​The results of the January 2019 Initial Test of Competence (ITC) of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants’ (SAICA) were released on Friday 29 March 2019. The ITC is the first of two professional examinations which candidate Chartered Accountants (CAs) are required to pass in order to register with SAICA as CAs, and the result tables compare the performance of all universities offering SAICA accredited degrees.

“The Department of Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is extremely proud of the performance of our students in this year’s exam. We are proud of the fact that 241 UJ candidates passed the exam. As in previous years, UJ also once again achieved an excellent pass rate with a first time pass rate of 84% in the 2019 January ITC, compared to the national first time pass rate of 76%” , says Professor Ben Marx, Head of the Department of Accountancy, UJ.

According to Prof Marx, there can be no argument that performance against transformation indicators has become one of the most important measures when evaluating the performance of universities in the ITC. “As we continue to contribute to the growth of the Accounting profession, the national imperatives of addressing skills shortage and nation building is one of Department of Accountancy’s key focus areas. Once again, the results are proof of the impact and success of the Department’s Thuthuka programme and other strategic interventions to assist students.

“Looking at the background and profile of our UJ students, we are proud that the results also confirm UJ’s leadership position in transforming the Accounting profession in South Africa. UJ is the main contributor of African candidates of all residential universities with 124 successful African candidates passing the exam.” UJ has a 73% African pass rate versus a national African pass rate of 56%.”

“The ITC results is true testimony to the passion and commitment of all lecturing staff in the Department of Accountancy. We are proud of the quality of our programmes and the way in which we are bridging the gap in preparing students to become critical thinking accountants. This is an imperative characteristic for graduates when entering the workforce to embark on their careers. Whilst our staff continuously strive to make an impact on students, we are also cognisant of the hard work and preparation of our students, which is echoed by the results.”