SAICA Trainee Accountant (First Year)

Brendmo Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services firm in South Africa seeks a first-year SAICA trainee accountant. This role provides a 3-year training contract, offering valuable exposure to audits, financial management, and tax services. Candidates should have completed their CTA, possess strong academic records, and exhibit proficiency in MS Office. The position entails assisting in audits, preparing financial statements, and liaising with clients professionally.

Benefits

Study leaves and support for exams

Mentorship and career guidance

Practical exposure across services

Qualifications

• Completed CTA and eligible for a SAICA training contract.
• Strong academic record with interest in auditing, accounting, and tax services.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and execution of audits.
• Prepare management accounts monthly/quarterly.
• Draft annual financial statements and assist with tax returns.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Detail-oriented

Proficiency in MS Office

Education

Completed CTA

Tools

CaseWare

Accounting software

Job description

Overview

Brendmo is a professional services firm offering audit, accounting, tax, and advisory services. We are dedicated to developing Chartered Accountants (SA) through structured training, hands-on client exposure, and mentorship. Our trainees gain well-rounded experience across audits, financial management, and compliance work.

Role Purpose

As a first-year SAICA trainee accountant at Brendmo, you will serve under a 3-year training contract designed to provide exposure across the full spectrum of accounting, auditing, and tax services. You will contribute to delivering value to clients while developing your technical and professional competencies in line with SAICA's training framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and execution of audits for clients across multiple industries.
• Prepare and maintain management accounts for clients on a monthly/quarterly basis.
• Perform reconciliations, vouching, and analytical reviews of financial information.
• Draft and assist in the preparation of annual financial statements.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns, EMP returns, and related statutory submissions.
• Support with company income tax computations, individual tax returns, and provisional tax calculations.
• Assist in drafting tax schedules and responding to SARS queries when required.
• Prepare audit working papers in compliance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and firm methodologies.
• Professionally liaise with clients to gather information and resolve queries.
• Attend internal and external training sessions to strengthen technical, ethical, and professional skills.
• Uphold confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional skepticism in all work performed.

Minimum Requirements

• Completed CTA.
• Eligible to register for a SAICA training contract.
• Strong academic record with an interest in auditing, accounting and tax services.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel in particular); experience with CaseWare or accounting software advantageous.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.

Competencies

• Integrity and professionalism.
• Team player with adaptability across audit, accounting, and tax engagements.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work under pressure.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

What Brendmo Offers

• A structured SAICA training contract aligned with professional competencies.
• Practical exposure across audit, management accounts, tax, and VAT services.
• Mentorship and career guidance from experienced professionals.
• Study leaves and support towards ITC and APC board exams.
• A growth-oriented environment that values initiative and client service excellence.