Johannesburg: In a significant development for the audit industry, members of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) are now eligible to apply for registered auditor status in South Africa. This follows the accreditation by South Africa’s Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) last year. The initiative is expected to address the ongoing talent shortages in the audit sector and enhance diversity and inclusion within the profession.

According to Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, The new pathway enables both current ACCA members and prospective members to attain registered auditor status, thus broadening the appeal of accountancy as a viable career option. Portia Mkhabela, Cluster Head of ACCA Southern Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities this development brings to ACCA members, students, and the broader accountancy profession in South Africa.

The recognition by IRBA not only underscores the quality and professional standards of the ACCA qualification but also marks an important step towards enriching the skills and diversity of the audit workforce in South Africa. Jamil Ampomah, ACCA Director for Africa, highlighted the positive impact this accreditation has on the professional landscape, offering new opportunities for growth and collaboration in the audit sector.

ACCA members looking to become registered auditors must fulfill specific audit experience requirements and complete relevant exam options within the ACCA qualification framework. Successful candidates can then enroll in the South Africa Audit Qualification, leading to participation in IRBA’s Audit Development Programme, a rigorous training process that extends up to 18 months and culminates in achieving registered auditor status.