HOW WE CREATE VALUE
Learning, development and national imperatives
WHAT WE DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
SAICA’s Learning, Development and National Imperatives division is committed to transforming the accountancy profession and elevating its national importance. Through our comprehensive qualification process, we equip aspiring Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)), Associate Accountants (AGAs(SA)), and Accounting Technicians (ATs(SA)) with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to excel in the profession. We uphold industry standards through rigorous ITC and APC exams, ensuring that our members are among the most competent and ethical in the country.
Our transformation initiatives create opportunities and drive the profession towards a more inclusive and representative future. We actively support aspiring CAs from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that the profession is reflective of the diverse South African society.
We are committed to shaping a future where the profession plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, promoting social justice, and building a more equitable society. To this end, SAICA through its National Imperatives, continues its initiatives that promote the SDGs. SAICA also runs several initiatives such as the protection of whistleblowers and in 2023 signed a MOU with The Whistleblower House in order to better support members in this regard.
KEY FOCUS AREAS IN SUPPORT OF STRATEGY
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2023 AT A GLANCE
Education
The SAICA Education team continued its research focus, particularly on the ITC and APC working groups’ efforts to implement the CA of the Future Framework. SAICA is also proud to have hosted the GAA’s Education Directors in South Africa. Independent research to identify the root causes of the ITC and APC pass rates among different rational groups was completed.
Additionally, SAICA continued with its HDI capacity-development programmes, including FASSET-funded educator development workshops for HDI lecturers. A comprehensive plan was devised to collaborate closely with the three HDIs not accredited by SAICA at a PGDA level.
The year also marked the finalisation of the new IPD committee, which convened its first meeting in July 2023. This restructuring led to the formation of three sub-committees dedicated to the designations CA(SA), AGA(SA) and AT(SA) ensuring focused attention on all designations.
Examinations
Significant improvements were achieved in enhancing candidates’ experience in the SAICA professional examinations, specifically as it relates to the APC. SAICA relocated eWriting servers from the UK to South Africa, resulting in the faster submission of candidates’ examinations during the 2023 APC.
Training
SAICA focused on addressing challenges related to TCMS downtime and EAT issues. Significant progress was made by the SAICA IT Team in stabilising TCMS, while major developments were implemented in the EAT to enhance the trainee and training officer experience.
The Training department worked closely with training offices and incorporated feedback to streamline the CA of the Future competency learning outcomes. SAICA also hosted a successful 2023 trainee summit culminating in the Trainee Trailblazer awards, which recognises trainees who are excelling in their area of focus.
AT(SA)
SAICA is proud of the partnership with Bidvest which saw 12 candidates being hosted on a graduate internship programme. SAICA through its AT(SA) team also participated in the World Bank capacity-building initiatives in Eastern Europe to showcase the AT public sector qualifications.
AGA(SA)
Although the AGA(SA) is a fairly new SAICA designation, there has been an encouraging increase in accredited providers AGA(SA). SAICA considers the AGA designation crucial in combating unemployment in South Africa and emphasises collaboration with the public sector for success in this endeavour.
Post-qualification
The post-qualification learning and development area is committed to lifelong learning and through strategic partnerships, now offers SAICA members access to courses available on the newly launched SAICA learning management system, eVolve.
Thuthuka
Transformation remains a key focus for SAICA as its membership register still lacks representation in terms of gender and race. The Thuthuka programme plays a vital role in addressing this issue, although funding is a significant risk. SAICA has conducted fundraising campaigns and relaunched the Thuthuka Alumni community to address this challenge. In addition, a fundraising think tank comprising CEOs and heads of organisations has been established.