Megan Veldman’s Post

SAICA articles in the UK vs South Africa 3/5 people in my dms ask me this question repeatedly. While I haven’t done my articles in the UK, I have worked with SAICA trainees in both countries. Heres a key distinction I have noticed between these groups. SA trained trainees are exposed to and given more responsibility earlier on in their articles compared to UK trained trainees. Managers often understand the standard of competence required in SAICA trainees at each stage of their training contract because they themselves have gone through it, while in the UK, there is so much diversity in the managers qualification that they do not truly understand the required level on competence that SAICA requires because they have not gone through the program themselves and so are unable to push for a trainees exposure to that extent. This results in a second year trainee in South Africa being so much ahead in terms of competence and work exposure compared to their equal in the UK. This is just one of the factors, and I appreciate there is definitely some benefit to doing SAIAC articles abroad eg maybe some exposure of global businesses etc. I genuinely believe there’s a reason why the Chartered Accountant South Africa designation, (emphasis on South Africa), is the best in the world. In my opinion South Africa remains the best training ground for SAICAs CA(SA) designation. So if i had to do it all over again, id choose South Africa still. #saica #saicaarticles #training #uktrainees #saicatrainees

Keen to earn some 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡 this December? 🤑 Win with CAs Online! 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐀𝐬 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞? CAs Online is a video recruitment platform specifically created for third-year SAICA trainees closing out their articles in 2024. Check it out: https://bit.ly/3ZlwM2e 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤? If you're a third year SAICA trainee, create a profile and upload a quick 2 minute video talking through your background and experience. 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 If an employer likes what they see, we'll be in touch to connect you. PLUS, you can stand a chance to win R15,000 by referring a fellow third year SAICA trainee to CAs Online. The more referrals you get, the more entries you get into the draw. Key dates: 🗓 Sign-up Deadline: Midnight, 11 December 2024  Draw Date: 12 December 2024 ✨ Quick Ts & Cs: - Only complete 3rd year SAICA trainee profiles that list your name and email address as the referrer qualify.  - Referrals must be new sign-ups (not already in our database).They need to complete their profile and keep it active until 12 December 2024. The clock it ticking, so get referring! ⏰

After working at Moore Durban in the HR department for over 10 years I wanted to share some insight with first-time SAICA trainee applicants, Here are my top 10 key pieces of advice when applying for a SAICA contract: Research and Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the SAICA trainee requirements, including academic qualifications, skills, and competencies. Prepare a Strong Application: Tailor your application to highlight your relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences. Emphasize any leadership roles, extracurricular activities, or relevant work experience. Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your academic background, career goals, and why you want to pursue a career as a chartered accountant. Practice answering common interview questions. Demonstrate Your Skills: Showcase your analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills throughout the application and interview process. Show Your Commitment: Highlight your passion for the accounting profession and your willingness to commit to the training program and the requirements of becoming a chartered accountant. Seek Support: If possible, seek advice from current or former SAICA trainees or professionals in the field to gain insights into the application process and the profession. Be Persistent: The application process can be competitive, so be prepared for the possibility of facing rejection. Use any feedback to improve your application for future opportunities. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest developments in the accounting profession and SAICA requirements to demonstrate your commitment and interest. Network: Attend networking events and engage with professionals in the field to build relationships and gain insights into the profession. Stay Positive: The application process can be challenging, but stay positive and focused on your goal of becoming a chartered accountant.

On Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Bright Network Festival with ACCA chatting with lots of students about all things accountancy, qualifications and how the process works at BKL For anyone I missed chatting with, some of the common questions asked were; ⭐️What would you recommend if I’m not sure on my end goal in accountancy? 🌟Start in practice, this gives you a great grounding in the accountancy world and an insight into many industries. ⭐️What makes a person stand out in the application process? 🌟DRIVE and PERSONALITY. Academic achievements are great, however we can teach you the technicalities so being driven to be the best you can be is all we ask for. Personality is also important as people buy from people, the more personable you are the further you can go. ⭐️How long does it take to qualify? 🌟As an estimate a school leaver takes 5/6 years and a graduate takes 3 years. You may pass exams quicker, but there are practical work experience goals to hit before you can fully qualify. Also all of our trainees join as apprentices so they gain other professional skills and behaviours along the way too. ⭐️How much does it cost? 🌟As mentioned above our trainees are apprentices therefore there is no monetary cost and no old school training contracts. The only cost to you is time to complete your studies.

Only 14% out of 1144 who sat for the June 2024 ITC passed! Seeing the recent news on the shocking low pass rate of the SAICA qualifying examinations and looking at the 9% pass performance of University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika the university that I qualified at: brought back memories of my own scenic journey towards this prestigious and seemingly elusive designation. Knowing the sheer amount of effort and time each put into this and knowing that the majority will be heading back for yet another attempt until they attain a pass, reminds me of the tenacity and sheer determination needed in order to obtain the designation. Each holder of the (CA)SA designation most probably has an amazing and unique story of sacrifice, hard work, effort, discipline, grit and agony that they have endured to attain it. More so, those that embarked on it, with full time work responsibilities like I did. Now, that kind of crazy must be seriously lauded. Some of us even had to leave manager roles and go back to being the oldest trainee accountants and serve articles to qualify! With time, the pain and madness of it all fades; as one reflects on both the amazing doors that these four letters - CA(SA) have opened and also those that have shut whilst guarding and protecting the integrity of a designation obtained through such sweat and tears. All, so worth it. It helps to know that it still remains a world’s most trusted designation! To the hundreds that did not make it this time; I do not offer any profound ‘How to’ for your next attempt. What I know for sure is that, if you want it hard enough you will surely get it. It is called an “attempt” for a reason. Repeating is simply part of the journey. It sucks, I know...I have been there. Get mad, cry, swear, blame your work, the University or SAICA even but please get back at it as you write your own story of determination.

Armstrongs is proud to support local schools and colleges. Today, our Business Development Manager Cheryl Stanley (Chartered Marketer, MCIM) and Trainee Accountant Lola gave a talk to year 12 students at King Edward College. Cheryl & Lola gave the students an insight into what a 'day in the life of an accountant' looks like and talked through the routes into accountancy. #hinckleyaccountant #coventryaccountant #nuneatonaccountant #CareerInAccountancy #careersday

ACCA Middle East is participating in Gulf News Edufair from 4 Oct to 6 Oct. Come visit us at the H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road to know how ACCA qualification transforms your career and equips you with skills needed in today's rapidly changing industry landscape. Here's a snippet from Gulf News today's edition. #acca #accamiddleeast #accaglobal #careers #careersinaccounting #careersinfinance #gnedufair #gulfnews #accamembership

What Does the AAT-ACA Fast Track Experience Really Entail? 📚 The AAT-ACA fast track provides an accelerated pathway for aspiring accountants, but what is the experience truly like? A recent article offers a detailed look into the challenges and rewards of this intensive program. It delves into how students navigate the demanding curriculum, manage their study schedules, and use the fast track to advance their careers more quickly. The fast track program is designed to be both rigorous and rewarding, potentially unlocking advanced career opportunities sooner. How might this accelerated route impact a student’s career trajectory, and what can future candidates expect from this experience? https://bit.ly/3ySsKFh #AAT #ACA #AccountingEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerAdvancement #StudentInsights #GradTrainee #NewBeginnings #TraineeLife #CareerStart #LearningJourney #EntryLevelJobs #GraduateTraining #CareerDevelopment #TraineeSuccess #ProfessionalGrowth #THTribe

"🎓 Join us at Sunway TES College's Open Day! 🌟 Explore our diploma, ACCA, and ICAEW programs. Meet our faculty, discover our state-of-the-art facilities, and take the first step towards a successful career in accounting and beyond. Save the date for 11/05/2024! #SunwayTESCollegeOpenDay #IgniteYourFuture"

This addresses an important matter regarding the treatment trainees receive from the audit firm in different part of the world. I belive this disparity in how trainees are compensated only exists in sub continent, other parts of the world trainees are considered as employees. In some regions, unfortunately, trainees are subject to unfavorable conditions, including inadequate remuneration. However, I firmly believe that we should adopt a global perspective and ensure that all trainees receive fair treatment. Rather than referring to their compensation as a "stipend" or "wages," let us recognize it as a salary, just like any other employee receives. As we strive for excellence and progress, it is crucial to stay informed about the evolving landscape of employment practices unlike this senior audit member who is still living in his past. I encourage everyone, including our senior colleagues, to embrace change and adapt to the dynamic nature of our industry. Let us focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all team members, regardless of their status.