“The ITC examination is the first of two professional examinations required for qualification as a CA(SA) and is written shortly after completion of the formal university studies (a three-year undergraduate degree and a one-year postgraduate degree – PGD Accounting),” explained Professor Amanda Singleton, Head of the Department of Accounting. The first one was written in January 2023.
Prof Singleton explained that the ITC aims to assess the technical competencies of candidates and Mandela University graduates performed well above the national average pass rate of 75%. It was placed fourth among accredited universities when comparing the average mark attained by candidates writing the exam.
She said the class of 2022 also performed exceptionally well attaining a 97% pass rate compared to a national pass rate of 93% for first time attempts. “Even more encouraging is that the pass rate at Mandela University for first time African graduates was the same as that of first time White graduates (100%). This attests to the Department’s continuing commitment to transformation.”
“We are extremely proud of Kayla Bester who placed fifth overall and Melissa Bezuidenhout who placed third in the ITC examination.” In addition, two other graduates attained an honours pass (75% or more) - Erin Schroeder and Tania van Zuydam.
“We are extremely proud of the class of 2022 who have excelled in the 2023 ITC examination. These results add to the already impressive track record of the Department. We have consistently been placed amongst the top performing universities. We have had 11 candidates pass with honours and seven candidates placing in the top 10 in the past seven years.”
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Professor Hendrik Lloyd said, “We ascribe these results to the dedication and commitment of both staff and students to the learning process. We also believe that our boutique type service, with relatively small classes where students have direct access to a passionate team of lecturing staff is a key ingredient to these outstanding results.”
He added many alumni who qualified as chartered accountants have gone on to make their mark internationally, holding prominent positions in various countries.
Graduates will now sign up for a three-year training contract with a SAICA- accredited training office. They can elect to complete the first year of their training contract at a university. They then write the final assessment of professional competence (APC) 20 months into their training contracts, to qualify as chartered accountants.
