Company: The Cape Town Opera Company
Position: Bookkeeper Intern
Reports to: Head of Finance
Location: Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town, South Africa

Company overview

Established in 1999 as a non-profit performing arts company, Cape Town Opera is based at the Artscape Theatre Centre in the Foreshore area of Cape Town and is currently South Africa’s only full-time opera company. The recipient of two International Opera Awards, annual activities include fully staged opera productions in Cape Town, national music education programs for primary and secondary school learners, and national and international touring of operas and concerts. The company has a current staff complement of 4 soloists, 18 chorus members, 9 young artists and 25 artistic and administrative staff, overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors.

Position Overview

Cape Town Opera is excited to announce that we have a 12-month internship opportunity available for a Bookkeeper. Funded by one of the big four banks, this opportunity is open to candidates meeting the criteria listed below. As a vital member of our organization, you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth financial operations of our company, enabling us to continue delivering outstanding performances and inspiring audiences around the world.

Applicant requirements

1. Ability to prioritize work effectively and meet deadlines;
2. Detail-oriented and able to spot errors and discrepancies;
3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Other requirements:

1. A minimum qualification of matric;
2. Must be a South African citizen;
3. Must be between 18 and 34 years of age;
4. Preference will be given to individuals from a previously disadvantaged background;
5. Have never held a fulltime position before (this is a FirstJob opportunity) and preferably have not participated in a learnership or internship before;
6. Live within 40 kms from our offices, which are situated at the Artscape Theatre Centre, 1 – 10 DF Malan Street, Foreshore, Cape Town;
7. Are not currently in fulltime studies and able to attend this internship full time;
8. Are willing to be subjected to a credit and criminal check or any industry specific checks required for your job role.

Areas of responsibility and learning

1. Maintain accurate financial records for Cape Town Opera;
2. Process and record all financial transactions;
3. Prepare financial reports and statements for management and external stakeholders;
4. Assist with budget preparation and monitoring;
5. Reconcile bank statements and accounts payable/receivable;
6. Manage payroll and employee expense claims;
7. Coordinate with auditors during annual audits;
8. Assist with grant applications and reporting to funders;
9. Ensure compliance with accounting and financial reporting standards.

Key performance indicators

The following KPIs will be used to measure and evaluate the success of the intern:

1. Accuracy: a low number of errors in financial record keeping;
2. Timeliness: complete tasks in a timely manner and on deadline;
3. Compliance: meet all applicable standards and regulations;
4. Cost control: control costs as much as possible without compromising accuracy or quality;
5. Communication: provide timely and accurate information to those who need it.