It’s no longer just about the numbers, but what they mean too. Business – in its simplest form – is accounting. However, accounting is becoming more and more about business than just the figures. It’s now about understanding what the figures mean and developing a strategic response.

‘Bean’ counters are being snapped up as the accounting sector continues to boom Salaries for chartered accountants (CAs) are about 30 percent higher than for other qualified professionals. Their job satisfaction ratings are also fantastic.

Do you have a flair for numbers and, as a result, wish to pursue a rewarding career in accounting? If so, the Thuthuka Bursary Fund (TBF) could be your perfect answer. There are currently more than 860 Thuthuka-funded university students who are studying towards qualifying as chartered accountants [CAs(SA)].

  Jonathan Hurvitz from PKF performing an audit at Caxton It’s business unusual in South Africa’s accounting sector The accounting sector in South Africa continues to offer the top paying jobs in the market and demand is rising.

Auditing, which has been around for hundreds of years, has become ever more sophisticated but has struggled to keep pace with the growth of complicated multinational companies and technology. At the same time, audit firms under pressure from tight fees diversified into other more lucrative services and lost their independence and objectivity.

Pieter Raubenheimer, Nedbank CA (SA) is one of the most sought after designations in the world. Traditionally, accounting graduates do their articles with an audit firm, through a Training Inside Public Practice (TIPP) programme which is regulated by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

Jackie Zaidel, PKF You were right to choose accounting as your area of study. The demand for qualified financial professionals is greater than ever, the market requires exponentially more accountants these days, and – despite the cyclic downturn currently facing the global economy – accounting remains a growth industry with an abundance of massive opportunities for qualified and certified accountants.

Vusi, ex-UJ student, says… Vusi Gumede, a trainee at Grant Thornton, is happy with his choice of a SAICA training partner to do his articles with. “I love change and I enjoy going from one company to another for audits.

Useful CA-related sites South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) – www.saica.co.za The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers – www.icb.org.za Office of the Auditor General – www.agsa.

The zero percent unemployment rate among South African CAs is expected to continue. Ever heard of an out-of-work chartered accountant? Well, you won’t find one. Even if the number of CAs doubles – as the profession is hoping will happen through its transformation drive – it is believed that there’ll still be more than enough work for everyone.

Fresh breezes are blowing through South Africa’s accounting profession, which is perking up its image, bringing new colour to its pale-male complexion and capitalising on demand for post-Enron services. Richard Warren Although not without its challenges – the biggest being the chronic shortage of black chartered accountants, especially black women – the mood in the profession is upbeat.

Fresh breezes are blowing through South Africa’s accounting profession, which is perking up its image, bringing new colour to its pale-male complexion and capitalising on demand for post-Enron services. Richard Warren Although not without its challenges – the biggest being the chronic shortage of black chartered accountants, especially black women – the mood in the profession is upbeat.

Courtesy : KPMG To succeed in business these days you need to ensure that your practical experience is as all encompassing as your theoretical knowledge. It is for this reason that Chartered Accountants are so highly regarded and respected, no matter what industry you are considering.