UKZN Accounting Professions Day Connects Students with Future Employers

Accounting students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently explored professional opportunities during the annual UKZN Accounting Professions Day, a two-day event hosted at the University’s Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses.

The event brought together accounting students, recent graduates, and leading professional firms, creating a dynamic space where future accountants could explore career pathways, connect with employers and gain valuable insights into the profession.

Students interacted directly with recruiters and professionals while learning about vacation work, articles of clerkship, graduate internships, bursaries and recruitment processes. They also explored career options beyond private practice, including opportunities within financial institutions and non-governmental organisations.

Among the exhibitors were leading firms and organisations such as BDO, Moore, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), RSM, the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Golden Key International Honour Society, Forvis Mazars, Africa Training Academy, Accensis, and Colenbrander.

Student Support Services Officer in the College of Law and Management Studies, Ms Nomathemba Makhathini, said the event created an important bridge between students and the professional world.

“The College of Law and Management hosts an Accounting Professions Day where companies engage with students, offer opportunities, and provide career guidance,” she said.

“It’s a space where students can see which companies they could work for after graduation. Firms engage with students, share information, and even discuss the possibility of completing articles with them. It helps students understand the opportunities available once they graduate.”

The event was organised by the College’s Career Development Officer, Ms Yanga Lufundo, who co-ordinates several career-focused initiatives, including Accounting Professions Day, Law Professions Day, and broader career days that bring together employers from multiple sectors.

These events aim to expose students to industry while also offering support through career guidance, counselling and professional development sessions.

According to Accounting Academic Leader, Professor Surendan Pillay, the event attracted strong participation from leading firms and professional bodies.

“We’ve had roughly 20 audit firms as well as professional societies visit the UKZN Accounting Careers Day,” he said.

“The quality of the firms is excellent. We have the Big Four plus the Auditor-General, which together train most of the trainees within the province. I’m very happy with the turnout.”

Exhibitors welcomed the opportunity to connect with talented students and introduce them to career opportunities within the accounting and financial sectors.

Mr Ibrahim Raut from the Cape Town-based financial services company Oasis said the firm had already engaged with dozens of students during the event.

“We’ve interacted with about 40 to 50 students already, and what stands out is how career-driven they are,” he said.

“We are here to provide opportunities within the financial services space that will support their personal development while helping them pursue careers that will benefit both themselves and society.”

Mr Yasin Deljion from RMB Private Wealth Advisory highlighted the importance of financial literacy and career awareness among young professionals.

“We chatted with young graduates and future graduates to raise awareness about financial literacy,” he explained.

“Often young professionals entering the real-world face challenges understanding banking, savings, and borrowing. Our aim is to help them make sound financial decisions for themselves, their families and their future careers.”

Deljion added that RMB also runs graduate programmes through its corporate and private banking divisions.

“We encourage students to register their CVs on our careers website. We are one of the top employers in South Africa with a broader African footprint, so these opportunities can help young professionals advance their careers locally and internationally.”

Representatives from the Auditor-General of South Africa noted that the event provides valuable exposure to students while strengthening the organisation’s connection with UKZN graduates.

UKZN alumnus Mr Sthabiso Jange, currently completing his academic training through the AGSA’s three-year graduate programme, said the event had played a role in shaping his own career journey.

“I attended Accounting Professions Day as a student and started working with AGSA during my vacation periods,” he said.

“The event helps students envision the end goal of their degree through one-on-one conversations with different firms and by learning how to apply for relevant programmes.”

Students who attended the event described it as both informative and motivating.

First-year student Mr Pranav Behari from the Pietermaritzburg campus said the event reaffirmed his career choice.

“Although I had already done extensive research into choosing my degree, this event was very informative and confirmed that I made the right decision.”

Business Administration student Ms Ntando Ndzamela said the experience was rewarding.

“My experience was great. They gave me the answers I was looking for.”

BCom general student Ms Amogelang Pholosi, who is majoring in Accounting, echoed the sentiment. “I had an amazing time. I interacted with the firms and got all the answers I was looking for. It was a great experience.”

By bringing industry and students together in a dynamic environment, UKZN’s Accounting Professions Day continues to play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of accounting professionals.

For many students, the event provided more than information – it offered clarity, connections, and a glimpse into the professional future that awaits them after graduation.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photographs: Supplied