Whether you’re a school leaver or you’ve recently graduated, AT-SA Qualification could be your ideal route into a rewarding career.
So, with that in mind, here are our top four reasons to study SAICA/ Accounting Technician Qualification (AT-SA) after leaving school.
- You don’t need a degree or any previous experience
With so much change and uncertainty in the world today, it’s likely that fewer young people will go to university over the next few years. All you need is a basic understanding of Maths and English, plus the drive to succeed.
- There’s no time limit for completion
The beauty of achieving an AT-SA qualification is that you’re completely in control. Unlike some training courses, you’re free to work through the levels in your own time.
And with AT-SA exam sittings throughout the year, fitting your study schedule around your life is easy. Simply book when you’re ready and feel free to finish as quickly or as slowly as you need to.
- Studying is affordable and flexible
Our reasonable fees give you the freedom to soar. Study anytime and anywhere. With our expert academic support available 7-days a week, during working hours, you’re not alone.
- Every industry needs accountants
Now more than ever, they are needed to help balance economies all over the world. From fashion to football, accountants are sought after in all kinds of businesses. So, you have the option to either go freelance or work in your dream industry.
The most flexible way to study AT-SA
So why not consider getting AT-SA qualified after you leave school/graduate? Invest in your future now and achieve your full potential with Alerts Professional Services. We provide you with tuition and support whilst SAICA gives you certification.
Register on our website: www.alertsprofessionalservices.co.za
Schools and learners
So, you want to be an accountant
Choosing your future career is daunting, especially when you’re still in high school. Right now you might feel that it’s impossible for you to know what career you’re best suited for. But if you’re interested in going into the business world, enjoy numbers and love keeping track of money, a career in accounting could be for you.
Now if you picture a boring old man in a grey suit when you hear the word accountant, you couldn’t be more wrong!
Accountants aren’t boring old “bean counters” who spend their days entering numbers into a spreadsheet and hovering over calculator, they’re:
- They are the back bones of business: many of world’s most successful CEOs, CFOs, vice-presidents, chairman/woman and finance mangers are accountants.
- Decision makers: the work accountants do shapes and grows businesses for the future.
- Business owner and entrepreneurs: in fact, business tycoon, John D Rockefeller; Phil Knight, one of the founders of Nike; and Stephen Saad, co-founder of Aspen Healthcare, all studied to be accountants.
- Top earners: local and global studies show that accountants are among the top 10 earners in the country.
- Game changers and difference makers: both in their industries and in society at large.
In fact, there are so many jobs that centre on accounting that these days the demand for accountants is growing faster than ever.
Plus, since being an accountant comes with great pay, travel opportunities, the chance to help businesses grow into the next decade and beyond and opportunities to change the world, it really is one of the most exciting and versatile career paths you can to pursue.
So, what are you waiting for? Enter the exciting world of accounting by becoming a chartered accountant, associate general accountant or accounting technician.
How to become an Accounting Technician AT(SA)
The designation is designed to professionalise entry-level finance professionals and equip them with practical expertise required to prepare and produce reliable financial information that can be trusted. Importantly, with AT(SA) behind your name, it is a mark of competence that assures employers that you are highly competent and adhere to high professional standards.
Key characteristics of AT(SA)
- Work-integrated learning – it is job related, application driven and promotes the theory and practice of accountancy.
- Solid foundation – it offers a solid foundation in accounting, finance and business skills.
- Career progression – helps improve career progression and employability;
- Boosts confidence – boosts employee confidence and technical ability; and
- Customised qualifications – tailor-made content based on specific industries
Starting your career in Accounting
AT-SA bookkeeping qualifications provide training for a huge range of bookkeeping roles and are recognised by employers worldwide. They can prepare students to become an AT-SA bookkeeping member and also open up the opportunity to be your own boss.
We offer three short bookkeeping qualifications, which take from two to 12 months to complete. These qualifications are at NQF Levels 3 to 5.
Students can start with any qualification depending on their existing skills and experience. If they already have some accounting experience, they can register at NQF Level 4 or 5
Typical bookkeeper job roles vary according to the level of bookkeeping qualification undertaken.
Starting your career
Deciding what career to set off on is such an exciting time. But it can also be a little overwhelming. We’ll help you understand what it really means to be an accountant or bookkeeper so you get an idea of whether it interests you, and if it will take you where you want your career to go.
From multinationals to local high street companies, accounting and finance skills are at the heart of every business.
University isn’t for everybody
Why choose an AT-SA qualification over university?
According to Universities South Africa (USAf), student debt has accumulated over R700 million in 2023 alone. The body, representing 26 public universities in the country, says this amount reflects the difference between what universities charge students for accommodation and food compared to the amount NSFAS pays.
If you default on your student loan payments, it can have a devastating impact on your credit score, making it harder to obtain other forms of credit when you need them.
But studying AT-SA costs far less. There’s financial support available from FASSET. Plus there’s the chance to do an apprenticeship and earn while you learn.
With AT-SA young people can qualify quicker, and start earning sooner, than university students while gaining the practical skills employers want.
Get your free course and career guides
Complete our online registration form and access our AT-SA course guide full of information on our qualifications and study options.
If you’d like to speak to an advisor, please contact us on +27 (0)72 490 8099 (the number is also on WhatsApp). We’re available Monday to Friday, 09.00 am to 17.00 pm (GMT) or you can visit our website to book a call from one of our consultants – www.alertsprofessionalservices.co.za