Company: BDO South Africa
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape
Contract Type: 3-Year Training Contract
Date Posted: 22 September 2025
Closing Date: Not specified
Job Ref #: BDOWAVE-GR65-ACCA26-PE-22SEP25-MM
Department: Audit – Financial Services and General Sectors
Industry: Audit and Advisory Services
Experience Level: Graduate / Entry Level
Functional Area: Trainee Accountant – ACCA
About BDO South Africa and BDO Wave
BDO South Africa is part of BDO Global, one of the world’s leading professional services networks with offices in over 160 countries. The firm provides audit, advisory, tax, and business services, consistently ranking as a trusted partner for clients across industries.
The BDO Wave team is a specialised Extended Delivery Team (EDT) based in South Africa, designed to support BDO UK in delivering agile, high-quality, and value-driven audit and advisory services. This innovative setup gives South African graduates the opportunity to work with international audit clients, gaining world-class exposure while building strong foundations for long-term careers.
The 2026 ACCA Traineeship offers ambitious graduates a chance to join this dynamic division, combining structured training, practical audit experience, and study support to help you achieve the ACCA Chartered Certified Accountant designation.
Role Overview
The ACCA Traineeship is a three-year training contract starting in January 2026 within the BDO Wave Audit division in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
This traineeship is designed to provide you with practical experience across the full audit cycle, while simultaneously supporting your ACCA exam preparation and professional development. With exposure to diverse commercial sectors, trainees will gain the generalist expertise needed to thrive as audit professionals in a global environment.
Key Responsibilities
As an ACCA Trainee at BDO Wave, you will be responsible for:
Audit (Technical)
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Assisting in the delivery of audits from planning through to completion.
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Preparing audit planning documents, system notes, and risk assessments.
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Executing audit procedures across key financial statement areas, including payroll, revenue, expenses, PPE, cash, and bank.
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Evaluating evidence to identify risks of material misstatement and documenting findings.
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Escalating identified issues to senior team members and assisting in their resolution.
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Supporting completion procedures, including analytical reviews, audit reports, and clearance of outstanding queries.
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Developing professional judgment by connecting audit findings to business risks.
Administration
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Completing monthly feedback forms with input from managers.
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Tracking and updating skills reviews via the Learning & Training System (LTS).
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Preparing and delivering professional presentations.
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Actively participating in team sessions to strengthen communication and collaboration skills.
Studying and Professional Growth
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Working towards the ACCA qualification with structured mentorship and guidance.
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Applying theoretical knowledge gained through ACCA studies directly to audit engagements.
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Balancing study and work commitments effectively, building resilience and discipline.
Study Support Provided by BDO Wave
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Full coverage of tuition and exam fees for the first attempt of all ACCA exams.
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Access to lectures and learning support through an approved Learning Service Provider.
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Paid study leave to prepare effectively for examinations.
Entry Requirements
To be considered for the BDO Wave ACCA Traineeship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Education: Completion of an ACCA-accredited degree from a recognised university with auditing as a major subject (preferably completed in 2024 or 2025).
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Eligibility: Must be committed to pursuing the ACCA designation.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate for this traineeship will demonstrate:
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Eagerness to Learn: A willingness to grow and develop within a professional services environment.
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Resilience: Ability to manage stress and meet tight deadlines.
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Communication Skills: Excellent spoken and written English.
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Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
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Flexibility: Willingness to work additional hours when required by client deadlines.
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Project Management: Ability to organise and manage multiple tasks.
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Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy and commitment to quality.
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Teamwork: Collaborative approach to working within audit teams.
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Self-Development: Dedication to continuous learning and personal growth.
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Organisational Skills: Strong time management and prioritisation abilities.
Why Join BDO Wave as an ACCA Trainee?
This traineeship provides a unique opportunity to:
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Gain hands-on experience in audit engagements across diverse industries.
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Receive full support and funding to qualify as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA).
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Work with both South African and UK audit teams, gaining international exposure.
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Build a long-term career with BDO, a globally recognised professional services brand.
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Develop both technical audit skills and professional competencies in a supportive environment.
For more graduate and training contract opportunities, visit Jobs and Career Opportunities.
Equal Opportunity Statement
BDO South Africa is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusivity and diversity. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, gender, or disability, are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
If you meet the entry requirements and are passionate about building your career as an ACCA Chartered Certified Accountant, apply directly via the official BDO South Africa careers portal:
👉 Apply Here – BDO South Africa Careers
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within a reasonable timeframe, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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