In 2008, the AAT(SA) was formed through a joint venture between the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) to meet the finance and accounting skills shortages in South Africa and build capacity in local government, commerce and industry.
The past eight years have optimally positioned AAT(SA) to offer products and services unique and relevant to the South African market while at the same time aligned to a globally recognised standard.
The strategic objectives and targets set out in the agreement have been achieved and accordingly an exit strategy has been agreed upon with the primary goal of transferring all responsibilities to SAICA.
Nadine Kater, general manager of AAT(SA) explains that the body will continue to focus on providing the same technical excellence, high quality designation and member output that we have done for years – a focus designed to fulfil South Africa’s national strategic imperative of using education to reduce inequality and promote employment.
While Chantyl Mulder, executive director: nation building transformation & growth at SAICA, emphasises that the multi-tiered suite of professional designations – chartered accountants, associate general accountants and accounting technicians – serves as a strategic fit for SAICA’s vision to provide accounting skills at various levels in the organisation.
