How Milpark Helped Rochel Get Back on Track to CA(SA)

From an early age, Rochel had a passion for numbers and excelled academically, achieving six distinctions in Matric. However, one unexpected result changed everything - scoring just under 70% for mathematics meant she couldn’t enrol in the BCom in Accounting at her local university, shutting the door on the most direct route to becoming a CA(SA).

With financial constraints ruling out study options further afield, Rochel began a Bachelor’s in Financial and Management Accounting at a nearby private institution. While this degree provided opportunities to qualify with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA), it did not lead to registration as a CA(SA) with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) - widely regarded as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. 

Note: Although it wasn’t available then, Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) now offers a BCom in Accounting and a fully online path to qualifying as a CA(SA). 

After completing her undergraduate degree with distinction, Rochel faced a tough decision - to stick with the management accounting route or find a way to fulfil her true ambition. "Deep down, I knew I still wanted to be a CA. Even if it meant an additional year, I had to go for it."

That’s when she discovered Milpark’s Bridging Short Programme in Advanced Accounting - a SAICA-endorsed course designed to prepare students for the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA). It seemed to be the opportunity she had been praying for. But could an online accounting course offer her enough support?

Despite her concerns about distance learning online, Rochel quickly discovered that Milpark’s interactive approach made her feel connected every step of the way. "I worried about not having access to lecturers, but you can book one-on-one consults and get whatever support you need. It felt like in-person learning."

Rochel took full advantage of Milpark’s comprehensive support system, which included:

• One-on-one consultations with lecturers
• Weekly tasks, assessments and milestone-based learning
• Interactive live sessions
• Viva Engage – a platform where lecturers and students ask and answer questions.
• Milpark’s Student Success and Wellness team

Rochel’s experience as a teaching assistant during her undergraduate degree gave her further insight into the course. "I could see how well the content bridges the gap between theory-focused undergraduate studies and the practical, technical demands of PGDA/CTA."

Even with a fresh Bachelor’s degree, the bridging course pushed her: "They want you to understand each concept fully, with no blank spaces. It took everything from my Bachelor’s, put it in a box and rounded it off nicely."

Completing the Advanced Accounting Bridging Course made Rochel feel ready for the demanding PGDA/CTA - and more confident than ever. "Coming first in the Management Accounting and Finance module helped me overcome the feelings of failure that had lingered after not being accepted at my preferred university after school."

Rochel appreciates Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) for its clear, structured approach:

"Milpark knows exactly where you are going. They are laser-focused on getting you to CA. You don’t have to figure out the way - it's already mapped out for you."

For her, the Advanced Accounting Bridging Course was more than just a stepping stone – it’s been a second chance to achieve her dream.

Her advice to aspiring accountants facing similar challenges? "Don’t let one obstacle define your journey. If you want it, find another way."

•    Break big goals into small milestones—it keeps you motivated.
•    Use every Milpark resource—from recorded lectures to live consultations.
•     Find a study schedule that works for you. Rochel’s best focus times are 9 AM - 12 PM & evenings. Milpark’s flexible online approach allows her to study when it suits her.

Learn More: Shaping Tomorrow’s Investment

• Setbacks don’t define success – Missing one requirement didn’t end Rochel’s CA(SA) journey. With Milpark’s help, she found another way.
• Support makes all the difference – Becoming an accountant is demanding. Milpark’s structured learning and dedicated support system helped her stay on track.
• There’s more than one path to becoming a CA(SA) – Rochel didn’t start with a traditional BCom in Accounting, but the Advanced Accounting Bridging Course helped her get back on track and prepared her for PGDA/CTA success.

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step in the CA(SA) Journey?

Rochel’s story demonstrates that there’s more than one way to achieve the CA(SA) designation. With Milpark’s structured support and flexible learning options, aspiring accountants can overcome obstacles and get back on track. Whether you’re restarting your journey or looking for the next step, Milpark’s Advanced Accounting Bridging Course and PGDA/CTA provide the tools you need to succeed. Don’t let challenges define your path—find your way with Milpark.