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Dear Leo

Congratulations on achieving your national senior certificate! All your hard work has paid off. While mathematics is required for a BCom degree, which is the first step in the journey to becoming an chartered accountant you may be eligible to apply for a BCom extended curriculum program if you have 6 or above for mathematical literacy. Specifically look at what is offered by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, UNISA and the University of Johannesburg to name a few.  We also suggest you consult to following websites for information about becoming a CASA:

Explore the learner section of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants: https://www.saica.co.za/LearnersStudents/tabid/284/language/en-US/Default.aspx.
Specifically we suggest you access their training provider / education institution list make sure you exploring the correct qualifications (https://www.saica.co.za/LearnersStudents/InformationonEducationProviders/InformationonAccreditedProgrammes/tabid/465/language/en-ZA/Default.aspx).
A few education institution websites:

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University www.nmmu.ac.za
• University of Johannesburg www.uj.ac.za
• University of South Africa (UNISA) www.unisa.ac.za

There are more options open to you, if you are prepared to look at different career paths in accounting other than as a chartered accountant.

Start by exploring the UNISA webpage that details the many career paths in accountancy to see if there is anything you like the idea of:  http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=20344

Consider studying through a comprehensive university like  UNISA or at a university of technology. Start by looking at the different admission options you have; in particular look at the National Diploma admission requirements:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=21999

Some of the courses you may consider include (http://brochure.unisa.ac.za/brochure/showlist.aspx?d=l_3_23):

• National Diploma (Accounting)
• National Diploma (Cost and Management Accounting)
• National Diploma (Internal Auditing)
• National Diploma (Taxation)

Websites for other institutions you may consider:

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology   www.cput.ac.za
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University www.nmmu.ac.za
• Central University of Technology www.cut.ac.za
• Tshwane University of Technology www.tut.ac.za
• University of Johannesburg www.uj.ac.za
• University of South Africa (UNISA) www.unisa.ac.za
• Vaal University of Technology www.vut.ac.za
• Durban University of Technology www.dut.ac.za
• Mangosuthu University of Technology www.mantec.ac.za
• North-West University www.nwu.ac.za

Once you have completed a National Diploma you may apply for membership of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers: http://www.icb.org.za/ and http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=20355.

After a National Diploma consider completing a BTech degree in taxation or internal auditing and then register with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants: http://www.saipa.co.za/ and http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=20351.

Another potential route once you have completed a BTech (accounting) with exceptional marks you may be eligible to apply for a BTech to BCom conversion course. However, what is offered by universities may change so don’t bank on this still being available in four years time.

We suggest you also consult the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors for more information on professional registration: http://www.irba.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=11&Itemid=53

We hope information helps you access a career in accounting.

Lynn and the Career Plant Team