Maryke Theron CA(SA) RA | Training and Development Partner, PKF Cape Town

Our Investment in the Next Generation

At PKF South Africa, we take pride in not only bridging the nation’s skills gap, but also in actively empowering young professionals through our formal training programme. By investing in youth, we are cultivating tomorrow’s leaders who become trusted partners to our clients.

How Our CA Trainee Programme Builds Lasting Relationships

Practical, Hands-on Learning: Young trainee accountants participate in real-time client engagements from their first day, gaining experience that goes beyond textbooks and lectures.

Mentorship and Personal Growth: Mentoring from experienced professionals nurtures both their abilities and interpersonal skills, equipping them to engage meaningfully with clients.

Progressive Responsibility: As confidence and competence grow, trainee accountants are entrusted with client-facing responsibilities, building direct, authentic relationships.

Shared Success Stories: Many of our leadership team can trace their first client relationship back to their trainee accountant years - these often evolve into enduring business.

The Ripple Effect - From Trainee to Trusted Advisor

We see the investment in our trainee accountants as an investment in both our and our clients’ future. Trainees often remain with us long after their initial programme, evolving into specialists and leaders who bring consistency and deep understanding to client engagements.

For clients, that means:

• Working with people who know their business history and culture.
• Relationships built on trust, continuity, and personal connection.
• Access to a diverse, dynamic team that combines fresh perspectives with wisdom.

Why It Matters

By prioritising training and development, we are not only preparing youth for the world of work but are also building a network of relationships and expertise that our clients can count on for years to come. This mutually beneficial approach ensures our clients always have access to forward-thinking professionals who are invested in their long-term success.

Skills gaps and the importance of hands-on training programmes in South Africa have been highlighted in national employer surveys and reports by organisations such as SAICA and the Department of Higher Education and Training. We’re glad to contribute in some way to reducing those skill gaps and empowering the next generation of accountants and auditors.