KPMG SAICA Trainee Accountant Programme 2026
Three-year SAICA training contract at KPMG South Africa, leading to CA(SA) qualification — plus SAIPA and CIMA pathways through KPMG Audit, Tax and Advisory.
Apply on KPMG graduates portal
Status: Annual graduate recruitment cycle
Programme Overview
Programme Details
Why KPMG?
- ✓SAICA-accredited training office with strong ITC/APC pass rates
- ✓SAIPA and CIMA training contracts also available
- ✓Exposure to JSE-listed and multinational clients
- ✓Global mobility within the KPMG network after CA(SA) qualification
- ✓Bursary support for top BCom students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds
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 KPMG
Audit
Statutory audit across listed and large private clients
Tax & Legal
Corporate tax, international tax, transfer pricing, indirect tax
Advisory
Strategy, deals, financial risk management, technology
Risk Consulting
Internal audit, regulatory, cyber, ESG
Programme Structure
Year 1 — Foundations
12 monthsInitial training, fundamentals of audit and tax, exposure to a portfolio of clients and ITC exam preparation.
📍 KPMG office + client sites
Year 2 — Build expertise
12 monthsLead audit sections, supervise first-year trainees, complete Audit Development Programme modules.
📍 KPMG office + client sites
Year 3 — APC and qualification
12 monthsTake engagement-level ownership, prepare for the SAICA APC and qualify as CA(SA).
📍 KPMG office + client sites
Where CAs(SA) Go After KPMG
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 KPMG vacation work
KPMG fills many training contracts via vacation work. Strong performers receive a direct training contract offer.
June and December university breaksApply via the KPMG graduate portal
Register at kpmg.com/za/en/home/careers/graduates and complete the candidate profile with CV, academic transcript and matric certificate.
Annual recruitment cycleOnline assessments
KPMG uses cognitive ability, situational judgment and personality questionnaires from its talent platform.
After applicationVideo interview
A recorded video interview answered through KPMG’s recruitment platform.
After assessmentsAssessment Centre
Group case study, partner interview and HR conversation at a KPMG office.
Final stage before offerSign your SAICA training contract
Successful candidates sign a 3-year SAICA training contract for the next January or July cohort. KPMG also offers bursaries for top BCom students.
In time for traineeship start⚠️ Important to know
• KPMG recruits ~18 months ahead of trainee start — apply in Year 2 or Year 3 of BCom
• Vacation work is the main pathway to a training contract — prioritise applying for vac
• You must remain enrolled at a SAICA-accredited institution for CTA/PGDA during your contract
• KPMG also offers SAIPA and CIMA training pathways for non-CA(SA) candidates
• KPMG actively supports persons with disabilities and previously disadvantaged students