Olympiad gives pupils a foot in the door

THE South African Institute of Professional Accountants (Saipa) urged Grade 11 and 12 pupils yesterday to enter the National Accounting Olympiad, saying it would give them a foot in the door with future employers.

The Grade 11 paper is being introduced for the first time this year.

Zobuzwe Ngobese, the institute’s marketing and business development executive, said entries for the competition close on April 26.

The Olympiad was aimed at promoting the option of professional accountancy, as a sound choice for further study and “the pathway towards a financially and personally rewarding entry into employment”.

More than 3 500 pupils from across the country participated last year with provincial and national winners being honoured at a formal gala awards in Johannesburg.

The first paper of the 2017 competition is scheduled for May 17 at the pupils’ respective schools. Those who qualify for the final round will be invited to participate on August 2, which will determine the provincial and national winners.

“We always endeavour to keep track of the winners’ progress throughout their tertiary education to ensure that our intervention is continuous and sustainable and not just a once-off event,” added Ngobese. There is a registration fee of R50 per learner, but that would be waived for no-fee schools. – ANA