EY SAICA Trainee Accountant Programme 2026
Three-year SAICA training contract at Ernst & Young South Africa - qualify as CA(SA) while working across Assurance, Tax, Consulting and Strategy & Transactions.
Apply on EY Talent Hub
Status: Annual cycle - apply via EY Talent Hub
Programme Overview
Programme Details
Why EY?
- ✓SAICA-accredited training office with structured EY University (EYU) curriculum
- ✓Strong cross-stream exposure (Assurance, Tax, Consulting, S&T)
- ✓EY Tech MBA-style credentials via EY Badges and digital learning
- ✓Global mobility within EY post CA(SA)
- ✓Bursary pathway and active recruitment of previously disadvantaged students
Entry Requirements
- ✓BCom (Accounting) / BAcc from a SAICA-accredited university
- ✓Enrolled in (or completing) CTA / PGDA
- ✓Strong academic record (typically 60%+ average)
- ✓South African citizen or work-rights for the duration
- ✓Pass SAICA ITC and APC during the training contract
- ✓Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills
- ✓Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Streams Within EY
Assurance (Audit)
Statutory audit across financial services, energy, consumer markets and the public sector
Tax & Law
Corporate tax, indirect tax, international tax, transfer pricing, legal services
Consulting
Technology, business transformation, supply chain, customer & people advisory
Strategy & Transactions
M&A, valuations, restructuring, infrastructure & capital projects
Programme Structure
Year 1 - Foundations
12 monthsInitial training, EY EYU (EY University) modules, audit and assurance fundamentals, SAICA ITC preparation.
📍 EY office + client sites
Year 2 - Build expertise
12 monthsTake ownership of audit sections, supervise first-years, complete Audit Development Programme (ADP) modules.
📍 EY office + client sites
Year 3 - APC and qualification
12 monthsLead engagement deliverables, prepare for the SAICA APC and qualify as CA(SA).
📍 EY office + client sites
Where CAs(SA) Go After EY
Typical exits and progression:
Documents You’ll Need
- 📄Updated CV
- 📄Full academic transcript (latest)
- 📄Certified copy of SA ID or work-rights documentation
- 📄Matric certificate
- 📄Motivation letter
- 📄Names of two academic or work references
Application Process
Apply to EY vacation work
EY fills many training contracts via vacation work. Strong vac performers receive a direct training contract offer.
June and December university breaksApply via the EY Talent Hub
Register at ey.com/en_za/careers/students, complete your profile and attach your CV, academic transcript and matric certificate.
Annual recruitment cycleOnline assessments
EY uses gamified strengths-based assessments plus numerical and behavioural questionnaires.
After applicationVideo interview
A recorded video interview answered through EY’s recruitment platform.
After assessmentsAssessment Centre
Group case study, partner interview and HR conversation at an EY office.
Final stage before offerSign your SAICA training contract
Successful candidates sign a 3-year SAICA training contract with EY. EY also offers bursaries and accelerated leadership pathways.
In time for traineeship start⚠️ Important to know
• EY recruits ~18 months ahead of trainee start - apply in Year 2 or Year 3 of BCom
• Vacation work is the most reliable pathway to a training contract
• You must remain enrolled at a SAICA-accredited institution for CTA/PGDA during your contract
• EY runs gamified strengths-based assessments - different from traditional psychometric tests
• EY actively recruits women in tech and previously disadvantaged students