The international professional services organisation KPMG, offers “unique bursary opportunities” for students aiming to become chartered accountants accredited with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
There are two options, a Pure Merit Bursary that is based only on academic achievements and examination results, and a Merit Bursary with Financial Needs that takes both results and financial needs into account. Both offer a three-year training contact that incorporates a good remuneration package and exciting professional challenges.
KPMG, which comprises a global network of firms that provide professional advisory, audit and tax services in 155 countries, is a Swiss-based cooperative. Its South African member is KPMG Services (Pty) Ltd, which operates from its Johannesburg head office.
Requirements for KPMG Audit Bursary Opportunities
Excellent academic results are a must for anyone applying for an audit bursary from KPMG. Those students who do not need “extensive funding” for studies are advised to apply for a Pure Merit Bursary; those who require financial assistance to be able to go to university to study are advised to apply for the other type of Merit Bursary that is specifically for people who have “financial needs”.
Whichever bursary is personally suitable, the criteria that must be met are the same:
• Students should be studying a degree that is recognised by SAICA at a suitable tertiary institution or university (these also need to be SAICA approved).
• Only fulltime students will be considered.
• The degree must be completed in the minimum time period allowed.
• Minimum academic results are specific:
o Academic average for financial accounting must be 65 Percent except in third year where 60 percent is acceptable and for CTA, in which case a 50 percent pass is the minimum
o Total average for the four major subjects – financial accounting, tax, management accounting, and auditing – must be 65 Percent except in third year where 60 percent is acceptable and for CTA, in which case a 55 percent pass is the minimum
• Academic achievement must be consistent throughout the period of study.
In addition, applicants must be able to meet very strict deadlines and they must be able to work under pressure.
Applying for a KPMG Audit Bursary
Only students who are accepted for a KPMG training contract will be considered for an audit bursary. Opportunities are posted on the KPMG website, and students may apply online.
There are currently more than 40 options, with programme starts dates ranging from early next year (2015) to 2020. All are for the External Audit Graduate Programme, with most offering positions as trainee accountant in one of the countries major cities including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, East London, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Nelspruit and Secunda.
Whichever option you choose, the firm promises to provide trainees with a diverse and exciting experience while they complete their articles. Support structures including in-house board examinations and a team that will do all it can to help make trainees the best possible chartered accountants.
KPMG bursaries are in line with South Africa’s Financial, Accounting, Management, Consulting and other Financial Services Section Education and Training Authority (FassetSETA)
Where to find the application form?
If you would like to take advantage of the bursary opportunities offered by KPMG, apply here for a trainee position.