Professional Accountant (SA)

SAIPA has two Learnerships that culminate in qualifications that are registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at Level 8. The NQF is maintained by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Holders of the SAIPA Professional Accountant (SA) qualification are empowered to perform numerous functions and issue reports in terms of the following pieces of legislation:

Companies Act
Close Corporations Act
Micro Lending Industry Regulations
Sectional Titles Act
Non-profit Organisations Act
Income Tax Act
Schools Act and various other acts

Unlike the traditional understanding of what an accountant does, which puts emphasis on the preparation of financial statements, a Professional Accountant (SA) is a business consultant/advisor that actively participates in the decision-making processes of a business, and can perform a broad range of functions as follows:

Creator of value

Business advisor
Organisational manager
Business analyst
Business consultant
Business researcher

Enabler of value

Operations manager
Management accountant
Business manager
Financial controller
Financial analysts
Financial performance manager

Preserver of value

Financial accountant
Risk manager
Business risk consultant
Business rescue practitioner
Internal audit officer
Internal control manager

Reporter of value

Financial accountant
Accountant
Financial manager
Management accountant
Chief financial officer
Business/financial reporter

A Professional Accountant (SA) can offer the following services:

Prepare financial reports in terms of required standards.
Interpret financial reports and suggest solutions to problems.
Assist with strategy planning and execution.
Assist in the formulation of business plans and financial forecasts.
Help control costs through cost accounting.
Assist in identifying and managing risks.
Advise on suitable business structures.
Perform business or business unit valuations.
Advise on relevant regulations – Human Resource, safety and environmental.
Provide strategic Human Resource advice.
Advise family businesses on financial and succession planning.
Provide taxation services.
Perform Independent Reviews.
Performing BEE for EME: Mentoring and Coaching of Entrepreneurs.
Other Agreed upon Engagements in business and financial services.

The Professional Accountant (SA) designation is underpinned by a NQF Level 8 qualification.

It is important to note that a career in professional accounting may require additional practical experience in the various fields of specialisation.

In addition, a member in good standing who holds the Professional Accountant (SA) designation, may make application to qualify for the Professional Tax Practitioner (SA) designation without writing the examination.

How do I qualify to be a Professional Accountant (SA)?

In order to qualify to become a Professional Accountant (SA), you will need to comply with the following academic, practical and Professional Evaluation (PE) requirements of SAIPA:

Academic requirements

Successfully completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree, or equivalent, with the following required core subjects from a SAIPA-accredited tertiary institution:

Financial Accounting 3
Taxation 1
Auditing 1 / Internal Auditing 2 / Internal Control and Code of Ethics
Corporate Law 1 / Commercial Law 2
Management Accounting

Practical requirements

Three year learnership at a SAIPA Accredited Training Centre (ATC) ; or
six years of verifiable experience; or
a completed training programme from another accredited professional accounting body

Professional Evaluation (PE) exam:

The SAIPA Professional Evaluation is a four-hour written examination to determine your ability to integrate your academic knowledge with your practical experience gained in the workplace. The exam can be taken twice a year, in various venues around South Africa, in either May or November, and is part of the admission process for membership to SAIPA

What requirements must be met?

The candidate must have completed his/her IPD which is outlined in IES 1 – 5; i.e. have the completed their academic qualification which incorporates the minimum prescribed “subjects” at the desired level (usually a Bachelor’s qualification) as well as the practical and workplace experience where the practical skills and competencies were developed.

What is important is the pervasive of “soft skills” as this is integrated into the competencies required to be a Professional Accountant (SA). Skills such as reading, communications, critical thinking, analytical skills, problem solving and report writing are critical components of the competencies which will be evaluated during the Professional Evaluation exam.