Technical & Training Specialist
Position Purpose
The Technical & Training Specialist role is responsible for developing, supporting the delivery, coordination and administration of technical training across the audit firm, with a particular focus on the development and training of SAICA trainees.
The successful candidate will be a qualified CA(SA) with strong technical accounting and auditing knowledge, excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to translate technical concepts into practical, relevant training. The role will also provide administrative and organisational support to ensure that the firm's technical training programme is effectively planned, coordinated and delivered.
Key Responsibilities
1. Technical Training
Develop and maintain training materials, templates, presentations, practical examples, case studies and supporting resources.
Deliver technical training to audit staff at various levels, including SAICA trainees, junior staff, managers and other relevant employees, including non-audit staff.
Assist with the development and facilitation of training sessions covering auditing, accounting, financial reporting, IFRS/IAS, SAICA requirements and other relevant technical matters.
Provide practical guidance and support to SAICA trainees on technical audit and accounting matters.
Assist in identifying technical knowledge gaps and recommend appropriate training interventions.
Keep training content up to date with changes in legislation, auditing standards, IFRS/IAS, SAICA requirements and other relevant professional developments.
Support the delivery of induction and onboarding training for new audit staff and trainees.
2. SAICA Trainee Support
Assist in the planning and coordination of the firm's SAICA trainee development programme.
Provide technical and academic support to trainees where required.
Assist trainees in understanding the practical application of technical standards and audit methodology.
Support the firm in meeting relevant SAICA training and development requirements.
Assist with monitoring trainee training needs, progress and areas requiring additional support.
Liaise with relevant engagement teams and training personnel regarding trainee development and technical training requirements.
3. Training Organisation and Coordination
Coordinate the firm's annual technical training calendar.
Assist with scheduling internal and external training sessions for the entire audit firm.
Coordinate training logistics, including venues, virtual sessions, attendance, materials and communication with participants.
Maintain accurate training records, attendance registers and supporting documentation.
Assist with coordinating external trainers, facilitators and training providers where required.
Communicate training schedules and requirements effectively to staff and management.
Assist with obtaining feedback from participants and evaluating the effectiveness of training programmes.
Track mandatory and required training to ensure staff remain up to date with relevant technical and professional requirements.
4. Technical Support
Assist the technical department with research on accounting, auditing and financial reporting matters.
Support the preparation and communication of technical updates to the audit firm.
Assist with responding to technical queries from audit teams and trainees, escalating complex matters where appropriate.
Monitor developments in relevant professional standards and communicate significant changes to affected staff.
Assist with the preparation of technical guidance, internal communications and audit training resources.
5. Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve the firm's technical training processes and trainee support programmes.
Assist in developing more effective and practical training methodologies.
Use feedback and training outcomes to improve future training initiatives.
Promote a culture of continuous technical development and professional learning throughout the audit firm.
Minimum Requirements
Qualified CA(SA) - essential.
Relevant experience in external audit, preferably within a professional services or audit firm environment.
Strong knowledge of auditing standards, IFRS/IAS and relevant SAICA requirements.
Demonstrated ability to present and facilitate training effectively.
Experience working with or mentoring SAICA trainees would be advantageous.
Strong organisational and administrative skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, Excel and Word.
Proficiency in caseware probe would be advantageous.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Technical competence - strong understanding of auditing, accounting and financial reporting requirements.
Training and facilitation skills - ability to explain technical concepts clearly and engage different levels of learners.
Communication - confident and professional communication with trainees, audit teams and management.
Organisation and planning - ability to coordinate multiple training initiatives and deadlines.
Attention to detail - high level of accuracy when dealing with technical content, training records and SAICA requirements.
Relationship building - ability to establish positive working relationships across the firm.
Problem-solving - ability to identify training needs and develop practical solutions.
Initiative - proactive approach to identifying technical and development requirements.
Teamwork - ability to work collaboratively with the technical, audit and training teams.
Adaptability - ability to respond to changes in professional standards, regulations and business requirements.
Key Performance Areas
Performance in the role will be measured against:
Effective delivery of high-quality technical training.
Successful coordination and execution of the firm's technical training programme.
Effective technical support and development of SAICA trainees.
Accuracy and currency of training materials and technical content.
Compliance with relevant SAICA and professional training requirements.
Training attendance, engagement and feedback.
Responsiveness to technical queries and training needs.
Continuous improvement of the firm's technical training and trainee support processes.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be a CA(SA) who combines strong technical audit and accounting knowledge with a genuine passion for developing people. They should be comfortable presenting to groups, working with trainees and senior audit professionals, coordinating multiple training activities, and taking ownership of the firm's technical learning requirements.
The role would suit an individual who is technically strong but also enjoys training, coaching, organising and supporting the professional development of others.
This can also be adapted into a shorter recruitment advert, a formal HR job description with salary/grade/reporting lines, or a job specification specifically tailored to a SAICA-accredited audit training office.