Read the following statements and select the statements that apply to you. The more statements you choose that apply to you, the higher your interest in this career field.
Accounting sciences
(main motivation: financial leadership - empowering others to use financial resources responsibly and ethically)
The following is a list of career areas linked to accounting sciences. Click on the career field to read more about the field, possible job titles and work environments.
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Once qualified as a chartered accountant, aspiring candidates may proceed to eventually become Registered Auditors and register as such with the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA). External auditing is an independent and objective assurance service that is designed to add value to the business of its clients. An external auditor identifies risks associated with a business and responds to such risks by designing and performing audit procedures to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence to base the audit opinion on.
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Financial accounting focuses on bookkeeping and the preparation of financial statements. It provides learning opportunities for aspiring bookkeepers, accounting technicians, professional accountants and chartered accountants (CAs) to either start their own accounting practice, join one of the many established accounting firms or become an accountant in commerce and industry. Most of the qualifications offered are accredited by professional bodies, such as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). However, there are further requirements to be fulfilled before these bodies will allow candidates to their respective professions.
Possible job titles related to financial accounting
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Forensic auditors specialise in white-collar crime, assisting in bringing white-collar criminals to justice. Graduates in financial accounting or internal auditing may specialise through further postgraduate studies to become forensic auditors.
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Internal auditing focuses on governance structures and compliance with predetermined rules and regulations within businesses. An internal auditor analyses and evaluates all activities, controls, and governance processes concerned with the operations of an organisation; reports to executive management on audit findings; and submits proposals for improvements. Once qualified, graduates will have the opportunity to register as Certified Internal Auditors (CIA) with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) after completing a traineeship. Internal Auditors may either work in the commerce industry or work for an audit firm that renders internal audit services.
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Management accounting focuses on the internal accounting functions within a business, such as operating budgets, capital budgets, internal financial reporting, restructuring of businesses, take-overs, mergers, the valuation of businesses, costing and control, break-even analysis, and project accounting.
The International Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) recognises different exit levels, allowing the top-level exit graduates to be recognised as Chartered Management Accountants (CMA) after fulfilling additional requirements. Qualified management accountants may start their own financial consulting business or join large enterprises as management accountants.
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Taxation focuses on the preparation of a variety of tax returns for individuals and businesses. It also focuses on tax case law and the fiscal budget, providing ample opportunities for consulting on taxation matters. Graduates may start their own business as tax consultants, register as tax practitioners with the South African Revenue Services (SARS), and join the South African Institute of Tax Practitioners (SA IT). They may also join large corporations as a tax specialist.
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