SA chartered accountants seeking recognition in the Netherlands now have a simpler option
It is for this reason that the South African Chartered Accountants (SAICA) proactively pursues reciprocity agreements with accountancy bodies around the world in order to ensure that those holding the CA(SA) designation are viewed in the same light as their overseas counterparts, Today, CAs(CA) have reason to celebrate as SAICA announces that the reciprocity process for members working in the Netherlands has been streamlined.
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Koninklijke Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants (NBA) confirm that the process for CAs(SA) who wish to gain recognition in the Netherlands has been simplified.
“Advancing the interests of respective members and positively contributing to the development of the accounting profession lies at the heart of SAICA’s various mutual recognition agreements (MRAs). With these agreements, SAICA ensures that the CA(SA) designation is regarded in the same light as a local qualification should a SAICA member wish to be credentialed and work internationally,” says Robert Zwane, SAICA Executive: Learning, Development and National Imperatives.” For SAICA, our MRAs have further strategic importance as they enable us to fulfil one of the institution’s fundamental promises, namely to give members access to a world-class profession that allows them to work globally,” he continues. “Yet sometimes that process can be an onerous one and it is up to us, as a membership body, to assist in streamlining these processes where we can.”
Previously, CAs(SA) who wanted to apply to write the NBA’s professional competence test (a legal requirement in the Netherlands for all foreign accountants) had to supply the following documentation:
1. Equivalent theoretical accountancy educational programme
a) Copy of diploma or other document of evidence, legalised by issuing educational institute
b) Grades list, study programmes and literature on which the testimonial or diploma is based
c) Level: Master of Science
2. Equivalent practical education with final examination
a) Copy of testimonial or evidential document, legalized by a civil-law notary or authorised body
b) Supporting programmes, reports and examination programme
3. Enrolment in foreign accountants register, including evidence of authority to conduct statutory audits of all types of organisations, without any limitations
However, following lengthy consultation with the NBA, SAICA is pleased to announce that this process has been simplified.
Here is how members can apply to sit the NBA’s professional competence test
Going forward, CAs(SA) will now only need to complete a simple application form and submit the following documents to become eligible for an interview and to take the professional competence test, which consists of five exams, to be eligible for the institute’s certificate of professional competence.
- 1. CAs(SA) who completed their CTA/PGDA less than 10 years ago will need to submit:
a) A certified copy of their SAICA Accredited Undergraduate Degree certificate
b) A certified copy of their SAICA Accredited Post-Graduate (CTA/PGDA) degree certificate
c) A statement from The Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA) that they are a Registered Auditor (RA) or would meet the requirements to be registered as a RA in South Africa
- 2. CAs(SA) who completed their CTA/PGDA more than 10 years ago will, in addition to the above, need to submit the following additional documents:
- d) A certified copy of the academic transcript of their SAICA Accredited Undergraduate Degree
- e) A certified copy of the academic transcript of their SAICA Accredited Post-Graduate Degree (CTA/PGDA)
Full details on the eligibility requirements for CAs(SA) can be found on SAICA’s website and members interested in obtaining the NBA application form can contact ***@saica.co.za.
SAICA Media Contact
Ms Karin Jacobsen
Project Director: Marketing and Communications
Learning, Development and National Imperative Division (SAICA)
Tel: 011 621 6913
Email: ***@saica.co.za
Ms Renette Human
Project Director: Communications
Brand Division (SAICA)
Tel: 011 621 6713
Email: ***@saica.co.za
Notes to Editor
About SAICA
SAICA, South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. The Institute provides a wide range of support services to more than 46 000 members and associates who are chartered accountants [CAs(SA)], as well as associate general accountants [AGAs(SA)] and accounting technicians [ATs(SA)], who hold positions as CEOs, MDs, board directors, business owners, chief financial officers, auditors and leaders in every sphere of commerce and industry, and who play a significant role in the nation’s highly dynamic business sector and economic development.
About NBA
The NBA is the professional body for accountants in the Netherlands. NBA's members include over 21.000 professionals working at public accountancy practices, government agencies, as internal auditors or in organisational management. The NBA assists accountants in fulfilling their crucial role in society, both in the present and future.