Accounting Trainee - Study & Articles Programme

# School Leaver Accounting Trainee – Study & Articles Programme

 

*Location:* Somerset West, Western Cape

*Industry:* Accounting & Professional Services

*Employment Type:* Full-time

*Study:* Part-time

 

### About the Opportunity

 

A well-established boutique accounting practice in Somerset West is offering an exciting opportunity for *matriculants who want to build a career in accounting* while gaining practical workplace experience from the very beginning of their studies.

 

This programme is designed for ambitious school leavers who want to *study towards an accounting qualification part-time while completing their SAIPA training/articles*.

 

The successful candidate will gain practical experience in a professional accounting environment while studying, allowing them to *combine their academic learning with real-world accounting experience*.

 

As part of the overall remuneration and benefits package, the firm may *contribute towards or cover the candidate's approved part-time studies*, subject to the agreed study programme and employment terms.

 

### Why This Opportunity?

 

Instead of spending several years studying before entering the workplace, this pathway allows you to:

 

*Study → Work → Gain Experience → Complete Articles → Build a Career*

 

You will be able to apply what you learn at university directly in your day-to-day work while developing professional skills and working towards your SAIPA qualification.

 

This provides a strong foundation for a long-term career as a *Professional Accountant (SA)*.

 

### Key Responsibilities

 

* Assist with bookkeeping and processing of client accounting records.

* Perform bank reconciliations and basic accounting reconciliations.

* Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts.

* Support the preparation of annual financial statements.

* Assist with VAT, PAYE and income tax submissions.

* Capture and maintain accurate financial information and supporting documentation.

* Assist with payroll and general accounting administration.

* Learn to work with accounting systems such as Xero, Sage/Pastel and QuickBooks.

* Communicate professionally with clients and assist with accounting queries.

* Develop an understanding of South African accounting, tax and compliance requirements.

* Meet work and study deadlines while maintaining a high standard of accuracy.

* Progressively take on greater responsibility as knowledge, experience and technical ability develop.

 

### Study & Career Development

 

The successful candidate will be expected to enrol in an appropriate *part-time accounting qualification* that supports a future SAIPA career pathway.

 

The study programme and employment arrangement will be structured to allow the candidate to gain practical accounting experience while progressing academically.

 

Depending on the agreed programme, the company may provide *financial support towards tuition and approved study costs* as part of the overall employment package.

 

The long-term pathway is designed to provide:

 

*Matric → Part-Time Accounting Degree → Practical Experience → SAIPA Articles → Professional Accountant (SA)*

 

### Minimum Requirements

 

* Completed Matric with strong results.

* Mathematics is essential; *Mathematics Literacy will generally not be suitable* for the intended academic pathway.

* A strong interest in accounting, finance and business.

* Good numerical and analytical ability.

* Strong academic potential and willingness to study part-time.

* Good computer literacy.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* A reliable, hardworking and professional attitude.

* Ability to balance full-time employment with part-time studies.

* Previous work experience is *not required*.

 

### Key Competencies

 

* Strong attention to detail.

* Numerically minded and analytical.

* Highly motivated to build a professional career.

* Willingness to learn and accept responsibility.

* Good time-management and organisational skills.

* Resilient and able to manage competing study and work commitments.

* Professional and client-focused.

* Strong work ethic and personal accountability.

* Team-oriented with good interpersonal skills.

* Long-term commitment to developing a career in accounting.

 

### Who Would This Suit?

 

This opportunity would suit a *school leaver who knows they want a career in accounting but wants to avoid choosing between studying and gaining meaningful work experience*.

 

It is particularly suited to someone who is ambitious, disciplined and willing to work hard — someone who sees the value in *earning while learning and building professional experience from day one*.

 

The goal is not simply to employ a junior administrator, but to *develop the successful candidate into a qualified accounting professional and future SAIPA Accountant*.