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 Do you want a career that is both challenging and exciting?
Do you want to be recognized and rewarded for what you do? Do you want to influence and shape South Africa’s economy? Well, a career in chartered accountancy offers you that and more.  The Chartered Accountant [CA (SA)] designation is well recognized and in demand all over the world. It open’s doors to many career opportunities while giving you a solid foundation for your future. By becoming a [CA (SA)] you are guaranteed a career that will give you the head start to be the best that you can be! With a CA (SA) designation behind your name, there are many career paths open to you. Chartered accountancy is a proven path to better job choices in accounting and the broader economy.
- As a CA (SA), you will enjoy the best professional development opportunities.
- You are better prepared to assume a leadership role earlier in your career.
- You’ll be assured of a financially secure future.
- You’ll become a top-notch professional and enjoy the status that chartered accountancy provides.
- Just as importantly, you can go anywhere in the world and get the recognition and reward of your CA (SA) designation.
Consider your future as a CA (SA) and experience the exciting world of working with numbers and more. Understanding numbers is incredibly rewarding. If you are a hard working and talented individual then chartered accountancy is the number one career choice for you! This guide will take you through the path of becoming a CA (SA). Don’t be afraid of numbers, THEY ARE REWARDING The easiest way to deal with numbers is to approach them positively. Numbers may seen unfriendly and hard at first, but when approached with a positive attitude they are a breeze. Follow this guide to a bright future and realize how numbers can help you achieve your dreams. High School - When you make your subject selection, choose Mathematics and pass it exceptionally well.
- Mathematics, and not mathematical literacy, gives you a head start with your studies as well as help you qualify for a scholarship or bursary.
- Aim for higher marks all around and pass matric with an exemption.
- Pass English well as it will help you understand concepts better.
- Keep your options open by considering Accounting as one of your subjects choices.
- It will benefit you in your degree, although it is optional
University - Apply to a university offering a B Com Accounting and a certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) programme that is accredited by the South African Insitute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
- Register to study a three-year full-time B Com Accounting degree or equivalent - CA (SA) stream.
- After graduating, complete a CTA or equivalent programme (Preferably on a full-time basis).
Training Undertake a three-year training contract and either Train Outside Public Practice (TOPP) or Train Inside Public Practice (TIPP). During this period you must: - Complete Part 1 of the Qualifying Examination (QE1).
- Complete a specialist course relevant to the type of training contract you have selected.
- Complete Part 2 of the Qualifying Examination (the exam written is relevant to the type of training contract and specialist course you have selected).
| THE LOW DOWN ON TIPP AND TOPPThe similaries are shaded for clarity in the table below | | | TIPP | TOPP | | Entry requirement to tertiary education | Matric exemption with Mathematics | | Academic requirement to write Qualifying Exam Part 1 (QE 1) | B Com Honours / CTA | | Workplace | Audit Firm | Commerce and Industry | | Specialisation | Auditing | Financial Management | | Term of training contract | 3 Years with a degree/ up to 5 years beginning with Matric | | Role during training contract | Trainee | Functional work positition | | Core experience obtained | AuditingAccounting, Financial managementTaxation & EstatesBusiness Information Systems | Financial managementFinancial accountancyManagement accountingInternal auditingTaxationInformation systems and management | | Training Course required | Audit Specialisation (6 Months – Part time) | Financial Management Specialisation (6 Months – Part-time) | | Qualifying exam | QE 2 (Audit Specialisation) | QE 2 (Financial management) | | Register with SAICA as a CA (SA) | Yes | | International recognition | Yes | | Register with IRBA | Possible | Not Possible | | Perform the attest function | Possible | Not Possible | | Possible titles post qualification | Audit partner, Financial Director, Financial manager | Financial Director, Financial manager | | Possible salary immediately after qualification | R220 000 to R250 000 per annum |
Professional After successfully completing both Qualifying Exams, you are eligible to register as a member of SAICA to achieve the valued CA (SA) designation. WHAT DOES A CA (SA) DO? CAs (SA) in public practice or accounting firms; audit financial statements, provide tax or financial planning advice. They also offer consulting and advisory services in: Corporate finance, management accounting, information technology and general financial and business management amongst others. CAs (SA) in business and industry; work in companies such as ABSA, BMW, or Vodacom. They specialize in management accounting, financial management, taxation, corporate governance internal audit and many others. Some lead major companies as chief executive officers, chief financial officers and managing directors. CAs (SA) in academia help prepare the next generation of CAs (SA) as lecturers in universities and professional programmes. They don’t only teach, but also contribute to the profession through research and participate in the development of accounting standards. CAs (SA) in government hold top notch positions such as the Auditor General and senior financial managers. They are widely recognized for effective financial management and leadership in providing services to communities. ACRONYMS CA (SA) – Chartered Accountant (South Africa) CA – Chartered Accountant SAICA – South African Institute for Chartered Accountants CTA – Certificate in the Theory of Accounting TOPP – Training Outside Public Practice (Specialising in Financial Management) TIPP – Training Inside Public Practice (Specialising in auditing) QE 1 – Part 1 of the Qualifying Examination QE 2 – Part 2 of the Qualifiying Examination CEO – Chief Executive Officer CFO – Chief Financial Officer MD – Managing Director |
