BDO Wave 2026 ACCA Traineeship - (Gqeberha) Port Elizabeth

BDO South Africa; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading audit firm in South Africa is offering a 3-year ACCA Accountant Traineeship beginning January 2026. The position will provide extensive training in audit delivery, including exposure to the full audit cycle and ongoing support for ACCA qualification exams. Ideal candidates should possess an ACCA accredited degree and a passion for learning. This role offers the opportunity to develop skills in a dynamic environment while working towards the Chartered Certified Accountant designation.

Benefits

Exam and tuition costs covered

Paid study leave

Qualifications

• ACCA accredited degree from an approved university with auditing as a major subject, completed 2024 or 2025.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Demonstrate commitment to self-development and growth.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of audits from planning through to completion.
• Prepare audit planning documents and contribute to risk assessments.
• Perform audit procedures across financial statement areas.
• Complete monthly feedback forms and track skills reviews.
• Progress towards the ACCA qualification with structured support.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Ability to handle stress

Excellent command of English

Excellent communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Project management skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

ACCA accredited degree

Job description

Overview

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 with ACCA. The Trainee Accountant vacancies are for January 2026 where first-year trainees will start their training contract within the BDO Wave Audit division based in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). The training contract will ensure that you obtain the support to write the strategic level exams and achieve the competencies required to register with ACCA. You will be equipped with generalist expertise and experience in a broad range of commercial sectors. As a BDO Wave Audit professional, you’ll work in a fast-paced environment and help BDO Wave to deliver exceptional client service.

Roles and Responsibilities

Audit (Technical)

• Assist in the delivery of audits from planning through to completion, gaining exposure to the full audit cycle
• Support planning activities by preparing audit planning documents, creating system notes, and contributing to risk assessments
• During execution, perform audit procedures across financial statement areas such as payroll, cash and bank, revenue, cost of sales, expenses, and property, plant and equipment (PPE)
• Evaluate evidence to assess whether there is a risk of material misstatement within financial data and document findings clearly
• Escalate issues identified to senior team members and assist in resolving queries
• Contribute to completion procedures, including final analytical reviews, clearing outstanding queries, preparing completion checklists, and assisting in drafting audit reports
• Develop professional judgement by linking audit findings to business risks and industry context

Administration

• Complete monthly feedback forms by requesting input from managers on work performed during audit engagements
• Track and update monthly skills reviews within the Learning & Training System (LTS) to monitor competencies obtained, supporting sign-off at the end of the training contract
• Prepare and deliver presentations, and actively participate in team presentations to build professional communication skills

Studying

• Progress towards the ACCA qualification with structured support and mentorship
• Balance work and study commitments, developing resilience and discipline
• Apply theoretical knowledge from ACCA studies directly into audit engagements, strengthening both technical ability and professional judgement

Study Support

• Exam and tuition costs covered by BDO Wave for the first attempt of your ACCA exams
• Lecture preparation with an approved Learning Service Provider covered by BDO Wave
• Paid study leave

Education

• ACCA accredited degree from an approved university with auditing as one of the major subjects, preferably completed 2024 or 2025

Skills

• Keen willingness to learn and bring energy and aspiration to the audit team
• Ability to handle and manage stress
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills for internal and external stakeholder relationship management
• Flexible in terms of working hours when required
• Project management skills
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Team player
• Demonstrate a commitment to self-development and growth
• Ability to work within diverse teams
• Strong organisational ability

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