(1047) Chartered Accountant Trainee - SARB Academy

South African Reserve Bank; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

The South African Reserve Bank invites applications for its Chartered Accountant Trainee Programme for 2026. This three-year program aims to develop the next generation of Chartered Accountants, providing practical experience and essential skills in various banking operations, while addressing the shortage of CAs in the country.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have completed or be completing a SAICA-accredited CTA or PGDA.
• Must have an academic performance record average of at least 60%.
• Must be a South African citizen.

Responsibilities

• Trainees will rotate through various departments of the SARB.
• Acquire competencies prescribed by SAICA and develop business acumen.
• Gain practical experience in central banking operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Curiosity

Self-motivation

Resilience

Education

Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA)

Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA)

Job description

(1047) Chartered Accountant Trainee - SARB Academy

Job Description

Brief description

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) invites passionate, innovative, and talented applicants to apply for the 2026 intake of its Chartered Accountant (CA) Training Programme.

Detailed description

The aim of the programme is to address the shortage of CAs in the SARB and the country. Trainees will acquire competencies prescribed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), reinforce their academic education, and develop business acumen, life skills, and professional and ethical values.

Format of the programme

Trainees will rotate through various departments of the SARB, gaining practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of central banking operations.

Duration of the programme: Three years (starting February 2026).

Qualifications

Candidates must:

• have completed or be completing a SAICA-accredited:
  • Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA); or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) or an equivalent; and
  • be eligible to write the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) Board examination after passing CTA or PGDA.
• have an academic performance record average of at least 60%;
• be a South African citizen.

Additional requirements include:

• strong analytical skills;
• attention to detail;
• good communication and interpersonal skills;
• curiosity, self-motivation, and resilience.

About Us

About SARB

Primary mandate of the SARB: Section 224 of the Constitution of South Africa states that the SARB's primary objective is to protect the value of the currency in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth in South Africa. The SARB must perform its functions independently and without bias.

What We Do

Monetary Policy: The SARB uses interest rates to keep inflation low and steady to protect the value of the rand.

Financial Stability: The SARB aims to protect and enhance financial stability by identifying and mitigating systemic risks.

Prudential Regulation: The Prudential Authority regulates financial institutions and market infrastructures to promote safety and soundness.

Financial Markets: Implements monetary policy through open market operations and manages gold and foreign exchange reserves.

Financial Surveillance: Regulates cross-border transactions, prevents financial system abuse, and supports financial institution regulation.

Payments and Settlements: Ensures the safety and soundness of the national payment system.

Statistics: Provides economic and financial statistics to overview South Africa's economic situation.

Research: Focuses on economics, financial stability, banking, and emerging finance trends to support policy decisions.

Banknotes and Coin: Has exclusive rights to produce, issue, and destroy banknotes and coins in South Africa.

About the Team

The SARB Academy aligns programmes with the SARB's strategic focus, maintaining close relationships with departments to deliver impactful learning for performance and personal growth. Services include annual open programmes, customised departmental programmes, conference design, and strategic events.