Professional Accountant (SA)
Become a Professional Accountant (SA)
Holders of the SAIPA Professional Accountant (SA) qualification are empowered to perform numerous functions and issue reports in terms of the following pieces of legislation:
- Companies Act
- Close Corporations Act
- Micro Lending Industry Regulations
- Sectional Titles Act
- Non-profit Organisations Act
- Income Tax Act
- Schools Act and various other acts
Unlike the traditional understanding of what an accountant does, which puts emphasis on the preparation of financial statements, a Professional Accountant (SA) is a business consultant/advisor that actively participates in the decision-making processes of a business, and can perform a broad range of functions as follows:
Other Ways to Become a Member
Holders of the SAIPA Professional Accountant (SA) qualification are empowered to perform numerous functions and issue reports in terms of the following pieces of legislation:
- Companies Act
- Close Corporations Act
- Micro Lending Industry Regulations
- Sectional Titles Act
- Non-profit Organisations Act
- Income Tax Act
- Schools Act and various other acts
Unlike the traditional understanding of what an accountant does, which puts emphasis on the preparation of financial statements, a Professional Accountant (SA) is a business consultant/advisor that actively participates in the decision-making processes of a business, and can perform a broad range of functions as follows:
Creator of value
- Business advisor
- Organisational manager
- Business analyst
- Business consultant
- Business researcher
Enabler of value
- Operations manager
- Management accountant
- Business manager
- Financial controller
- Financial analysts
- Financial performance manager
Preserver of value
- Financial accountant
- Risk manager
- Business risk consultant
- Business rescue practitioner
- Internal audit officer
- Internal control manager
Reporter of value
- Financial accountant
- Accountant
- Financial manager
- Management accountant
- Chief financial officer
- Business/financial reporter
A PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT (SA) CAN OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
- Prepare financial reports in terms of required standards.
- Interpret financial reports and suggest solutions to problems.
- Assist with strategy planning and execution.
- Assist in the formulation of business plans and financial forecasts.
- Help control costs through cost accounting.
- Assist in identifying and managing risks.
- Advise on suitable business structures.
- Perform business or business unit valuations.
- Advise on relevant regulations – Human Resource, safety and environmental.
- Provide strategic Human Resource advice.
- Advise family businesses on financial and succession planning.
- Provide taxation services.
- Perform Independent Reviews.
- Performing BEE for EME: Mentoring and Coaching of Entrepreneurs.
- Other Agreed upon Engagements in business and financial services.
The Professional Accountant (SA) designation is underpinned by a NQF Level 8 qualification.
It is important to note that a career in professional accounting may require additional practical experience in the various fields of specialisation.
In addition, a member in good standing who holds the Professional Accountant (SA) designation, may make application to qualify for the Professional Tax Practitioner (SA) designation without writing the assessment.