SAIPA breaks down barriers

Johannesburg, South Africa – 10 September 2024 – The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making the accountancy profession more accessible. For the first time, SAIPA is offering 12 months of complimentary membership to candidates who successfully pass its rigorous Professional Evaluation (PE) assessment. This move is a significant step toward breaking down financial barriers for new accountancy professionals and fostering their professional growth from the start of their careers. It further underscores SAIPA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation of Professional Accountants (SA).

Stronger Results in the June 2024 PE: 68.7% Pass Rate

SAIPA is also celebrating a marked improvement in the success rates of its Professional Evaluation. In the June 2024 PE, 328 candidates wrote the assessment, with 229 successfully passing – a 70% pass rate. This is an increase from the November 2023 PE, which saw a 63% success rate.

Passing the PE assessment is a critical milestone for candidates, signifying that they meet SAIPA’s high standards of competency, ethics and professional competency. Upon passing, these individuals earn the prestigious Professional Accountant (SA) designation and gain access to SAIPA’s continuing professional development resources and other benefits such as Professional Indemnity Insurance cover.

Project Achiever produces top candidates again.

A key driver behind these strong results is SAIPA’s Project Achiever Programme, funded generously by the Financial and Accounting Service Education and Training Authority (Fasset), which has continued to demonstrate its value in preparing aspiring accountants for the PE. In June 2024, 8 of the top 10 candidates were from Project Achiever, continuing a trend from November 2023, when 7 of the top 10 also emerged from this programme.

Originally created to provide previously disadvantaged individuals with greater access to the profession, Project Achiever has evolved into a cornerstone of SAIPA’s efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the accountancy field. Its success in consistently producing top-performing candidates underscores its effectiveness in levelling the playing field.

Breaking down barriers for new accountancy professionals

SAIPA recognises accountancy professionals as essential drivers of societal and economic change. However, the journey to becoming a Professional Accountant (SA) is fraught with challenges, from early education through higher education and beyond. The path typically involves obtaining a relevant academic qualification, completing a three-year learnership, and passing SAIPA’s Professional Evaluation (PE) Assessment. However, financial constraints have historically limited access for many aspiring accountants.

“At SAIPA, we are dedicated to making the accountancy profession more accessible and inclusive. By offering 12 months of complimentary membership to successful Professional Evaluation candidates, we are breaking down barriers that have historically limited opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Tia Van der Sandt, Acting Chief Executive at SAIPA. Van der Sandt adds, “This initiative is designed to help new professionals focus on their growth and development during their critical first year without the stress of financial burdens.”

SAIPA’s partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) further strengthens this mission by enhancing access, opportunities and employability for graduates. Using practical simulations, the collaboration is designed to develop essential skills and competencies, preparing students to enter the workforce with a professional certification at the Accounting Technician level. This not only improves their chances of employability but also sets them on a clear path to professionalisation.

A bold step towards a diverse accountancy future

As one of South Africa’s leading Professional Accountancy Organisations (PAOs), SAIPA has spent over four decades actively helping to shape the country’s accountancy landscape. The Institute has adapted to the changing demands of the profession, incorporating business advisory services, taxation and technology into its offerings. Despite the global decline in the number of accountants, SAIPA remains steadfast in its mission to close the gap by equipping its members with the skills necessary to meet today’s financial challenges.

Van der Sandt adds, “Our vision is to drive the necessary change, empowering Professional Accountants (SA) to meet the needs of South Africa and the broader African continent. We are committed to ensuring that these professionals are equipped with the expertise to add value in their roles and successfully navigate the demands of their diverse environments,”

For more information about the Project Achiever programme, visit https://www.saipa.co.za/become-a-member/trainee-overview/project-achiever/

About SAIPA

The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) is a leading Professional Accountancy Organisation (PAO) in South Africa, dedicated to serving and protecting the public interest by upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Since its establishment in 1982, SAIPA has been at the forefront of advancing the accountancy profession, shaping legislation and influencing the development of standards that govern the industry.

SAIPA represents qualified Professional Accountants (SA) across various sectors, including practice, commerce and industry, academia and the public sector. The Institute is committed to putting its members’ interests at the heart of all it does, while actively promoting ethical and responsible behaviour within the profession to maintain public trust and confidence.

As a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB) for tax professionals, acknowledged by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) under Section 240A of the Tax Administration Act (No. 28 of 2011), SAIPA plays a critical role in regulating and supporting tax professionals. Our registration with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and memberships with esteemed organisations such as the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA) further underscore our commitment to maintaining high standards of excellence.

For more information, please contact:

Rochelle Bates, Sales & Marketing Executive

Cell: 076 887 9720

Email: RBates@saipa.co.za