Institute of Certified Public Accountants of South Africa
Commercial and Financial Accountant CPA (SA) Learnerships
Learnership Codes : 01/Q010007/00/480/7 (Public Practice)
01/Q010008/00/480/7 (Commerce and Industry)
NQF Level 7
The Commercial & Financial Accountant (CPA) is a nationally recognised accounting qualification and is indicated by the designation CPA (SA). There are two Fasset registered CPA learnerships :
1. Commercial and Financial Accountant : Public Practice
2. Commercial and Financial Accountant : Commerce and Industry
To qualify as a CPA (SA), the Trainee Accountant must successfully complete the official CPA training programme, which comprises an academic and a practical training component. Thereafter the Trainee Accountant can apply for registration as a member with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Entrance Requirements and Recognition of Prior Learning
Learners need to have completed or be studying towards an appropriate Bachelors Degree / National Diploma in Accounting. Recognition of Prior Learning, as well as approved supervised training with other professional bodies, is also considered. The Employer/Workplace Training Provider may have additional entrance requirements.
Duration
1. The academic component can be completed in three years. Typically, the practical component is also three years but can be longer, depending on the results of workplace assessment. If part-time studies are pursued, both components can be completed simultaneously.
2. Recognition of Prior Learning will affect duration.
Syllabus
Academic or Theory Component
An appropriate Accounting Bachelor degree from an approved University or an appropriate National Diploma from an approved Technikon. Four core subjects are required as a pre-requisite:
· Financial Accounting III
· Corporate Law I or Commercial Law II
· Auditing I or Internal Audit II
· Taxation I
Practical Component
A three-year (minimum) Learnership in either Public Practice or Commerce and Industry is completed at an accredited Employer/Workplace Training Provider (CPA Approved Training Centre). The training must be supervised by a registered Accountant and the following core areas of exposure must be covered :
· Financial Accounting
· Management Accounting
· Internal Auditing
· Corporate Law
· Taxation
· Practice Management (Practicing members only)
Assessment
The official CPA training logbook system as well as official CPA monitor visits performed annually by qualified CPA training officials at the place of work in conjunction with the qualified accountant (supervisor) are used to assess the learners’ progress. Electronic assessments are undertaken every 6 months during the practical component and final assessment for membership of theInstitute (professional evaluation) occurs in written format.
Work Functions
Public Practice Member
Public Practice members of the Institute are permitted to perform duties as an Accounting Officer and provide a number of accountancy related services to companies, close corporations, partnerships, sole proprietors, trusts and various other types of small business and non-corporate undertakings.
Commerce and Industry Member
Commerce and Industry members of the Institute can provide accounting duties to the same business entities listed for Public Practice Members, but are not allowed to act as Accounting Officers.
Further Information
CPA Training Department
Tel : (011) 486 0283
Fax : (011) 486 0212
E-mail :
Web : www.cpa-sa.co.za