
Train tomorrow’s accountants. Grow your practice today.
Becoming a CIBA Approved Training Office means your firm can host trainees, access funding, and build a pipeline of loyal professionals while boosting your credibility.
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Stronger Practice Performance
Extra capacity: Trainees take on reconciliations, VAT, payroll, and client tasks — freeing senior staff.
Revenue pipeline: Trainees trained your way are your future staff, clients, or partners.
Funding support: Access FASSET grants and stipends to offset trainee salaries and training costs.
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Attract young talent: Position your firm as a training ground for ambitious accountants.
Stand out: ATO status signals quality and professionalism to clients and the market.
Professional credibility: Supervision by CIBA-recognised CBAP, CFM, or CCFO proves you meet high standards.
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Structured, recognised training: Meets CIBA and FASSET standards, protecting your firm and learners.
Tax & Skills benefits: Skills Development Levy and grant claims can improve your cashflow and B-BBEE score.
Guidance from CIBA: Templates, checklists, and site-visit support help you stay compliant with ease.
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An Approved Training Office is a registered accountancy practice or finance organisation recognised by CIBA to host, mentor, and sign off accounting trainees.
Think of it as a professional “stamp of approval”: your firm is officially authorised to provide workplace learning that counts toward professional qualifications. -
To become an ATO, your practice needs:
At least 1 CIBA-designated mentor (CBAP, CFM, or CCFO).
A 1:5 mentor-to-trainee ratio.
CIPC registration + valid SARS Tax Compliance.
Proof of financial stability.
A safe, functional office (OHS audit, internet, laptops for trainees).
Structured trainee work assignments aligned with competencies.
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Apply → Submit CIPC docs, SARS TCS, mentor CVs, training plan.
Site visit → CIBA checks your office and training readiness.
Approval → You’re registered as an ATO.
Train & claim → Host trainees, apply for FASSET funding, build your pipeline.
Stay compliant → CIBA reviews your status periodically to keep your recognition secure.
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CIBA ATOs can register learners with FASSET and access stipends:
Graduate internships: R5,000/month (12 months).
TVET WBE placements: 18 months with progressive stipends.
Learnerships: Support for NQF-aligned qualifications (TVET, NCV, NSC).
Funding reduces the cost of training while giving back to the profession.
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More hands: Reduce senior staff workload.
Talent pipeline: Trainees become future hires.
Market edge: Firms with ATO status attract clients, graduates, and credibility.