Illovo Sugar Africa (Pty) Ltd is Africa’s largest sugar producer and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the London-listed Associated British Foods plc (ABF). Headquartered in uMhlanga, South Africa, the company has operations in six African countries. Illovo operates extensive agricultural and manufacturing facilities in South Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, and Tanzania. The company’s primary products are sugar (raw, brown, and refined) and syrup, in addition to downstream products like molasses and furfural. The company heavily relies on a network of thousands of smallholder farmers (growers) in its supply chain, supporting rural economic growth in the regions where it operates. 

This programme provides hands-on experience in cost management, commercial reporting, and business analysis across key divisions such as Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain. Graduates will gain vital exposure to both strategic and operational areas of finance within a leading sugar manufacturer.

Available Finance Graduate Trainee Positions

1. Finance Graduate Trainee (Head Office) × 3

What the role covers:
Graduates will support cost analysis, budgeting, commercial reporting, profitability assessments, and business partnering with Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain teams.

Minimum Qualifications:

• CTA Qualification OR
• Honours in Management Accounting OR
• Honours in Finance
• Strong academic record
• MS Excel proficiency
• Analytical and reporting skills
• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure

2. Finance Graduate Trainee (Eston Mill) × 1

Minimum Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree in Finance
• Honours in Finance
• CTA an advantage
• MS Office proficiency
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure

3. Finance Graduate Trainee (Noodsberg Mill) × 1

Minimum Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree in Finance
• Honours in Finance
• CTA an advantage
• Strong communication skills
• MS Office proficiency
• Ability to handle tight deadlines

Key Responsibilities (All Sites)

Cost Management & Analysis

• Analyse production and operating costs
• Support cost allocation and tracking
• Budgeting and forecasting
• Identify cost efficiencies across operations

Sales & Commercial Reporting

• Prepare revenue and margin reports
• Profitability analysis by product and customer
• Sales trend monitoring and variance analysis
• Support pricing and promotional strategies

Business Partnering

• Collaborate with Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain
• Present insights to internal stakeholders
• Support strategic projects and ad hoc analysis

What Illovo Offers

• Mentorship from experienced finance professionals
• Exposure to commercial and operational finance
• Career development opportunities
• High-performance, collaborative work environment
• Competitive graduate package with incentives

How to Apply

Click here to apply for the Illovo Sugar Finance Graduate Trainee Programme 2026
(Insert application link)

OR
Submit your CV and certified qualifications directly to:
[email protected]
Email Subject: Finance Graduate Trainee

Additional Application Notes

• Feedback will be sent only to successful candidates within 4 weeks after the closing date.
• Appointment will follow Illovo’s Employment Equity Plan.