What is a chartered accountant?

All organizations and businesses need accurate financial information in order to grow and prosper, and all businesses need accountants.

Accountancy is, therefore, an essential business process within all organizations. Opportunities within the accountancy profession are many and varied, ranging from the recording, processing, consulting, planning and management of companies at the highest level, drafting of basic financial information to the preparation of Annual Financial Statements for large companies listed on the stock exchange.

The ultimate qualification within the profession is that of a Chartered Accountant, and more than 80% of the directors of the Top 100 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange are Chartered Accountants. In Namibia 13% of directors serving on companies listed on the NSX are Chartered Accountants.

Their success in the tough financial world is no accident. An in-depth knowledge of accountancy creates an extremely disciplined approach to business. Together with an analytical ability, thinking in a systematic and logical way, and being able to work quickly and accurately with numbers, Chartered Accountants play an increasingly important role in the shaping of our economy.

WHAT DOES A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT DO?

Auditing: Expressing an opinion on the financial statements of a company

Accounting: Management of financial departments of corporations up to the preparation of financial statements ? CFO

Consulting: Provide advice on management, taxation, estate planning, corporate finance

Academic: Lecturer, professor

Government and public Sector: Managing parastatals, financial management, consulting, etc

Managing large corporations ? CEO

Starting own business

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Integrity
Strong academic ability
Leadership skills
Determination
Analytical ability & creativity
Responsibility

HOW TO BECOME A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT:

Academic requirements:
University Entrance:

UNAM: 30 points out of five best subjects with at least a C symbol at NSSC Ordinary Level in both English and mathematics

Polytech: 30 points with at least a C symbol at NSSC Ordinary Level in both English and mathematics South African Universities: Enquire with various tertiary institutes for entry requirements

POST SCHOOL:

Bachelor in Accounting (Chartered Accountancy) (UNAM 3 years)

Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accountancy) (Polytech 3 years)

Honours Degree in Accounting, or Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) 1 year (ICAN accredited institution)

AUDIT SPECIALIST COURSE

Pass the ICAN Part 1 Qualifying Examination

Pass the PAAB Part 2 Qualifying Examination

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

Successful completion of training contract

Competency requirements have been achieved

WHAT IS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

The designation, Chartered Accountants, is reserved for people that have:

Passed the relevant academic programme Succesfully completed a training contract

Registered as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN)

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY:

Is the most highly regarded accounting qualification in Namibia

Plays an important role in the financial affairs of companies, individuals and the economy of our country

Is an internationally recognized qualification

Offers unlimited career opportunities

Offers top income potential

For more information contact:
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia
Tel: 061- 220218 Telefax: 061 ? 230014