2027 ACCA Trainee Accountant - External Audit, Cape Town

BDO South Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO South Africa invites applications for its ACCA/SAICA Account Traineeship. You will embark on a 3-year training contract within the Audit division, gaining broad experience across commercial sectors and working alongside experienced professionals.

You will develop competencies to register with SAICA or ACCA, receiving mentorship and exposure to diverse clients from listed entities to entrepreneurial businesses while advancing your professional skills and career growth.

Qualifications

• The candidate must have the 9 qualifying exemptions by December 2026.
• Must have selected Advanced auditing as one of the modules for ACCA exams.
• ACCA Accredited degree from a residential university with auditing as one of the major subjects.
• Must be a South African citizen

Responsibilities

• Hands-on involvement in audit work from the day you join
• Exposure to a range of clients, from large JSE-listed companies to smaller owner-managed businesses
• A mentor to guide and challenge you
• Secondment opportunities for qualifying staff

Skills

Willingness to learn

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Client relations

Education

ACCA accredited degree

SA citizenship

9 exemptions by Dec 2026

Advanced auditing module

Job description

Are you considering joining BDO in South Africa for a traineeship position. As the South African member firm of the global BDO organisation, one of the fastest growing professional services networks globally, you would be making a good choice for your future career.

You would be joining an organisation with representation in over 167 countries and territories, including 58 Africa countries.

We know that it’s important to you to be part of something that matters, a firm that is making an impact on its profession as well as the communities in which it is located. You’ll find all that, and more, at BDO.

ONE ORGANISATION - GLOBALLY CONNECTED

BDO’s global organisation extends across 164 countries and territories, with 88,120 people working out of 1,617 offices - and we’re all working towards one goal: to provide our clients with exceptional service. Our firms across the organisation cooperate closely and comply with consistent operating principles and quality standards.

Our Purpose

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS

Our mission defines who we are and why we exist. It’s our core purpose. We play a big role in helping our clients and people achieve their dreams. Our mission keeps us grounded and humble about our impact on people’s lives every day.

What you can expect when you join BDO.

• A commitment to creating unlimited growth by giving our people continuous opportunities
• A friendly and supportive culture, surrounded by teammates who are on the same journey as you
• Collaboration and an open-door policy, all the way up to our CEO
• A mentor to guide and challenge you
• Exposure to a range of clients, from large JSE-listed companies to smaller owner-managed businesses
• Opportunities to show you care through our CSI initiatives
• A chance to meet other colleagues at our Sports & Social functions
• Secondment opportunities for qualifying staff
• Hands-on involvement in audit work from the day you join
• A choice of five offices in South Africa offering audit work. Our other offices do Advisory work and as such traineeships are not available in Roodepoort and Stellenbosch.
• A firm big enough to be able to access the best group of experts for a client’s needs from our national and international network, and small enough to be responsive and innovative in tackling challenges.

The ACCA Accountant Traineeship is a 3 Year Training Contract whereby you will gain the relevant experience in order to register as a Chartered Certified Accountant.

The Trainee Accountant vacancies are for 2027 first year trainees wanting to start their training contract within the BDO Audit division. The training contract will ensure that you achieve the competencies to register with SAICA or ACCA and equip you with generalist expertise and experience in a broad range of commercial sectors. As a BDO Audit professional, you’ll work in a fast-paced environment and help BDO to deliver exceptional client service.

We Are Looking For Candidates Who Would Like

• Exposure to a broad range of client sectors;
• Hands on experience with clients and management;
• Open door policy with managers and partners;
• To learn about a broad range of businesses from listed entities to entrepreneurial start ups;
• A supportive environment that is focused on skills development and professionalism.

Academic Requirements

• The candidate must have the 9 qualifying exemptions by December 2026.
• Must have selected Advanced auditing as one of the modules for ACCA exams.
• ACCA Accredited degree from a residential university with auditing as one of the major subjects.
• Must be a South African citizen

Competencies

• Keen willingness to learn and bring energy and aspiration to audit team;
• Strong technical ability;
• High level of attention to detail and analytical and problem-solving abilities;
• Ability to communicate effectively;
• Ability to relate to clients;
• Ability to apply sound professional judgment;
• Demonstrate a commitment to self-development and growth;
• Ability to work within diverse teams;
• Strong organisational ability.

#KN