31 July 2024
Written By Milpark
If you aspire to be a professional accountant, we have exceptionally good news! now boasts SAICA recognition, reaffirming its credibility and paving the way for graduates to pursue two of SAICA’s professional accreditations - Associate General Accountant (AGA) SA and Chartered Accountant (CA) SA.
We spoke with junior lecturer Tariq Muhammed Khan to find out why this SAICA recognition is such a game changer.
As someone who has completed the bridging course and taken the “scenic route” to qualifying as a CA, he speaks from personal and professional experience.
The South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA) is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. SAICA accreditation carries enormous weight, locally and around the world.
“Being SAICA registered gives you a globally recognised credential. And it helps you to keep up to date with professional and technical competencies in this dynamic field,” explains Tariq.
SAICA’s premier professional qualification is Chartered Accountant (CA). Qualifying as a CA normally requires a SAICA-accredited undergraduate degree, a SAICA-accredited postgraduate degree (such as Milpark’s PGDA), passing the Initial Test of Competence* (ITC) and Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) board exams, as well as completing three years of articles.
It is enormously challenging and the PGDA is a sticking point for many students: “Completing the PGDA requires passing four modules in one year. If you fail one you must repeat them all. It’s draining - emotionally and financially.
“I gave up on my CA dream at the end of 2015. I had successfully completed my SAICA articles, but after failing the PGDA several times, I lost faith that I could qualify as a CA.”
During August 2015, SAICA re-introduced the Associate General Accountant AGA (SA), another professional accounting certification. This enabled Tariq to register with SAICA. “The AGA (SA) designation has enabled more people to become professional accountants, even if they don’t do a PGDA. It opens the profession for people like me who haven’t yet qualified as a CA.”
An AGA (SA) is eligible to perform certain independent reviews, act as Commissioner of Oaths and an accounting officer for a close corporation, register as a SARS tax practitioner, and more.
“Being an AGA (SA) improves your job prospects; most employers want registered accountants who have demonstrated they have met the minimum professional competencies.”
Read More: Meet Janke Joubert: Achieving success through BCom Accounting
Milpark’s Advanced Accounting was originally designed as a PGDA bridging course for students who had taken a lengthy study break and wanted to attempt the PGDA. Now - with its official SAICA recognition – the course qualifies students to apply for the AGA (SA) designation (provided they meet SAICA’s other requirements).
“Our bridging course now offers an alternative professional pathway for aspiring accountants. Use it to qualify as an AGA or to springboard onto the PGDA programme - you choose your route.”
When Tariq decided to give the PGDA another shot in 2021, he hadn’t studied for a few years and was therefore required to complete the bridging course. “It was invaluable, like a trial run, so you can see exactly what will be expected during your PGDA journey.
It’s online and flexible – do it in six months or spread it out over a year – ideal when you are juggling studies with work and family commitments.
There were other benefits, including being part of a community. “There’s live sessions, drop-in sessions and social media platforms where students can interact to enhance employment and other opportunities.”
With SAICA recognition, Advanced Accounting offers two pathways to becoming SAICA-accredited, even after a detour or long study break. “The bridging course will get you back on track to become a SAICA-accredited professional accountant, whether you choose the AGA or CA route.”
To take the first step towards advancing your career in professional accounting, explore the course here.
Footnote: (*) The initial Test of Competence (ITC) exam will be replaced by The Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) from 2025.
As a junior lecturer and course graduate, Tariq Muhammed Khan is well-qualified to talk about the benefits of Milpark’s Advanced Accounting bridging course. Here’s what he sees as they eight main advantages:
SAICA’s recognition of Milpark’s Advanced Accounting bridging course is a monumental step for aspiring accountants.
This accreditation opens valuable professional pathways, allowing students to pursue both the Associate General Accountant (AGA) SA and Chartered Accountant (CA) SA designations.
By completing this course, you gain not only a globally recognised credential but also the essential competencies to excel in the dynamic field of accounting
Take the first step towards becoming a SAICA-accredited professional accountant and explore the course here. Let Milpark guide you on your journey to a rewarding and respected career in accounting.