What is a Chartered Secretary?

There is currently a shortage of qualified and experienced Chartered Secretaries. 

Chartered Secretaries are in demand!

This means that the likelihood of you getting work in this field is quite high, however, qualifying as a Chartered Secretary may take a lot of effort and rigorous hard work.  This hard work will pay off in the end, as Chartered Secretaries earn good salaries. 

The Chartered Secretary qualification is also recognised in 70 countries worldwide. 

A Chartered Secretary holds a senior managerial position in the company and is usually working their way to becoming a director.

They are directly responsible for their company’s performance.  They need to make sure all departments are well organised, productive, efficient and profitable.   

A Chartered Secretary has a wealth of knowledge and experience regarding corporate governance. ‘Corporate governance is the set of processes, customs, policies, laws, and institutions affecting the way a corporation (or company) is directed, administered or controlled.’ – en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_governance

For more info about Chartered Secretaries: CLICK HERE

What does a Chartered Secretary do?

• remains at the forefront of governance issues
• communicates and negotiates with a wide range of authorities, government officials, customers and shareholders
• arranges director’s and shareholders’ meetings
• drafts agendas
• stays alert and keeps up to date with world news, company law, corporate governance and local and national manufacturing regulations
• keeps abreast of national and local employment and industrial regulations through human resources department
• keeps up to date with technology and computer packages
• constantly researches risk management and risk funding
• constantly checking new tax laws
• is aware of both the company’s and country’s economics
• keeps up to date with company’s accounting and financial records
• keeps up to date with general management issues

Are you . . . ?

• interested in a career in business/finance?
• professional and disciplined?
• efficient and organised?
• a person who pays attention to detail?
• a confident communicator?
• trustworthy?
• a person with highly developed literacy and mathematical skills?
• able to manage time and meet deadlines?
• accurate?
• a team player?

How do I become a Chartered Secretary?

• CHARTERED SECRETARIES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

• ACCREDITED – CSSA/BOARD TUITION PROVIDERS

• ACCREDITED – IBS TUITION PROVIDERS

‘Please note that Intec College has been de-accredited and is no longer permitted to offer the CIS or IBS programmes. Please contact jacqui@icsa.co.za for further advice if you are registered as a student with either of these colleges.’ – from CSSA

Recommended school subjects:  English, Accounting and Economics. 

To skill yourself further you could do courses in Corporate Governance:

Here are a few:

• MILPARK BUSINESS SCHOOL

Corporate Governance and Risk Management

• UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND

Programmes in Corporate Governance and Administration (CSSA accredited)

• UNISA

Introduction to Corporate Governance

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Office Manager … or … Personal Assistant (PA)

Is becoming a Chartered Secretary the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 431101

What is an Accounts Clerk?

If you are someone who loves working with figures – but would prefer not to train further at a univeristy, you could consider becoming an Accounts Clerk. An Accounts Clerk usually helps an accountant.

Accounts Clerks manages creditor and/or debtor accounts.

What does an Accounting Technician do?

• does accounting documentation
• calculates wages
• calculates the cost of materials, overheads and production
• pays accounts
  receives payments
• operates computers programmed with accounting packages
• reports to an accountant or someone senior

Are you … ?

• a person who likes numbers and mathematics?
• accurate?
• organised?
• methodical?
• computer literate?

How do I become an Accounting Technician?

Study Path:

Entry: Senior Certificate with Mathematics

Qualifications:

• Certificate in Accounting – no formal entry requirements.
• Advanced Certificate in Accounting – students normally start at the Certificate Stage, but entry directly to the Advanced Certificate Stage is permitted provided you can satisfy the Association of Accounting Technicians’ entry requirements.
• Diploma in Accounting – students will normally be expected to complete the Certificate and Advanced Certificate stages but entry directly to the Diploma Stage is permitted provided you can satisfy the Association of Accounting Technicians’ entry requirements.

There are 3 main ways to become an Accounting Technician:

(1) TVET (FET) Certificate NQF Level 2 / Grade 10Learnership – Junior Bookkeeper Level 3 which is offered by the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)

(2) Learnership – Accounting Technician Level 3

Requirements: Good maths or numbers skills and be able to communicate in English. All tests are done in English.

(3) Learnership – Local Government Accounting Level 3

        This is offered by the Association of Accounting Technicians South Africa (AAT)(SA)

Requirements:

• Grade 10
• Must already be employed in local government

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 
  

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Bookkeeper or Accountant

Is becoming an Accounts Clerk the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Auditor?

An Auditor examines and audits (checks) the financial records to see that they reflect the true financial state of the company/ business and that the procedures employed are correct. Qualified Auditors can choose between three career paths: in the profession itself, in the civil service or in the academic field.

Other useful services by Auditors include advising clients about tax and estate planning, installing and operating computers, company secretarial support and general management advice.

Areas of specialisation:

Auditing:

• An auditor investigates the financial records of a company and then gives a report. 

Legal Matters:

• Mercantile (trade or commercial) law and company law give the auditor the opportunity to handle the legal aspects of contracts, such as with letting and hire purchase. 

Computer Science:

• Click on:  ‘ACCOUNTANT‘

Planning and Management:  

• Click on:  ‘ACCOUNTANT‘

What does an Auditor do?

• examines company accounts
• analyses, interprets and comparse facts and figures of the company
• identifies any problems or risks to the business
• assesses the company’s financial reporting systems
• establishes good working relationships with clients
• makes recommendations for improvements
• studies figures and shares info with managers so they can make the right business decisions
• prepares budgets
• manages investments
• monitors risk management
• keeps up to date with industry laws and bylaws
• prepares annual financial reports
• prepares figures for tax purposes

Are you . . . ?

• good with numbers and mathematics?
• methodical and analytical?
• neat and accurate?
• ableto concentrate for long periods at a time?
• intelligent and logical?
• computer literate?
• trustworthy?
• a person with common sense?
• objective and empathic?
• hard worker?
• deadline orientated?
• a person with good social & communication skills?
• a person who respects confidentiality?
• creative in solving problems?
• able to learn and digest?

How do I become an Auditor?

Academic training comprises 4 to 5 years’ full-time study. During this time the following qualifications can be obtained: BCom (Acc) 3 years; BCom (Honours)(Acc) and CTA (Certificate Theory of Accounting) 1 – 2 years.

During the following year, the qualifying examination of the Public Accountants and Auditors board can be written. Practical training takes three years after obtaining a degree.

B.Comm Degree:

Entrance requirements to universities vary from one to another, but here are some guidelines:

Some universities select according to the Grade 11 marks, although the Grade 12 is the decider.

• Bachelor of Commerce: (With various specialisations).  Most universities offer this.
  
• Bachelor of Commerce (Internal Auditing) only at University of Pretoria
• Bachelor Of Accounting Sciences In Internal Auditing at UNISA

Minimum requirements:  Grade 12with APS score range from 27-41. Each institution has their own requirements, so check carefully.

Compulsory subjects:

• Mathematics (50-59%) Some want up to 70%.
• Accounting (50-69%)

Recommended subjects:

• Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Information Technology, Civil Technology.

Check both public universities and UNISA (distant learning unversity) as well as some private institutions.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

EMPLOYMENT:

Their training enables Auditors to hold high status positions, for example as managers, accountants, internal auditors or even financial executives of local and international undertakings. Auditors can also work for commercial undertakings, industries, municipalities, banks, mines, insurance companies and so forth.

Auditors can be employed in:

• in commerce and all kinds of industries
• universities and colleges as lecturers
• businesses
• public sector (government, local government, statutory bodies)
• own business

CONTACTS:

• Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors
• www.irba.co.za

• The Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa
• www.iiasa.org.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Accountant or Bookkeeper

Is becoming an Auditor the right career choice for me?

What is a Chartered Accountant?

What is the difference between an Accountant and a Chartered Accountant?

When the Accountant and the Chartered Accountant are busy with their articles, the Chartered Accountant usually specialises in Auditing or Financial Management.
However, the lines between an Accountant and Chartered Accountant may blur as the Accountant accumulates industry experience. 

See  ACCOUNTANT on our website for more details. 

A Chartered Accountant is responsible for the company’s financial records and they are also in charge of the company’s taxes. This requires careful monitoring and record keeping. Chartered Accountants then analyse this information and advise the companies so that they can make informed, productive decisions which will safeguard investors etc. 

There are at least 8 areas a Chartered Accountant may specialise in:

• Accounting:

A specialist in this field will advise with regard to planning and managing finances, budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, raising capital or loans, cash projections, purchasing of assets and investment management.

• Financial Management:

The management and control of company assets, including administration and general business management.  

• Planning and Management:

This speciality area includes financial planning, long-term forecasts, feasibility studies, allocation of resources and planning for new projects.  

• Auditing:

Investigate financial reports and advise accordingly.  

• Costing:

The Chartered Accountant in this particular field will be responsible for all the cost-calculations with regard to cost-effective manufacturing, cost reductions and designing cost-orientated processes. 

• Computerisation: 

This CA will be responsible for the development and installation of financial computer systems. 

• Legal Advising: 

These CA’s specialise in law (mercantile and company) and handle contracts, leases etc.  They also act as trustees in deceased or insolvent estates.  They can also liquidate companies. 

• Taxation: 

They specialise in company tax.

What does a Chartered Accountant do?

• analyses company’s financial information
• prepares and reports on financial statements to shareholders
• captures financial information on computers

Most of the typical tasks are similar to that of an Accountant (See ‘Accountant’ on our website for more details). Also, depending on the area the CA specialises in, their typical tasks could vary.  See above.

Are you … ?

• interested in a career in accounting?
• intelligent?
• determined?
• accurate?
• a person with good communication skills?
• mathematical astute?
• clear and concise?
• trustworthy?
• able to interpret facts and figures?
• interested in business?
• a problem solver?
• logical?

How do I become a Chartered Accountant?

A Chartered Accountant (CA) is the highest professional qualification in accounting in South Africa and CA’s are in extreme demand!     

‘Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) opens doors. It is your gateway to a challenging and exciting career, global mobility, flexibility and great earning potential in the business field of your choice.’ – SAICA

• SAICA:  SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

https://www.saica.co.za/Default.aspx 

How to become a Chartered Accountant: courtesy of SAICA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtsNlP_JbMM&feature=player_detailpage

To become a Chartered Accountant South Africa CA(SA) generally takes roughly 7 years of academic study and practical training. You need to choose mathematics (not maths literacy) at school and obtain very good results.

You must then study a relevant Bachelors of Commerce degree at a university accredited by (SAICA), complete a training contract and pass the qualifying examinations.  

See under ACOUNTANT on our website for more details.

• FASSET

http://www.fasset.org.za/

• SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE OF PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

http://www.saipa.co.za/

• ACCA: THE GLOBAL BODY FOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS

http://www.accaglobal.com/en.html

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Financial Planner or Economist

Is becoming a Chartered Accountant the right career choice for me?

Other names for a Cost Accounting Assistant:

Cost Clerk
Costing Clerk
Costing Estimator
Pricing Clerk / Analyst / Estimator

What is a Cost & Accounting Assistant? 

Cost & Accounting Assistants usually help accountants and chartered accountants with all the financial and accounting duties for the company. 

What does a Cost & Accounting Assistant do?

• collects financial data to help prepare financial reports and tax returns
• checks that financial numbers are correctly entered into computers
• makes calculations
• prepares invoices and statements
• works on accounting computer packages, databases and spreadsheets
• handles clients and suppliers account queries

Are you . . . ?

• good at mathematics?
• logical?
• reliable and ethical?
• responsible?
• a person who pays attention to details?
• thorough and systematic?
• organised?

How do I become a Cost & Accounting Assistant? 

You will need some form of financial qualification or financial background. If you did well at mathematics and/or accounting at school, this will be an advantage.

You can do a National Diploma and Bachelor degree (BTech) in Cost and Management Accounting at some of the universities of technology. Some private institutions offer something similar.

You could also qualify with an accounting or finance degree or diploma. Becoming a Cost & Accounting Assistant might be your entry level job before you head off up the corporate ladder to success.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check Accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Bookkeeper or Economist

Is becoming a Cost & Accounting Assistant the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 2631101

Other names of Economist:

What is an Economist?

Do you love statistics? Do you like following supply and demand trends? Are you interested in world affairs? If you do, then look no further. Becoming an Economist may be the career path for you.

The job of an Economist is to research and study a variety of data and statistics to try and predict trends in our ever-changing world economies. This information usually covers the supply and demand of certain manufactured products or raw materials. These forecasts help agencies, industry, companies and government to make informed decisions with regard to economic policy.  They try to help economies from diving into a depression.

Economists can specialise in certain areas:

• government policies
• tax
• banking
• unemployment
• inflation
• wages
• politics
• environment
• agriculture
• consulting

What does an Economist do?

• reads and researches books, online, newspapers, magazines, government papers etc
• interviews individuals when necessary to obtain data
• collects and collates data and statistics
• creates surveys and other methods for data collection
• understands, analyses and interprets data
• provides economic advice including forecasts
• evaluates past and present economic situations and trends
• writes reports, magazine or newspaper articles
• presents reports at conferences, seminars or to companies and various government departments
• presents information on road shows throughout the country

Are you . . . ?

• interested in statistics, world and current events?
• mathematically astute?
• organised?
• a critical and analytical thinker?
• able to spend hours and hours reading and researching?
• a person with good comprehension?
• a person with extremely good writing and speaking skills?
• a good listener?
• confident?
• able to do public speaking?
• able to work on your own?
• self motivated?
• a problem solver?
• computer literate?

How do I become an Economist?

You will need a degree. You will definitely need mathematics to enter these courses. Maths Literacy is not accepted. Each institution has their own requirements, so check carefully.

Most universities offer at least one of these or more:

• Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc)
• Bachelor of Economics (BEcon)
• Bacherlor of Commerce with majors in Economics or Econometrics
• Bachelor of Social Sciences with majors in Economics (BSocSci)
• Bachelor of Economic Science (BEconSci)
• Bachelor of Accounting Science with Economics (BAccSci ) etc

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

OTHER CAREERS TO CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Auditor or Chartered Accountant

Is becoming an Economist the right career choice for me?

11-05-2015 – Posted on Facebook

OFO No:

What is a Stockbroker?

To start off with, let’s understand the following 3 terms:

Stock:

• A company or corporation sells shares (stock) in that company to raise capital for the company to grow. The price of a share is usually constantly changing (up or down) depending on how well the company is doing, or what the political, environmental, financial markets and other factors are all doing at any one time.

Broker:

• A broker is like a ‘middle man’. He or she sells and buys goods on behalf of a customer.

Stockbroker:

• A Stockbroker, therefore, sells and buys shares for their clients.

Because prices of shares change constantly, this is a very risky business. Some even think it’s like gambling. It’s like placing a bet on a share to do well. The timing of buying and selling of shares is very important. If not done timeously, the customer/Stockbroker can lose a lot of money.

The risks are huge.

There are 2 kinds of Stockbrokers:

Execution Only Stockbrokers:

• They only buy and sell on the command of their clients. Almost all the risk is taken by the client.

Discretionary Stockbrokers:

• The Stockbroker makes all the decisions of when to buy and sell shares on behalf of the client. The risk then lies with the Stockbroker.

A good Stockbroker must have an abundant knowledge of the stock market and the various companies involved. They need to keep up to date with current events and any other factors that may influence the price of shares.

Stockbrokers must follow very strict rules and regulations of the stock market.

Stockbrokers usually make their money from a percentage of what the clients earn via their shares that the Stockbroker has bought on their behalf.

What does a Stockbroker do?

• researches and reads about companies on the stock market
• researches and reads about current events and other contributing factors
• reads annual reports from companies
• watches the share prices change constantly
• makes informed decisions of when to sell and when to buy
• buys and sells timeously
• liaises with clients
• advises clients

Are you . . . ?

• a risk taker?
• a person who can handle stress?
• a person with a good memory?
• good at mathematics?
• logical?
• good at comprehension?
• a decision maker?
• confident?
• ambitious?
• reliable and responsible?

How do I become a Stockbroker?

You will need a financial or business qualification. It’s advisable, once qualified, to get an entry level job in an investment bank or brokerage company. Once you have worked a few years, consider getting another qualification or a post grad qualification.

While you collect experience and skills in this job, it’s a good idea to network and build up your own set of contacts and professional relationships. Be ready for the day you become a Stockbroker!

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Economist or Forensic Accountant

Is becoming a Stockbroker the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Budget Analyst?

A Budget Analyst’s main tasks are to prepare and advise on budgets within company or organisation. It’s a difficult to job to distribute the monies effectively and efficiently so that the company can operate at the best level. If these tasks are not executed correctly, the organisation could go bankrupt.

In an NPO (not for profit organisation) for instance, profit is not a big issue but rather how to make their funding work best for them throughout their organisation. As funding becomes more difficult the job of a Budget Analyst really gets tested. They have to be good problem solver.

What does a Budget Analyst do?

• analyses financial data
• estimates future budgets and expenditures
• develops budgets
• critiques and advises on new and/or existing budgets
• keeps up to date with legislation
• keeps up to date with the goals of the company / organisation
• liaises with management and financial departments
• solves budgetary problems
• monitor and evaluate budget expenditure
• writes reports and gives regular feedback to management
  

Are you . . . ?

• good at mathematics?
• responsible and reliable?
• a problem solver?
• detail orientated?
• logical?
• thorough and systematic?
• a good communicator?

How do I become a Budget Analyst?

You will need a degree in Mathematics, Finance and/or Accounting. Once you have worked and gained experience in the financial department of a company, you might think of continuing your studies to a Masters degree.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  HR Clerk or Accounts Clerk

Is becoming a Budget Analyst the right career choice for me?

What is an Internal Auditor?

An Internal Auditor has the very responsible job of researching, evaluating and improving strategies to manage risk, control and governance within a company or organisation.

What does an Internal Auditor do?

• researches company’s business data (taxation, legal matters, performance evaluations etc)
• researches company’s financial data (cost accounting, taxation, budgeting, etc)
• researches company’s computer records etc
  
• provides an independent review of company risk, control and governance strategies and processes
• identifies key risk factors
• makes sure risks are effectively managed
• advises managers on control strategies
• reports to audit committee of an organisation
• makes sure company or organisation is complying with rules, regulations and within the law

Are you . . . ?

• good at mathematics?
• a person with a head for a business?
• logical?
• a problem solver?
• a good researcher?
• organised and methodical?
• reliable and responsible?

How do I become an Internal Auditor?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Internal Auditing

Bachelor of Technology in Internal Auditing

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University of Technology

PATH 2

Bachelor degree of Internal Auditing

• University of Pretoria

PATH 3

Learnership: Internal Audi Technician Level 6

• Designation/registration by the IIA SA. This allows the person to state they are a qualified, professional Internal Auditing Technician.

Institute of Internal Auditors SA:

• You will have to do 2 consecutive learnerships through them

• INSTITUTE for INTERNAL AUDITORS SA (IIA SA)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Auditor … or … Contract Manager

Is becoming an Internal Auditior the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 212101

Other names for Actuary:

Average Adjuster
Actuary Manager

What is an Actuary?

Using their analytical skills, Actuaries study the financial records and determine the financial impact of risk and uncertainty the business is under. They are a financial problem-solver. 

They can work in many different areas, including: insurance companies, banks, corporations, hospitals, unions, consulting firms, government agencies etc.

Besides being extremely good at mathematics, Actuaries also know a lot about computer science, economics, law, political and social issues.

What does an Actuary do?

• opens their own private company and consult to large assurance companies as well as large or small businesses and individuals.
• analyses statistics
• determines the risks of their client’s investment/s
• monitors their client’s portfolio
• creates reports
• forecasts success or failures of investment/s

Are you … ?

• mathematically minded?
• clear thinking?
• analytical?
• hard worker?
• determined?
• ambitious?
• good under pressure?
• good communicator?
• computer literate

How do I become an Actuary?

Various South African universities offer recognised degree courses in Actuarial Science. Studying to become an Actuary takes a long time and a lot of hard work. The financial rewards, however, are worth it. 

Some universities only offer a Bachelors in Commerce or a Bachelors in Business Science. It is up to you then to follow up with Actuarial Science at another university.

• UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN 
• STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY 
• UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND 
• UNIVERSITY OF THE PRETORIA

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• ACTUARIAL SOCIETY OF SA 
  

http://www.actuarialsociety.org.za/

How to become an Actuary: CLICK HERE

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Bookkeeper or Accounts Clerk

Is becoming an Actuary the right career choice for me?