CA Programme

CA Programme FAQs

• I have heard about doing my articles in Auditing (TIPP) and doing my articles in Financial Management (TOPP); please explain the difference between the two?

  To qualify as a CA, there are two main routes: the auditing route or the financial management option. Neither one is ‘better’ than the other. Both are equally rigorous. The difference lies not in the routes themselves, but in which one best suits your career plans. Regardless of the route you select, you will qualify as a Chartered Accountant. 

• Is it possible to study part-time whilst working at Investec completing my articles?

  You need to have passed your CTA to be eligible. 

• Who can apply for the Investec CA Programme?

  • Students who are in their final year of their undergraduate degree at a relevant SAICA accredited university. 
  • Students who have passed pure Maths at matric level
  • Full time students.
  • Students of the Thuthuka Bursary Fund are not eligible to apply.
  • Students who are currently serving articles are not eligible to apply.
  • South African citizens - Investec wishes to encourage and promote South Africans to further their studies and qualifications in the hope that they will contribute significantly to the economic development of the country and to fully participate in the broader South African society. If you are not a South African citizen we we require a copy of a valid work permit in order to process your application. Please upload this with your documents.

• When do CA Programme applications open/close?

  • Applications for the Investec CA Programme open every year on 01 September and close on 30 September
  • You need to be in your final year of your undergrad with the intention to complete PGDA/CTA/Honours in Accounting the following year
  • If your application is successful, you will attend our CA Pathfinder programme in January/February of your PGDA/CTA/Honours year and be shortlisted for our CA Programme from there
  • Please note that there is no second application process in your CTA / PGDA / Honours year
  • Applications for the Investec CA Pathfinder and CA Programme are made at the same time.

• How do I go about applying for the CA Programme?

  Applications for the Investec CA Programme open every year on 01 September and close on 30 September.  You will need the following documents in order to complete your application:

  1. A copy of your CV
  2. Matric certificate
  3. Academic transcripts
  4. ID
  5. Headshot image of yourself

  Please note that applications for the Investec CA Pathfinder and CA Programme are made at the same time.

• What is the starting salary of a trainee?

  It is market-related.

• I have completed a 6 month course/Diploma in Accounting, what are the next steps to becoming a CA?

  • In order to become a CA, you need to have studied an Accounting-related degree at a relevant SAICA accredited university, which will allow you to further your education towards a CA(SA) qualification. 
  • It is important to obtain your CTA/PGDA/Honours in Accounting and secure a 3 year training contract at a firm/bank.
  • Within these 3 years, you will be required to write and pass two board exams, after which you would then be eligible to register with SAICA as a CA(SA).

• I studied at a university outside of South Africa, would I be able to join the Investec CA Programme?

  In order to be eligible, you need to have studied at a SAICA-accredited university.

• I am a non-South African student studying at a SAICA accredited university, would I qualify for your programme?

  Investec wishes to encourage and promote South Africans to further their studies and qualifications in the hope that they will contribute significantly to the economic development of the country and to fully participate in the broader South African society.

  If you are not a South African citizen we require a copy of a valid work permit in order to process your application. Please upload this with your documents. 

• Could I join the programme with a CIMA/ACCA qualification? Do you offer training for CIMA/ ACCA students?

  We require you to have studied towards a CA(SA) qualification, as our programme is regulated by SAICA, and it is tailor made for people studying towards this specific qualification

  Investec offers articles to people studying towards a CA(SA) qualification. 

• Is there an age limit to the programme?

  There is no age limit to apply to the CA Programme 

• SAICA board exam changes

  In 2006 the SAICA Board initiated a review of the qualification process with specific reference to the relevance of the CA in the future. This resulted in a review of the Part I exam (ITC), as well as review of the Part II exam (APC) to ensure the appropriate assessment of technical and professional competence.

  As of 2014, changes were made and have taken effect which resulted in all trainees completing their articles at an Audit firm (previously TIPP) and all trainees completing their articles at a financial institution (previously TOPP) will complete the same ITC exam and the same APC exam.

  It is therefore important to note that the PPE (Public Practice Examination) and Part II – Financial Management Exam was discontinued from 2014 and was replaced with the APC exam. Please refer to SAICA’s website for further information.

• I am struggling to upload my documents on the website, please advise/can you assist/ is there an alternative way of submitting these?

  You need to submit your application online. 

  • Please make sure the following steps are taken to ensure the ease of submission of your documentation.
  • Once the form is loaded, please be sure to complete the necessary information requested.
  • Please note, that all documents required must be added in order to submit the application. The document types accepted by Investec are explained on the application form.
  • You will be able to save your application form progress and will be emailed a link for you to continue with the application process at a later stage. This link will expire on the closing date of applications.
  • To complete the form, click on the submit application button at the bottom of the page. You may be prompted to provide missing information before submitting. Please do so and complete. The application will then upload the relevant documents and submit the associated form and you will receive an email confirming that your application has been submitted.