Accounting
Accounting records, verifies and explains the financial position of organisations. It is the most portable business qualification there is, and a common route into executive roles.
Careers
24
Salary range
R240k – R980k
Demand
Consistent — every registered organisation needs audited numbers.
Why this industry matters
Trustworthy numbers are the precondition for investment, lending and public accountability.
Major career pathways
- Auditor
- Management accountant
- Tax consultant
- Financial manager
- CFO
Career map
Study
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Taxation
Entry roles
- Auditor
- Management accountant
- Tax consultant
Specialise
- Financial reporting
- Auditing
- Tax
Lead
- Financial manager
- CFO
Typical employers & featured organisations
Audit firms
Hires across accounting roles at graduate and experienced level.
Corporates
Hires across accounting roles at graduate and experienced level.
Public sector
Hires across accounting roles at graduate and experienced level.
SMEs
Hires across accounting roles at graduate and experienced level.
Advisory practices
Hires across accounting roles at graduate and experienced level.
Qualifications & certifications
Required qualifications
- BCom Accounting + articles
- Professional body membership
Professional certifications
- CA(SA) / ACCA / CPA
- CIMA
- Registered Tax Practitioner
Skills that get you hired
Technical skills
- Financial reporting
- Auditing
- Tax
- Accounting software
- Attention to detail
Soft skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Time management
Salary progression
Entry level
R240k – R350k
Mid level
R380k – R600k
Senior level
R660k – R980k
Career progression timeline
Years 0–2
Learn the fundamentals in an entry role such as auditor.
Years 2–5
Specialise. Depth in financial reporting and auditing is what moves your salary.
Years 5–10
Lead projects or teams, or move into cfo.
Years 10+
Senior specialist, management or independent consulting — the pay bands diverge sharply here.
Future trends & emerging technology
- Continuous audit
- Automated reconciliation
- ESG reporting
How AI is changing this industry
Data capture and reconciliation are largely automated; interpretation and assurance are not.
Where to study
University degrees
- Accounting
- Financial Management
- Taxation
TVET & vocational
- Bookkeeping certificates
- AAT qualifications
- Payroll administration
Online learning
- ACCA online tuition
- Xero and Sage certification
- IFRS short courses
Internships, apprenticeships & graduate programmes
- Graduate programmes at large employers
- Structured internships (3–12 months)
- Apprenticeships and learnerships
- Volunteer and community projects