Becoming a Chartered Accountant is a long and demanding journey. It requires years of study, rigorous board exams, and three years of articles under a registered training office. But for those who make it, the rewards are substantial.
Chartered Accountants are among the highest-paid professionals in South Africa. They are the backbone of the financial world, working in auditing, taxation, financial management, and consulting. Their skills are in demand across every industry, from banking to mining to retail.
This guide covers everything you need to know about chartered accountant salaries in South Africa. We break down salaries by experience level, industry, location, and role, and explain the factors that influence earning potential.
Chartered Accountant Salaries In South Africa: Complete Guide
What Is A Chartered Accountant?
A Chartered Accountant is a professional who has completed the academic and practical requirements of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. The designation is CA(SA).
The pathway to becoming a CA(SA) includes:
A three-year undergraduate degree in accounting.
A postgraduate diploma in accounting or honours degree.
Three years of articles (training contract) with a registered training office.
The SAICA professional board exams.
Only after completing all these steps can you use the CA(SA) designation.
Quick Reference: Chartered Accountant Salaries (2026)
| Level | Experience | Salary Range Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee Accountant (First Year Articles) | 0 years | R180,000 – R240,000 |
| Trainee Accountant (Second Year Articles) | 1 year | R210,000 – R280,000 |
| Trainee Accountant (Third Year Articles) | 2 years | R240,000 – R320,000 |
| Newly Qualified CA(SA) | 0–1 years post‑qualification | R550,000 – R750,000 |
| CA(SA) with 2–3 Years Experience | 2–3 years post‑qualification | R700,000 – R950,000 |
| CA(SA) with 4–6 Years Experience | 4–6 years post‑qualification | R900,000 – R1.3 million |
| CA(SA) with 7–10 Years Experience | 7–10 years post‑qualification | R1.2 million – R1.8 million |
| Senior Manager / Associate Director | 10–15 years | R1.5 million – R2.5 million |
| Partner / Director | 15+ years | R2.5 million – R5 million+ |
Note: Salaries are estimates for 2026 and include guaranteed pay only. Bonuses and other benefits can add significantly to total compensation.
Trainee Accountant (Articles) Salaries
The journey to becoming a CA(SA) begins with a three-year training contract, commonly known as articles. Trainees work at auditing firms while completing their professional exams.
First Year Articles
Salary Range: R180,000 to R240,000 per year
Typical Employers: Audit firms (Big 4, medium firms, small firms)
Location Variance: Johannesburg and Cape Town pay higher end of range
First-year trainees are learning the basics. They perform audit procedures, document work, and support senior team members. The salary reflects the training nature of the role.
Second Year Articles
Salary Range: R210,000 to R280,000 per year
Typical Employers: Audit firms
Location Variance: R20,000 to R30,000 premium in major cities
Second-year trainees take on more responsibility. They may lead smaller audit sections and supervise first-year trainees. Salaries increase to reflect growing competence.
Third Year Articles
Salary Range: R240,000 to R320,000 per year
Typical Employers: Audit firms
Location Variance: Big 4 firms pay at the higher end
Third-year trainees are nearing qualification. They manage audit teams, interact with clients, and prepare for board exams. Their salaries approach R300,000 at top firms.
Newly Qualified CA(SA) Salaries
The moment you pass your board exams and complete your articles, your earning potential jumps dramatically. The CA(SA) designation opens doors to senior roles.
Newly Qualified, First Job Post-Articles
Salary Range: R550,000 to R750,000 per year
Typical Employers: Audit firms, commerce and industry, financial services
Location Variance: R600,000 to R750,000 in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Newly qualified CAs have several options:
Stay in audit and become a senior auditor.
Move to commerce and industry as a financial manager or accountant.
Join a bank in financial analysis or risk management.
Enter consulting or advisory services.
The salary range reflects these different paths. Audit firms often pay slightly less but offer broader experience. Commerce and industry may pay more immediately.
CA(SA) With 2-3 Years Experience
After two to three years of post-qualification experience, CAs are established professionals. They manage teams, handle complex assignments, and are trusted advisors.
Salary Range: R700,000 to R950,000 per year
Typical Roles: Financial manager, senior auditor, tax specialist, financial analyst
Industries: All sectors
At this level, CAs often specialise. They may focus on taxation, financial reporting, or management accounting. Specialisation can lead to higher earnings.
CA(SA) With 4-6 Years Experience
With four to six years of experience, CAs move into middle management. They may be financial managers, group accountants, or audit managers.
Salary Range: R900,000 to R1.3 million per year
Typical Roles: Financial manager, audit manager, tax manager, finance business partner
Industries: All sectors, with financial services paying premium
At this level, CAs often have staff reporting to them. They are responsible for budgets, financial reporting, and strategic financial input.
CA(SA) With 7-10 Years Experience
With seven to ten years of experience, CAs are senior professionals. They may be financial directors, senior managers at audit firms, or heads of departments.
Salary Range: R1.2 million to R1.8 million per year
Typical Roles: Financial director, senior audit manager, tax director, CFO of smaller company
Industries: All sectors, with listed companies paying premium
CAs at this level are key decision-makers. They advise executive management and boards. Their compensation reflects this responsibility.
Senior Manager / Associate Director
After ten to fifteen years, CAs reach senior leadership levels. At audit firms, they are senior managers or associate directors. In commerce, they may be CFOs of medium-sized companies or divisional finance directors.
Salary Range: R1.5 million to R2.5 million per year
Typical Roles: Senior manager (audit firm), associate director, CFO, finance director
Industries: All sectors, with listed companies at top end
At this level, bonuses and performance incentives form a significant part of compensation. Total packages can exceed the base salary ranges.
Partner / Director
Partners at audit firms and directors in commerce are at the pinnacle of the profession. They have equity or profit-sharing arrangements and substantial influence.
Salary Range: R2.5 million to R5 million+ per year
Typical Roles: Audit partner, consulting partner, CFO of listed company, group FD
Industries: All sectors, with top partners at Big 4 firms earning at the highest end
Partner earnings vary significantly based on firm performance, client base, and individual performance. Top partners can earn well over R5 million annually.
Chartered Accountant Salary Comparison Table
| Level | Experience | Salary Range | Typical Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainee Year 1 | 0 years | R180,000 – R240,000 | Junior audit trainee |
| Trainee Year 2 | 1 year | R210,000 – R280,000 | Audit trainee |
| Trainee Year 3 | 2 years | R240,000 – R320,000 | Senior trainee |
| Newly Qualified | 0–1 years PQE | R550,000 – R750,000 | Senior auditor, financial accountant |
| 2–3 Years PQE | 2–3 years | R700,000 – R950,000 | Financial manager, audit manager |
| 4–6 Years PQE | 4–6 years | R900,000 – R1.3m | Senior financial manager |
| 7–10 Years PQE | 7–10 years | R1.2m – R1.8m | Financial director, senior manager |
| Senior Manager | 10–15 years | R1.5m – R2.5m | Associate director, CFO |
| Partner / Director | 15+ years | R2.5m – R5m+ | Partner, Group FD |
Factors Affecting CA Salaries
Industry:
Financial services, banking, and investment firms pay the highest salaries.
Mining and resources offer competitive packages with benefits.
Retail and manufacturing pay well but may be slightly lower.
Public sector and NGOs pay significantly less.
Location:
Johannesburg and Sandton are the highest-paying locations due to the concentration of financial services.
Cape Town also pays well, particularly in tech and financial services.
Durban and other cities pay slightly less.
Rural areas pay significantly less.
Firm Size:
Big 4 audit firms (PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) pay premium salaries.
Medium-sized firms pay competitive but slightly lower salaries.
Small firms pay less but may offer better work-life balance.
In commerce, large listed companies pay more than small private companies.
Specialisation:
Tax specialists are in high demand and command premiums.
Financial services specialists (banking, insurance) earn more.
Forensic accountants and consultants also earn above average.
General financial management is well-paid but competitive.
Performance:
Top performers earn higher bonuses and faster promotions.
High ratings lead to salary increases above inflation.
Partnership prospects depend on performance and client relationships.
Benefits And Bonuses
Chartered Accountant compensation often includes significant additional benefits:
Performance Bonuses:
Typically 10 to 30 percent of base salary.
Can be higher for senior roles and top performers.
Often linked to individual and company performance.
Sign-on Bonuses:
Sometimes offered to newly qualified CAs moving to commerce.
Can be R50,000 to R100,000 for in-demand candidates.
Car Allowances:
Common at manager level and above.
Typically R10,000 to R25,000 per month or company car.
Medical Aid and Pension:
Standard benefits for permanent employees.
Often subsidised by employer.
Study Support:
Support for further qualifications like CFA or MBA.
May include paid study leave and course fees.
Profit Share:
For partners and senior directors.
Can significantly exceed base salary.
Newly Qualified CA: Audit vs. Commerce
One of the biggest decisions newly qualified CAs face is whether to stay in audit or move to commerce.
Staying in Audit:
Salaries: R550,000 to R650,000 initially.
Pros: Fast-track to manager, broad experience, clear career path.
Cons: Long hours, pressure, eventually need to move to industry or make partner.
Moving to Commerce:
Salaries: R600,000 to R750,000 initially.
Pros: Better work-life balance often, direct involvement in business, potential for rapid growth.
Cons: Less structured training, may miss broad audit experience.
Both paths lead to excellent long-term careers. The choice depends on personal preferences.
Gender Pay Gap
The accounting profession has made progress on gender equality, but a pay gap still exists. Studies show that female CAs earn approximately 10 to 15 percent less than male counterparts at equivalent levels. This gap is narrower in larger firms and for newer cohorts but persists at senior levels.
Demand For Chartered Accountants
Chartered Accountants remain in high demand in South Africa. The country produces approximately 2,000 new CAs each year. Many emigrate, creating shortages in the local market. This demand supports strong salary growth.
Industries with highest demand:
Financial services and banking.
Mining and resources.
Technology and telecoms.
Retail and consumer goods.
Consulting and advisory.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
How much does a chartered accountant earn per month in South Africa?
A newly qualified CA earns approximately R45,000 to R62,000 per month. With experience, this rises to R100,000 per month or more.
Is CA the highest paid profession in South Africa?
Chartered Accountants are among the highest-paid professionals. Specialist doctors, corporate lawyers, and some engineers may earn comparable or higher salaries at senior levels.
How long does it take to become a CA in South Africa?
Typically 6 to 7 years: three years undergraduate, one year honours, three years articles. Some universities offer extended programmes.
Do CAs earn more in Johannesburg or Cape Town?
Johannesburg generally pays slightly higher due to the concentration of financial services. Cape Town is competitive but may have slightly lower base salaries.
What is the starting salary for a CA at a Big 4 firm?
Newly qualified CAs at Big 4 firms earn approximately R550,000 to R650,000 per year, depending on performance and specific firm.
Can a CA earn over R1 million per year?
Yes. With 5 to 7 years of experience, many CAs earn over R1 million annually. Senior managers and partners earn significantly more.
Do CAs get paid during articles?
Yes. Trainee accountants receive a salary during their three-year articles. The salary ranges from R180,000 to R320,000 per year depending on year and firm.
Is there a demand for CAs in South Africa?
Yes. There is strong demand across all industries. Many companies struggle to find qualified CAs, particularly at senior levels.
Do CAs who emigrate earn more?
CAs in the UK, Australia, and Middle East often earn higher absolute salaries. However, cost of living is also higher. Many South African CAs work abroad temporarily and return.
What is the highest-paying CA job?
Partners at Big 4 firms and CFOs of large listed companies earn the highest salaries, often exceeding R5 million per year.
Summary: CA Salary Progression
The CA(SA) journey is financially rewarding:
Year 1-3: You earn while learning during articles.
Year 4: Your salary doubles when you qualify.
Year 5-7: You break through the R1 million barrier.
Year 10+: You are in senior management earning R1.5 million plus.
Year 15+: You may be a partner or director earning R2.5 million to R5 million.
The financial rewards reflect the demanding journey and the critical role CAs play in the economy.
Final Warning: It Is A Demanding Career
The financial rewards of being a CA are significant, but the path is not easy. The hours can be long, especially during audit season and month-end. The pressure is constant. The responsibility is heavy.
But for those with the aptitude and dedication, it is one of the most rewarding careers South Africa offers.
Official Resources:
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants: www.saica.org.za
Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors: www.irba.co.za
SAICA Salary Survey: Available on SAICA website
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This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Salaries are estimates and vary by employer, location, and individual performance. Always verify current information with professional recruiters and industry surveys.