Looking for a SAICA training contract?

Become an Accountant

Colenbrander is a SAICA registered training office and a SAIPA accredited training centre, under the name Colenbrander Inc. We are deeply committed to this role and are constantly looking for driven and passionate trainees, helping them to become top-quality professional and chartered accountants.

Become a Chartered Accountant

Are You Looking for a SAICA Training Contract?

Any candidate looking to become a CA must:

  • Obtain a BCom Accounting degree from a recognised institution
  • Obtain a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)
  • Complete a training contract with an approved SAICA training office, of between 3 and 5 years
  • Successfully pass Part I and II of the Qualifying Exam set by SAICA

What if I can’t study full time?

Candidates who cannot attend full-time university can study part time towards their BCom Accounting degree through UNISA, and begin a 5-year training contract immediately.

If I have completed my BCom Accounting degree, what are my options?

Candidates who have already completed a BCom Accounting degree at a recognised institution can choose to begin a 3-year training contract and study towards their Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) part time or continue to study full time for their CTA and start their 3-year training contract thereafter.

How long is a SAICA training contract?

The length of the training contract is determined on the academic qualifications of the candidate. Please see previous questions.

What exams do I need to write to become a chartered accountant?

Once a candidate has completed their BCom Accounting and CTA and signed a training contract, they are required to write two qualifying exams: the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). These exams are set and administered by SAICA.

Become a Professional Accountant

Colenbrander helps accounting graduates attain the practical experience they need to become qualified Professional or Chartered Accountants.  

As a training office, we take our responsibility very seriously.  We endeavour to provide our trainees with all the tools for success, while doing our part to ensure the future of the accounting profession in South Africa is in good hands.

Are You Looking for a SAIPA Training Contract?

A professional accountant is someone who works as an accountant in practice, commerce, industry, government, or academia. A professional accountant in public practice offers accountancy and allied services, excluding auditing, to the general public and the business community, especially in the SMME sector.

There are three steps to qualify to become a Professional Accountant (SA):

  • 1. Academic Qualifications
  • 2. Register as a Trainee
  • 3. Write Your Professional Evaluation (PE) Exam

How long is a SAIPA training contract?

The duration of the SAIPA training contract is 3 years.

When can I start the SAIPA training contract?

A candidate can start a training contract on completion of a relevant degree or can study part-time through UNISA and begin a training contract immediately.

What requirements need to be met for me to become a professional accountant?

Once a trainee has completed their degree and obtained practical experience by completing a three-year learnership with an SAIPA-accredited training centre, they are required to write and pass the SAIPA Professional Evaluation (PE) Examination. This determines a trainee’s ability to integrate academic knowledge with the practical skills required in the workplace.

Once the above requirements have been met, the person can register as a Professional Accountant (SA) at SAIPA.

What Qualification Do I Need to Become a SAIPA Trainee?

A prospective SAIPA trainee must either have, or be studying towards, a B.Com Degree from an SAIPA-accredited tertiary institution.

The degree must include the following core subjects:

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

For more information on our SAICA and SAIPA training contracts, please contact our offices on: