the official Rentokil Initial Careers application page. Do not pay anyone for an internship application, interview, assessment, placement, background check, training or document submission. If someone contacts you through WhatsApp, Facebook or another platform asking for money, treat it as suspicious and verify the vacancy through the official careers platform.

How this opportunity was verified

This post was prepared using the official Rentokil Initial Careers listing for the 1 x Payroll Intern (12 month fixed term contract), Claremont Cape Town opportunity. The listing confirms the job title, location, graduate/internship department, full-time job type, payroll team support purpose, SETA-approved learnership requirement, duties, skills, qualification requirements and Employment Equity note.

The official listing did not display a closing date at the time of verification. Applicants should apply as soon as possible and check the official Rentokil Initial Careers page before applying in case the listing is updated, closed or removed.

For more information about how our posts are verified, please visit our How we verify listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official Rentokil Initial Careers application link below.
2. Read the full Payroll Intern vacancy carefully.
3. Confirm that you meet the Payroll, Finance or Accounting qualification requirement.
4. Prepare your updated CV, academic transcript and supporting documents.
5. Make sure your CV highlights payroll, finance, numerical, analytical and MS Office skills.
6. Complete the online application through the official Rentokil Initial Careers platform.
7. Submit your application as soon as possible because no closing date is stated on the listing.
8. Keep proof of submission or any confirmation email you receive.

Application Closing Date: Not stated on the official listing. Applicants should apply as soon as possible and check the official page for updates.

Rentokil Initial states that selection may give preference to suitably qualified Employment Equity candidates in line with Employment Equity targets.