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How to become a Chartered Accountant in South Africa

Provides audit, tax and financial advisory services.

Step-by-step path

  1. STEP 1
    Education
    BCom Accounting + CTA + SAICA articles
    1–6 yrs
  2. STEP 2
    Entry job
    First role: Article Clerk
    0–2 yrs
  3. STEP 3
    Mid-level growth
    Move into: Newly-qualified CA
    3–6 yrs
  4. STEP 4
    Senior transition
    Reach: Senior CA / Manager
    7+ yrs

Time estimate

Total typical time to senior level
~ 7–10 years
Education bcom accounting + cta + saica articles, then practical experience.

Salary growth timeline

Year 1
R18 000
/month
Year 5
R75 000
/month
Year 10
R130 000
/month

Required skills by stage

FOUNDATIONAL
  • IFRSHigh
  • Tax (SARS)High
MID-CAREER
  • Tax (SARS)High
  • AuditHigh
SENIOR
  • AuditHigh
  • Financial modellingMedium

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