Before, aspiring chartered accountants [CAs(SA)] only had two options when it came to completing the compulsory Professional Programme requirement of their qualification journey. Now they have a third option. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) has fully accredited Endunamoo’s Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) Professional Programme.
Previously, only APT and UCT were accredited by SAICA to provide the Professional Programme. With effect from 3 April 2020, Endunamoo Professional Course has received SAICA-accreditation as an APC professional programme provider for prospective APC candidate (first timers and repeats).
This accreditation marks a historic transformation milestone in the accounting profession as Endunamoo is the first 100% black owned SAICA-accredited Professional Programme Provider.
“For programmes to be accredited by SAICA, providers undergo a rigorous and extensive process to ensure that their programme has the necessary resources in place to deliver a high-quality programme leading to the CA(SA) qualification. Having undergone the formal accreditation process, we are confident that the Endunamoo’s Professional Programme is backed by the necessary resources to meet the standards set by SAICA,” said Freeman Nomvalo, CEO of SAICA.
“Our primary mission is to empower our candidates to become well-rounded professionals who think critically, consider different socio-economic dimensions in their decision making while upholding ethical values of the highest standard, thereby enabling them to take charge in positions of influence,” said Rendani Muthelo CA(SA) and Endunamoo Operations Executive.
A rigorous qualification journey
In order to attain the coveted CA(SA) designation, candidates must complete a rigorous seven-year qualification journey that culminates in writing and passing the APC. This is the final assessment in the qualification process.
The APC measures the professional competence of candidates at point of entry into the profession – to the extent possible in a written assessment. It is crucial, therefore, that candidates be given as much guidance and support during their training contract to enable them to further develop their professional competence so they can be successful in attempting the APC.
One of the ways this is done is by requiring prospective CA(SA)s to successfully complete a mandatory Professional Programme. This Professional Programme focuses on further developing a candidate’s pervasive qualities (such as critical thinking, problem solving, professional skills and communication skills). It also helps them to apply their technical skills, including those relating to business acumen, strategy, risk management and governance, in a context that fully demonstrates the competencies all CAs(SA) need in business.
The programme, which is one of three pre-requisites for entry into the APC, takes around seven months to complete and usually runs between April and October. That provides candidates with sufficient time to prepare to sit for the APC in November. The other two requirements to enter the exam are that the candidate must have passed the first qualifying examination – the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) – and have completed at least 20 months of their formal training contract.
“The role of the APC professional programme is to support accredited training offices as they set out to develop the professional competence of aspiring CAs(SA) and provide them with the ability to apply technical competence in the real world. Because the APC replicates the real world, to the extent possible in a written examination, the Professional Programme not only prepares candidates for the world of work but is also a comprehensive preparation for the APC,” adds Nomvalo.
“Underpinned by a strong focus on developing business acumen, effective business writing, critical thinking and ethical leadership, Endunamoo’s Professional Programme aims to further develop a candidate’s pervasive skills through various practical and professional methods which include discussion sessions, individual and group assessments and case study assessments. All these are supported by our personalised, comprehensive and attention-directing feedback sessions, training firm engagements and an intensive mentorship programme” explains Muthelo.
