1st to 3rd year CA articles salary

[SAdata]

Hi all

What is the rough salary one can expect during articles as a CA at a big 4 firm in Joburg? I'm just trying to figure out where to sign based on all factors. I've heard EY pays the most and PWC the least but I've heard many contradicting things. I know the banking route pays considerably more. Would medium sized firms pay more than big 4 firms?

Thanks so much!

 

[saturnz]

I wouldn't base my decision on what a CA earns during articles, what they earn afterwards is what matters more.

How your managers treat you during the articles I think is a far more important consideration than the actual money received, you don't really want to be miserable and consider changing firms mid way and then having to incur a penalty because of it.

 

[matt_za]

Hard to find up to date info about this. Would love to know.

 

[Freaksta]

Money should be the last thing you look at rather go see where you fit in chat to people doing there articles, evaluate the rumors and choose based on that, overall I don't think there is much of a difference in the big 4 they all compete for the same people. If you summed all 3 years the total will pretty much be the same I think. One gives you a bigger bonus for passing board, other a lower increase now and higher later bla bla. You get the point, it's enough to live!

I'm from PE as you can see but this is how I see it here based on my limited experience.

 

[SAdata]

I have heard many rumors its not all about the money, I don't mind a 2k a month difference. However I've heard at firm x starting 1st year is 12.5k, and another is 18k both gross. Dunno if the 18k is legit but if it is then that is a big enough difference to sway me. Other figures I've heard is 14 which is apparently on the high end. Obviously at banks the starting salary is much higher Ive heard 20k but you have to realise about 2000 people a year do articles at audit firms, while only about 180 do it through the banking route (incl sasol etc. - think this is called TIPP - I can't quite remember)

 

[matt_za]

wow speaking as someone that is looking to do banking route in 2015 i never knew it was such a low number.

 

[ghostbuster]

For TOPP articles they take around 150 ppl a year. much more competitive to get into due to better pay and different exposure.

You also get more leave (Study and Vacation) Better passing bonuses, 13th cheque or performance bonus, Pension + life cover, other perks like low interest rates and banking fees.

There is oppurtunit to travel overseas during articles.

you dont get petrol allowance and shat on