Our Training Centre
About the Training Centre
Lilla van der Merwe Accountants INC. is an Approved Training Centre for the South African Institute of Professional Accountants, hereafter referred to as SAIPA. All members of SAIPA have a professional and social responsibility to transfer their expertise and knowledge to learners through learnerships.
The SAIPA learnership offers numerous aids to assist learners in their road to a professional qualification. The learner, employer and industry benefit from learnerships. Benefits for the learner include practical interaction, free access to learning, skill development, self-improvement, opportunities and the benefit of earning a salary at the same time (Fasset, SETA for Finance, Accounting, Management Consulting and other Financial Services).
The learnership is tracked by completing a logbook (Portfolio of Evidence) on an online platform designed by SAIPA. Upon completion of the logbook, the learner is interviewed by a SAIPA appointed representative to review the learner’s practical skills that were gained throughout the learnership experience. Skills and knowledge are transferred during the learnership. Knowledge is power, but only when applied.
The learnership is tracked by completing a logbook (Portfolio of Evidence) on an online platform designed by SAIPA. Upon completion of the logbook, the learner is interviewed by a SAIPA appointed representative to review the learner’s practical skills that were gained throughout the learnership experience. Skills and knowledge are transferred during the learnership. Knowledge is power, but only when applied.
Professional Evaluation:
SAIPA offers two types of Accounting Memberships:
- Professional Accountant (SA)
- Accounting Technician (SA)
Both are required to write a Professional Evaluation Exam, which is a four hour written exam to determine a learner’s ability to apply the academic knowledge and practical experience in a workplace.
SAIPA training model
Figure one is an illustration of the training process once the trainee/clerk is appointed by an ATC as presented during an Accredited Training Centre road show presented by John Blignaut (2009).
- An overall evaluator, employed by a registered ATC, is responsible for monitoring the progress of the trainee throughout the learnership (Three years).
- The evaluator is guided by the logbook (supplied by SAIPA).
- POE supplements the logbook and is compiled by the learner.
- A Monitoring Officer (employed by SAIPA) that visits the practice on an annual basis also monitors the progress of the trainee.
- Once the trainee completes their tertiary qualification and three years practical training.
- The overall evaluator must sign of logbook, the logbook is sent to SAIPA.
- Upon receipt, SAIPA decides on the competency of the learner and after the Professional Evaluation examination is passed, a letter of completion of articles is issued and the trainee is welcomed as a new member of the Institute.
SAIPA membership pathway
Figure two is a visualisation of the membership pathway that concludes with the passing of the professional evaluation.
