All SA’s professional accounting designations in one comprehensive list
The Certified Financial Officer (SA) designation is offered by the Southern African Institute for Business Accountants (SAIBA). [internal link]
A Certified Financial Officer (SA) works within the strategic level of a finance or accounting department. Typical roles eligible for the designation include: chief financial officer, finance director, finance executive, head of finance, chief accountant or senior financial manager.
The Certified Business Accountant (SA) designation is offered by the Southern African Institute for Business Accountants (SAIBA). [internal link]
The Certified Business Accountant (SA) is SAIBA’s official designation for financial managers. With a focus on management, CBAs are able to manage all aspects of a finance or accounting department. Typical job titles for people with this designation include finance controller, credit controller, comptroller, corporate controller, finance lawyer, commercial lawyer, investment bankers, relationship manager, relationship banker, procurement manager and treasury analyst.
The Business Accountant in Practice (SA) designation is offered by the Southern African Institute for Business Accountants (SAIBA). [internal link]
SAIBA describes the Business Accountant in Practice (SA) as its official designation for accounting officers, licensed independent reviewers and tax practitioners. This designation requires a minimum NQF level 7 qualification [internal link], such as the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting [internal link]. UJ Online [external partner link] offers an online Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy [partner link] degree.
The Business Accountant (SA) designation is offered by the Southern African Institute for Business Accountants (SAIBA). [internal link]
The Business Accountant (SA) designation is aimed at those wanting to carry out entry-level finance roles.
The Associate Chartered Accountant CA(SA) designation is offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). [internal link]
The world’s first accounting associations were established in Scotland in 1854 and members were allowed to operate by royal charter, giving them the name Chartered Accountants. Today there are independent chartered accounting associations in most English speaking countries other than the US. Becoming a Chartered Accountant CA(SA) offers global mobility and the flexibility to work in almost any field of business or finance.
The Associate General Accountant designation is offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). [internal link]
The Associate General Accountant designation, otherwise shortened to an AGA(SA), plays key managerial roles within diverse sectors of the economy. Professionals who hold this qualification are expected to have a strong set of technical accounting and financial skills to be able to navigate complex business environments.
Associate General Accountants are qualified to act as accounting officers and are able to submit annual financial statements for companies and other entities.
The Accounting Technician (SA) designation is offered by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). [internal link]
designed to professionalise entry-level finance professionals and equip them with practical expertise required to prepare and produce reliable financial information that can be trusted. As an entry-level designation, accounting technicians cannot act as accounting officers. While they are able to compile internal financial statements, they are not qualified to provide an independent review and audit as set out by the Companies Act.
Technical Accountant – Institute of Accounting and Commerce of South Africa (IAC)
Technical Accountants are an Institute of Accounting and Commerce of South Africa (IAC) designation. They are also known as bookkeepers and they provide support to Professional Accountants. They are involved in day-to-day practical bookkeeping and the preparation of working paper files. A Technical Accountant is allowed to prepare financial statements for sole proprietors and partnerships.