SAICA Trainee Accountant: Topp Program

Date: 13 Apr 2026

Location:

Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA

Company: Sanlam Group

The Sanlam CA Training Programme is guided by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) regulations, which requires practical experience to obtain the prescribed technical and professional competence in the value creation process. We are seeking Africa’s brightest minds to apply for this opportunity to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, ending in CA(SA). If you have the passion, desire and character to pursue your TOPP Articles at Africa’s largest insurer, then this is the opportunity for you!

Who are we?

Sanlam was established as a life insurance company in South Africa but has since transformed into a diversified financial services group that operates across the African continent, India, Malaysia and selected developed markets, with listings on the Johannesburg, A2X and Namibian stock exchanges. In 2018 the Group celebrated its centenary as well as 20 years since demutualisation and listing in South Africa and Namibia. Sanlam is one of the largest internationally active insurance groups in the world with a presence in 30 countries and has the biggest non-banking financial services footprint on the African continent.

The Group's five business clusters (Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz and Santam) house the Group's business operations. The Group Office provides strategic direction and support to the five clusters, assisting them in realising their strategies and meeting their business objectives. The Group Office is responsible for governance and for the Group's centralised functions, which include: Finance, Actuarial, Risk and Balance Sheet Management, Strategy, Human Capital, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability.

What will you do?

During the trainee accountants three years as part of the Sanlam CA Training Programme, the trainees will be placed on rotations within Group Office and the different clusters within the Sanlam Group to obtain the relevant exposure to achieve the prescribed SAICA competencies. Through the different rotations, trainees will be given opportunities to be part of the Sanlam value creation process and obtain exposure to the following competencies:

Ethics & Citizenship
Business acumen
Decision-making acumen
Relational acumen
Digital acumen
Business & Finance Strategy
Internal audit
Governance
Risk Management
Reporting
Taxation

What will make you successful in this role?

Successful completion of the SAICA‑accredited training programme, including meeting all formal education, practical experience, and competency requirements prescribed by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), in order to qualify as a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)).
Meaningful contribution to interim and annual financial reporting processes, through accurate execution, sound technical application, and a clear understanding of Group and statutory reporting requirements.
Consistent demonstration of high professional standards, including strong ethical conduct, accountability, interpersonal maturity, and a disciplined approach to learning, alongside the development of robust technical accounting skills.
Active participation in ad‑hoc projects and special assignments, displaying initiative, adaptability, problem‑solving capability, and the ability to work effectively across functions and teams.

Qualification and Experience

Certificate in the Theory of Accountancy (CTA) or a Post-Graduate programme recognised by SAICA as a prerequisite for admission to the Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC).
Academic performance record average of at least 60%.
Experience belonging to a university/community organisation i.e. non-profit, society, club.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications (advantageous).

Knowledge and Skills

Financial Accounting

Financial Management Taxation

Managerial Accounting

Internal and External Audit

Personal Attributes

Self-development - Contributing independently

Decision quality - Contributing independently

Financial acumen - Contributing independently

Optimises work processes - Contributing independently

Build a successful career with us

We’re all about building strong, lasting relationships with our employees. We know that you have hopes for your future – your career, your personal development and of achieving great things. We pride ourselves in helping our employees to realise their worth. Through its five business clusters – Sanlam Fintech, Sanlam Life and Savings, Sanlam Investment Group, Sanlam Allianz, Santam, as well as MiWay and the Group Office – the group provides many opportunities for growth and development.

Core Competencies

Being resilient - Contributing independently

Customer focus - Contributing independently

Collaborates - Contributing independently

Drives results - Contributing independently

Cultivates innovation - Contributing independently

Turnaround time

The shortlisting process will only start once the application due date has been reached. The time taken to complete this process will depend on how far you progress and the availability of managers.

The closing date for applications is 31 May 2026.

Our commitment to transformation

The Sanlam Group is committed to achieving transformation and embraces diversity. This commitment is what drives us to achieve a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace as we believe that these are key components to ensuring a thriving and sustainable business in South Africa. The Group's Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.