South African Reserve Bank (SARB): CA Trainee programme 2025 / 2026

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) invites passionate, innovative and talented applicants to apply for the 2026 intake of its Chartered Accountant (CA) Training Programme.

The aim of the programme is to address the shortage of CAs in the SARB and in the country. Trainees will be given an opportunity to acquire competencies prescribed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), reinforce their prior academic education, and develop business acumen, life skills, and professional and ethical values.

Trainees will be placed in the various departments of the SARB on a rotation basis, thereby giving them an opportunity to gain practical experience and a comprehensive understanding of central banking operations.

Duration of the programme: Three years (starting in February 2026).

Requirements:

To be considered for the programme, candidates must:

• Have completed or be in the process of completing a SAICA-accredited: Certificate in the Theory of Accounting (CTA) or Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) or an equivalent qualification;
• After passing the CTA or PGDA, must be eligible to write the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) Board examination;
• Have an academic performance record average of at least 60%;
• be a South African citizen. 

Additional requirements include:

• strong analytical skills;
• attention to detail;
• good communication and interpersonal skills; and   
• be curious, self-motivated and resilient.