The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (usually referred to as SAICA) is a non-profit organisation that represents the interests of the Accounting profession. It is the only body responsible for conferring the designation CA(SA). Holders of the designation are known as CAs or Chartered Accountants. To practise as an auditor in South Africa, one has to be a CA (but not all CAs are necessarily auditors.)

The CA(SA) qualification is highly regarded in South Africa and CAs usually earn top salaries. Most CAs are also members of PAAB (Public Accountants and Auditors Board).

The route to become a chartered accountant:

1. Obtain a Bachelor of Accounting degree
2. Obtain an Honours degree in Accounting together with a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (regarded as very difficult by students and CAs)
3. Complete a three year internship with a registered audit firm (such as Deloitte, KPMG, or Ernst & Young) and pass the two board examinations.

SAICA was formed in 1980, with 9012 members. Prior to this, the profession was regulated by provincial bodies which, over time, collaborated increasingly towards standardization of practices and standards and towards forming a national body. Today, SAICA has approximately 24,000 members, approximately 20% of which are resident outside of the Republic of South Africa. The SAICA mission is "to serve the interests of the Chartered Accountancy profession and society, by upholding professional standards and integrity, and the pre-eminence of South African CAs nationally and internationally."

South Africa is very active in the development and implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards. Some local companies are already reporting according to these standards. Internationally SAICA holds a seat on the Board of the International Accounting Standards Committee.

External links

• The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants official website
• Public Accountants' and Auditors' Board official website