Are you a CTA graduate ready to qualify as a CA(SA)? Sanlam is recruiting SAICA Trainee Accountants for their TOPP (Training Outside Public Practice) programme in Cape Town.
This is your chance to qualify as a Chartered Accountant within one of the largest and most respected financial services groups in Africa. Instead of auditing multiple clients, you will immerse yourself in the financial operations, risk management, and strategic reporting of a global powerhouse.
Position Details:
- Employer: Sanlam
- Programme: SAICA TOPP (Training Outside Public Practice)
- Location: Cape Town (Bellville)
- Closing Date: 31 May 2026
Requirements:
- Education: Successful completion of CTA (Certificate in the Theory of Accounting) or equivalent.
- Ambition: A clear intention to qualify as a CA(SA) through the SAICA TOPP pathway.
- Mindset: High attention to detail, strong financial ethics, and the ability to work in a dynamic corporate environment.
Why Choose TOPP at Sanlam?
For many students, the “Audit” route is the default. However, the TOPP programme at Sanlam offers unique advantages:
- Deep Immersion: You don’t just audit the business; you are the business. You will understand how a financial services giant handles investments, insurance, and risk.
- Industry Focus: You build a specialized career in the financial services sector from Day 1.
- Career Trajectory: Many Sanlam TOPP trainees transition directly into management or specialized finance roles within the group upon qualifying.
- Resources: You get the backing of a massive corporate entity, including structured mentorship and support for your Board Exams (ITC and APC).
How to Apply:
Sanlam’s selection process is rigorous and competitive. To ensure your application stands out:
- Academic Excellence: Highlight your CTA results and any specific subjects where you excelled (e.g., Financial Management or Auditing).
- Professionalism: Since this is a finance role, ensure your CV is clean, error-free, and professional.
- The “Why”: In your cover letter, articulate why you prefer the TOPP path over a traditional audit firm. It shows you have done your research and have a long-term career vision.
Career Advice: TOPP vs. Audit Articles
- Understand the Difference: Audit articles (TA) provide breadth (seeing many clients, many industries). TOPP provides depth (learning one business inside out). If you know you want to work in Financial Services/Insurance long-term, TOPP is a “career hack.”
- Board Exam Support: Sanlam provides world-class study leave and support for the ITC and APC. Ask about their support structures during the interview.
- Networking: As a trainee at Sanlam, you are surrounded by CAs(SA) who are leaders in their field. Use this time to build a professional network that will last your entire career.
Possible Interview Questions
Technical & Industry
- “Why have you chosen the TOPP route for your articles rather than the traditional audit firm route?”
- “How do you keep up with changes in IFRS or local financial regulations?”
- “What do you think is the biggest financial risk currently facing a major insurance group like Sanlam?”
Behavioral
- “TOPP articles require you to work as part of a corporate finance team. How do you handle tight month-end deadlines?”
- “Describe a time you had to explain a complex financial concept to someone without a finance background. How did you ensure they understood?”