PwC SAICA Trainee Accountant Programme 2026
Three-year SAICA training contract at PwC South Africa - qualify as CA(SA) while working across Assurance, Tax, Advisory and Consulting.
Apply on PwC students & graduates
Status: Annual recruitment - apply via PwC graduate portal
Programme Overview
Programme Details
Why PwC?
- ✓One of the largest SAICA training offices in South Africa
- ✓Strong ITC and APC pass-rate support, including PwC’s board-course funding
- ✓Top-tier clients across financial services, mining and consumer markets
- ✓Vacation work pathway with high conversion to permanent training contract
- ✓Bursary support for top BCom Accounting students
Entry Requirements
- ✓BCom (Accounting) or equivalent 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 contract duration
- ✓Pass SAICA Initial Test of Competence (ITC) and Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) during the contract
- ✓Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills
- ✓Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Streams Within PwC
Assurance (Audit)
Statutory audit across financial services, consumer markets, energy and the public sector
Tax
Corporate tax, international tax, indirect tax (VAT), transfer pricing
Advisory
Deals, valuations, restructuring, forensics
Consulting
Strategy, technology, people & organisation, operations
Risk Services
Internal audit, regulatory, ESG, cyber
SAICA TCMA traineeships are most commonly hosted in Assurance, with secondments into other streams supported.
Programme Structure
Year 1 - Foundations
12 monthsInitial training school, audit/tax fundamentals and exposure to multiple client engagements. Sit the SAICA ITC at year-end.
📍 PwC office + client sites
Year 2 - Ownership
12 monthsLead audit sections, supervise first-year trainees, complete the Audit Development Programme (ADP) modules.
📍 PwC office + client sites
Year 3 - APC and qualification
12 monthsTake ownership of engagement deliverables, prepare for the SAICA APC professional competence exam and qualify as CA(SA).
📍 PwC office + client sites
Where CAs(SA) Go After PwC
Typical exits and progression after qualifying:
Documents You’ll Need
- 📄Updated CV (max 2 pages)
- 📄Full academic transcript (latest)
- 📄Certified copy of SA ID or work-rights documentation
- 📄Matric certificate
- 📄Motivation letter (1 page)
- 📄Names of two academic or work references
Application Process
Apply to PwC vacation work
PwC fills most training contracts via vacation work. Strong performers receive a direct training contract offer at the end of the vac.
June and December university breaksApply via the PwC student portal
Register at pwc.co.za/careers/students, complete the candidate profile and upload your CV, academic transcript and matric certificate.
Annual recruitment cycleOnline assessments
PwC uses the Cappfinity strengths-based assessment plus numerical reasoning and behavioural questionnaires.
After applicationVideo interview
A recorded video interview answered through PwC’s recruitment platform.
After assessmentsAssessment Centre
Group case study, partner panel interview and tech/HR conversations at a PwC office.
Final stage before offerSign your SAICA training contract
Successful candidates sign a 3-year SAICA training contract with PwC for the next January or July cohort. PwC also offers bursaries for top BCom students.
In time for your traineeship start⚠️ Important to know
• PwC recruits ~18 months ahead of trainee start - apply in Year 2 or Year 3 of BCom for best results
• Vacation work is the most common pathway to a training contract - prioritise applying for vac
• You must remain enrolled in CTA / PGDA at a SAICA-accredited institution for your contract
• PwC supports board-exam (ITC/APC) preparation but you are personally responsible for the exam outcome
• PwC actively recruits previously disadvantaged students and offers Thuthuka-aligned bursary support
Where to Find More Information
PwC - Students & Graduates
📍 4 Lisbon Lane, Waterfall City, Sunninghill, Johannesburg