Trainee diaries - how the journey to CA(SA) is an uphill battle

By
Ebrahim Kaloo
Audit trainee
April 26, 2024
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Welcome to the wild world of auditing, where numbers reign supreme.

And the rules? About as clear as mud.

Our journey to becoming Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)) is less of a scholarly pursuit and more of a rollercoaster ride through what seems like a financial funhouse.

Picture this: a gang of auditors armed with calculators and more determination than a bull in a china shop, setting off on a quest for that elusive CA(SA) badge.

Keep on climbing, says Ebrahim (Photo: Nappy)

Along the way, we encounter the dreaded board exams and navigate the labyrinth of honours degrees.

Do we let these challenges scare us off? Not a chance!

We charge ahead, ready to tackle balance sheets like seasoned warriors and laugh in the face of those pesky discrepancies.

Sure, we might stumble and trip over our own shoelaces, but that's all part of the fun.

And let's not forget the unsung hero of our tale: perseverance.
It's like our trusty sidekick, always there to pick us up when we fall and give us a kick in the pants when we need it.

As for me, I'm still on my way to becoming a full-fledged CA(SA).

Picture me, a wide-eyed auditor-in-training, armed with textbooks thicker than a phonebook and a sense of humour to match.

I've stumbled through exams like a toddler, learning to dance through the disaster more times than I care to admit.

But hey, who said the journey was supposed to be easy?

Ebrahim Kaloo, in the throws of his SAICA Article battle (Photo: Rakesh Bhagwandin, Mediacam)

Amidst the chaos and calamity, there's a silver lining: camaraderie.

It's like a warm blanket on a chilly night, giving us a sense of belonging. Whether we're sharing study tips or swapping war stories from the ‘front lines’, there's nothing quite like the bond forged in the fires of adversity.

To all you aspiring auditors out there, take heart!

It’s not about the fancy titles or the impressive credentials—it's about embracing the adventure, finding joy in the journey, and never losing sight of your dreams.

With perseverance, and a healthy dose of humour by your side, you'll navigate the twists and turns of the auditing world with style, grace, and a whole lot of laughs.

Onward, brave auditors, to victory and beyond! And fear not, for I'm right there with you, still chasing after that elusive CA(SA) badge. Together, we'll conquer the audit adventure and emerge victorious on the other side.