SAICA
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is the leading accountancy body in South Africa and one of the top Institutes in the world. It plays an important role in a highly forceful business segment.
How do I become a Chartered Accountant?
- For learners in High School
As a learner – your subject choice needs to include Core Mathematics. The minimum requirements to obtain a university entrance are a level 4 pass in Core Mathematics together with a matriculation exemption certificate. Your mark in English is also an important factor. You must also ensure that the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) accredits the university. Having Accounting may benefit you in your degree, but it is not compulsory at most universities.
- For students at university level studying full-time
To pursue a career as a Chartered Accountant you will need to enrol for a B Com Accounting degree or an equivalent CA (SA) undergraduate qualification at a SAICA accredited university. Once you have completed your degree it will be compulsory to complete your Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA). This course focuses on Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Financial Management. The course takes a minimum of one year and you must complete it at a SAICA accredited university.
Upon completion of your CTA, you are then qualified to enter into a 3-year learnership with a Registered Training Office (RTO) (to specialise in auditing) or an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) (to specialise in financial management).
- For students studying on a part time basis
To follow a career as a Chartered Accountant on a part time basis you will be able to immediately enter into a five-year training contract with a Registered Training Office (RTO) upon which you must complete a B Com Accounting degree or equivalent CA (SA) undergraduate qualification as then complete the CTA or equivalent. The same pre-requisites apply for as for entering into full-time study.
CIMA
CIMA is the world’s largest institute of Management Accountants. Management accounting combines accounting, finance and management with methods needed to drive successful businesses
While most accounting qualifications train people for private practice, CIMA prepares people for a career in business. CIMA teaches skills for tactical advice, administration of risk and making fundamental business decisions. The CIMA syllabus intends to teach on all aspects of business coaching their students how to make a difference in all areas of an organization. CIMA teaches aspects that other accountancy qualifications do not, for example resource management, applied management accounting techniques and marketing operations. CIMA is ideal for those with a wish to grow their business and financial strategy skills. As a CIMA member, you will have the ability to work in various sections of a business, not only focusing on finance. This will make you more versatile than other employees or job applicants.
CIMA Quality training partners
ICB
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) has the vision and mission to improve and maintain the reputation and quality of education of all bookkeeping, accounting and financial management qualifications in South Africa.
The ICB offers three courses:
1. ACP – Accounting Certification Programme
You will be able to qualify as a:
- Certified Junior Bookkeeper
- Certified Senior Bookkeeper
- Certified Technical Financial Accountant
- Certified Financial Accountant
2. BFMCP – Business Financial Management Certification Programme
You will learn:
- Business literacy
- Essential business finance
- Computerised bookkeeping
3. OMCP – Office Management Certification Programme
You will be able to qualify as:
- Certified junior office administrator
- Certified senior office administrator
- Certified office manager