The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), together with Sage Pastel, will organise the SAICA Sage Pastel accounting olympiad, open to talented Grade 11 and 12 pupils.
In 2013 the olympiad attracted 4 465 pupils from 338 schools across the country and it’s hoped that the number and quality of entrants will increase this year.
“More learners and educators are beginning to appreciate the impact that the olympiad has on improving accounting skills,” said Gugu Makhanya, a project director at the institute.
The olympiad began its life as a regional competition in Bloemfontein with long-time sponsors Pastel Accounting, and was expanded to a national competition in 2010.
It has grown to attract top young accounting minds from schools across South Africa.
The main objective of the olympiad is to recognise young accounting talent and encourage interest in accounting as a subject among high school pupils.
“We were delighted with the increased number of participants in last year’s programme. Pastel is included in most school curriculums, so this long-standing partnership with with institute is a perfect fit for our brand. We hope to generate further interest in the competition this year,” marketing manager at Sage Pastel Accounting Joanne van der Walt said.
The competition identifies accounting talent at school level, popularises accounting as a subject, and draws the link between accounting at school and a possible career in an accounting or business field.
This reflects the institute’s strategy to grow the number of chartered accountants and to transform the profession.
The total prize value for this competition is R245 000, and the national winner will receive an iPad.
Accounting teachers of the provincial winners will receive a cash prize of R2 000 each and the best schools in each province will receive prizes such as desktop computers pre-loaded with Pastel software.
Details: www.saica.co.za
