Business & Finance
Chartered Accountant
You track, audit and explain the money of businesses.
- Starting salary
- R18 000 – R30 000 (articles)
- Job demand
- Always needed
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Accounting
What do they do?
You track, audit and explain the money of businesses.
A day in the life
You prepare and check financial statements, advise on tax and help leaders make money decisions.
Skills you need
- Numbers
- Ethics
- Attention to detail
- Business sense
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Accounting
- English
- Business Studies
How long does it take?
4 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BCom Accounting
- 3Honours/CTA
- 4Articles (3 yrs) + board exams
- 5CA(SA)
Ways in: University degree · Professional certification (SAICA/SAIPA). University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Pretoria
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Johannesburg
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of South Africa
- North-West University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R18 000 – R30 000 (articles)
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R45 000 – R80 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R90 000 – R200 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Keep a budget of your own money
- • Take Accounting seriously
- • Help a family business with records
Try this career
Track every rand you spend for two weeks and build a simple budget.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.