How to Become an Accounting Technician (SA)
Do you have a non-accounting degree but want to step into the world of accountancy? No problem! With the designation of Accounting Technician (SA), you will be able to work your way up with qualifications while you earn valuable experience. You can also apply for the Professional Tax Technician (SA) or Professional Tax Practitioner (SA) designations.
What Do Accounting Technicians (SA) do?
As an Accounting Technician (SA), you will support the Professional Accountant (SA). This includes various accounting functions, drafting working papers for tax returns, tax registration and preparing financial reports.
What do I need for this Designation?
Academically you do not need a full degree but you will need to have passed the second year of a Bachelor of Commerce with Taxation as a major. You can also apply if you have a National Diploma in Taxation. If you meet these academic requirements, you will need at least 18 months of verifiable work experience and have to pass our Centre for Tax Excellence (CoTE) exam.
If you don’t have a diploma but you have four years of verifiable practical experience, you can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning and write the CoTE exam to qualify. You will need to know how to work with databases, spreadsheets, project and document management software, and financial analysis software. You should also be able to use ledger and receipt books. You will especially need to have a good attention to detail in order to spot irregularities and errors that may slip in.
How much do I stand to Earn?
At the time of this writing, Accounting Technicians (SA) earn an average of R154 176 a year, which means that you’re looking at a monthly salary of around R12 848.
If you are a student and you want to find out more about the Accounting Technician (SA) designation, you can do so by becoming a student member of SAIPA. As a student member, you will have direct access to technical knowledge and support from qualified accountants – our Centre of Tax Excellence is yours to use for all academic-related queries.