Everything you need to know about becoming an Accountant in SA
Despite the emergence of robust and versatile accounting software, the South African financial sector is in growing need of qualified accountants. Every company has a finance department, which means there is a huge demand for those skilled in accountancy.
What does a Professional Accountant do?
Accountants are tasked with giving clear records of financial transactions for either an individual or a business. The job can be quite demanding but can open you up to career opportunities within almost any industry. Tax season is generally the busiest time of year in accounting, and there is also the chance to assist in examinations and audits of financial records. There is a lot of flexibility in the type of accounting you can do, from monitoring the books of private individuals to conducting financial studies for large-scale corporations.
Some typical accounting activities include:
- Planning and budget meetings
- Assisting with strategic planning to control costs
- Performing independent reviews
- Checking the financial practices follow the law
- Balancing accounts and preparing financial documents
- Providing recommendations on investment opportunities
- Preparing tax returns
- Entering and monitoring financial data
What is SAIPA?
The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) represents all Professional Accountants practising in South Africa’s commerce, industry, academia and public sectors. Boasting a membership of more than 10 000 Professional Accountants, SAIPA contributes to the advancement of the local accountancy profession, influencing legislation and constantly transforming to keep abreast of business, financial and social developments in the country and internationally. SAIPA is a professional body registered with the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and has a number of registered professional designations.
What subjects are needed to become an accountant?
Accounting is a field that involves the management and interpretation of financial information. It is a profession that is critical for every business or organisation. Accountants are vital in analyzing, interpreting and communicating financial information to management, investors, and other stakeholders. They are responsible for preparing financial statements, maintaining financial records, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Becoming an accountant requires a combination of academic and professional qualifications.
What high school subjects do I need to be an accountant?
To become an accountant in South Africa, certain high school subjects are recommended to provide a strong foundation for further study in accounting. The recommended subjects include:
- Mathematics: This subject is essential as it forms the foundation for many accounting calculations.
- Accounting: This subject provides an introduction to accounting principles and practices, including financial reporting and management accounting.
- Business Studies: This subject covers the basic principles of business, including marketing, finance, and operations management.
By taking these subjects in high school, students can develop the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in accounting. Mathematics is particularly important as it is used extensively in accounting calculations. Accounting and Business Studies provide an understanding of the principles and practices of accounting and business, which can be further developed in university-level courses. Additionally, subjects such as Economics, English, and Information Technology may also be useful for a career in accounting.
What tertiary subjects do I need to further my accounting career?
After matric, you will need to enrol in a tertiary institute and complete a Bachelor of Commerce degree – or equivalent qualification at a SAIPA-accredited institution. The core subjects you’ll be studying are:
- Financial Accounting 3
- Taxation
- Auditing 1 OR Internal Auditing
- Commercial Law
- Finance OR Management Accounting 3
Learnership:
Having successfully earned your Bachelor of Commerce degree, you will need to gain invaluable work experience in a three-year learnership at a SAIPA-Accredited Training Centres (ATC).
Professional Evaluation (PE) Exam:
Having completed your learnership, you can then tackle the final hurdle, which is the SAIPA PE exam. Trainees can take the exam, either in May or November, at various venues countrywide. This is a four-hour written competency exam that determines your ability to integrate academic knowledge with practical workplace experience.
What does a chartered accountant do?
Chartered Accountants (CA) are generally employed within the commerce, industrial or non-profit sector. A CA will undergo more training than an accountant including an academic post-graduate programme followed by at least three years under a mentorship. The work’s focus is generally the provision of accurate records of all financial transactions for an individual or business.
What is SAICA?
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is a professional accountancy body in South Africa with more than 36 000 members. SAICA provides support, advice and services to its CA members throughout their professional lives.
What do I need to study to become a CA?
Your high school subjects and undergraduate degree will follow the same lines as a Professional Accountant, however, you must ensure that the qualification is accredited by SAICA. You will then need to complete a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or equivalent qualification which is a post-graduate course focusing on Accounting, Auditing, Taxation and Financial Management. As with a PA, a CA must complete a three-year learnership programme at a SAICA-registered training office. During this time, you will be studying towards your Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) which you’ll need to pass before going onto the next step. The CTA is valid for three years.
Checklist
To become an accountant in South Africa, specific subjects are required to be eligible for the relevant professional qualifications. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) requires certain subjects to be completed before enrolling in their Chartered Accountant (CA) program. These subjects provide the necessary knowledge and skills for a career as an accountant. The required subjects include:
- Financial Accounting: This subject covers the principles of accounting, including the preparation of financial statements and the interpretation of financial information.
- Management Accounting: This subject covers the use of accounting information for decision-making, including cost accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Taxation: This subject covers the principles of taxation, including income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and other taxes.
- Auditing: This subject covers the principles of auditing, including the evaluation of financial statements and the assessment of internal controls.
- Commercial Law: This subject covers the legal principles that apply to commercial transactions, including contracts, company law, and insolvency law.
- Information Systems: This subject covers the principles of information systems and their use in accounting and business processes.
Each of these subjects is essential for a career in accounting as they provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Financial Accounting and Management Accounting are fundamental subjects that cover the basics of accounting principles and practices. Taxation is essential for understanding the tax system and its impact on financial reporting. Auditing is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of financial statements. Commercial Law provides a framework for understanding the legal aspects of accounting and business transactions. Finally, Information Systems are essential for the use of technology in accounting and business processes.
Part-Time Study
If you’ve passed matric with pure maths and will be studying part-time, you can enter into a training contract with a SAICA-registered training office. During these 5 years, you will study towards your CTA or equivalent.
Pass the exams:
- After this, you will need to pass two SAICA professional exams, the first of which is the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) written in January or June every year.
- After passing the ITC, 20 months of registered training with a SAICA-accredited training office, and completion of the professional programme, you qualify to write the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
On successful completion of this, you can register as a CA(SA) with SAICA.
What are some of the benefits of an accounting career?
As mentioned, accountancy skills are in big demand countrywide, which is why choosing a profession in accounting is a sound choice. But here are some more benefits to consider:
- Solid skills base
The practical skills and financial knowledge learnt when studying a career in accounting are beneficial across various industries. You also have a clear career path and understanding of where your career is heading. - Job stability
As the saying goes, there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes – which is why almost every business requires an accountant. It’s a stable job choice with good prospects. - Career growth
Although you will start at the bottom rung, with accountancy you can quickly work your way up the ladder. There’s no limit to career success, you just need to decide how far you want to take it. - Financial security
Depending on which career path you choose, there are benefits associated with the company that hires you. Additionally, an entry-level accountant will earn roughly R285 000 per year with an entry-level CA earning R406 000. - Workplace flexibility
Because of the need for accountants everywhere, you can choose where you want to be based. Anywhere from the coast or mountains to city living – you decide! There are different career paths to choose from, including financial and corporate accounting.
If you have a proficiency in accounting and a passion for numbers, then pursuing a career in accounting is a really worthwhile consideration. It opens the doors for international job opportunities and the chance to work in whichever industry you prefer.
In Summary
To become an accountant, one must have a degree in accounting or a related field such as finance, economics or business. The most common degree for an accountant is a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (BCom Accounting) or a Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc). Other degrees that can lead to an accounting career include a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSc Accounting) or a Bachelor of Business Science in Accounting (BBusSc Accounting).
Entry Level
The BCom Accounting and BAcc degrees are the most common qualifications for entry-level accounting jobs. These degrees provide a strong foundation in accounting principles and practice, business management, economics, and other related subjects. In addition to these degrees, students can also pursue accounting courses or a diploma in accounting science.
CA
For those who wish to become a chartered accountant (CA), additional qualifications are required. Chartered accountants are highly respected and sought-after professionals who are recognized for their expertise in accounting and finance. They are also known for their ethical standards, professionalism, and business acumen.
To become a chartered accountant, one must complete an accredited CA program. In South Africa, the most recognized CA program is offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). The SAICA program consists of three levels: the Initial Test of Competence (ITC), the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), and the practical experience requirements.
SAICA
To be eligible for the SAICA program, one must have completed a BCom Accounting or BAcc degree. The BCom Financial Accounting degree may also be accepted by SAICA, provided that certain requirements are met. In addition to the degree, one must also have completed specific subjects to be eligible for the SAICA program.
The subjects required for the SAICA program include Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Commercial Law, and Information Systems. These subjects provide the necessary knowledge and skills for a career as a chartered accountant. Additionally, students must also meet certain academic requirements, such as achieving a minimum average mark in their degree.
