Not all accounting skills and accreditations are equal, explains  Knowing the difference can help HR professionals get the skills they need within the budget they have.

Recruiters and HR managers know that finding the right accounting talent can be challenging. The skills shortage is real, and the stakes are high when budgets are squeezed, and you want to make sure you have the right financial expertise on board.

There is a common misconception that an accountant is an accountant, is an accountant. The truth is very different, and understanding the differences in qualifications and designations can help you get the right talent on board for the task at hand.

As you will see, your budget and your operations benefit when you bring new hires of the right calibre into your finance teams. The right fit can make all the difference to improve financial management, strategic growth, and cost efficiency.

Understanding the different levels of accounting expertise available is the best place to start. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) offers three distinct accounting designations: Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), Associate General Accountant (AGA(SA)), and Accounting Technician (AT(SA)).

Each designation represents a different skill level, suited to different business needs, that provide flexibility in terms of expertise and cost.

The gold standard for strategic leadership

A Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) is at the top tier of the accounting designations and is recognised globally for its rigorous training and comprehensive skill set.

To become a CA(SA), candidates must complete a SAICA endorsed Bachelors degree, and  a SAICA endorsed postgraduate qualification in  thereafter pass two professional examinations: the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC – formerly known as ITC) and the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

They must also complete thirty six (36) month  training contract at a SAICA-accredited training office to gain real-world experience.

CAs are strategic leaders who excel in finance, audit, tax, and business management, and they often serve as CFOs, CEOs, and board members. They are trained to uphold the highest ethical standards and have the expertise to adapt to changing financial and regulatory environments.

Their skills are versatile, allowing them to work across various industries and sectors, including corporate finance, consulting, and public practice. If your business needs high-level financial strategy, governance, or complex problem-solving, a CA(SA) is the designation to look for.

CAs(SA) are also known for their ability to lead in uncertain times. Their extensive training prepares them to make informed decisions that drive business growth and sustainability.

Many of the world’s most successful CEOs and financial leaders hold the CA(SA) designation, which is a testament to the quality and depth of the training they receive. This makes them ideal for organisations that require strategic financial leadership and a deep understanding of business dynamics.

In South Africa alone, past and present leaders of FNB (Jacques Cilliers), Nedbank (Mike Brown), Investec (Stephen Koseff), FirstRand (Sizwe Nxasana) and Bidvest (Brian Joffe) held the chartered accountant designation.

Integrating enterprise performance  and strategy

An Associate General Accountant (AGA(SA)) offers value performance driver roles – , combining  solid  technical accounting skills  with the ability to integrate   enterprise performance and the business strategy in the creation of sustainable value and outputs.

To become an AGA(SA), candidates must complete a SAICA endorsed Bachelors degree, followed by a thirty six (36) months  training programme at a SAICA-accredited training office, or  forty-eight (48) months  of relevant work experience. the SAICA Training Equivalence Assessment (TEA) is a recognition of prior learning pathway for those who have not competed their work experience in a SAICA accredited training office..

AGAs are well-positioned for middle management  positions that   demonstrate expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and provide valuable business insights. They are often sought after  as financial managers, tax practitioners, independent reviewers , management accountants and business consultants and advisors, providing value  in areas such as budgeting, financial analysis, and internal control.

AGAs are competent  to perform compilations , relevant  statutory duties, and support business decision-making processes. This makes them valuable capital  for organisations that need more than just basic bookkeeping but do not require the extensive  strategic expertise of a CA(SA).

The AGA(SA) designation is an excellent option  for organisations seeking for a flexible and cost-effective professional to manage financial performance while still benefiting from a strong foundation in technical accounting.

AGAs can play a vital  role in integrating  the gap between the strategic direction set by senior leadership and the operational performance  by junior staff. They are also registered tax practitioners, capable of managing tax compliance and advising on tax-related matters, which adds another layer of value to the business.

The foundation of reliable finance teams

ATs(SA) typically work under the supervision of CAs or AGAs and are responsible for ensuring accurate and timely recording of financial transactions. ATs(SA) are able to manage financial records, administer payroll, and prepare financial statements as internal compilers. They are essential for keeping the day-to-day finances of a business in order and are a cost-effective resource solution for organisations that need reliable accounting support.

Accounting Technicians play a fundamental role in financial operations, handling tasks such as managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, and preparing reports that help senior management make informed decisions. Roles they typically occupy include payroll administrators, accounts clerks and bookkeepers.

To become an AT(SA), candidates need to complete the Accounting Technician qualification at NQF Level 5 (or suitable alternative), acquire the necessary amount of relevant work experience and pass the Test of Professional Competence.

Matching skills to business needs

Understanding the differences in these qualifications will help recruiters and Hr professionals to get the right level of professional skills their organisation or client needs.

Whether you’re a growing SME needing foundational accounting support or a large organisation looking for strategic financial leadership, these designations offer you a variety of choices to suit different requirements. Understanding these distinctions can help you make informed decisions, saving costs while ensuring the business has the expertise it needs to thrive.

In a competitive hiring landscape, knowledge is power. Understanding the levels of accounting qualifications can help you hire the right skills, making sure that every financial decision in your business is backed by the right expertise.

Whether it’s the strategic oversight of a CA(SA), the operational leadership of an AGA(SA), or the reliable support of an AT(SA), the range of expertise offered ensures that you have access to the skills that match your business needs.

Mandi Olivier, Executive:  Learning & Development of the SA Institute of Accountants (SAICA).