Train tomorrow’s accountants. Grow your practice today. 

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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.

Apply to be an ATO
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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. 

    • 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. 

    • 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. 

  • 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. 

    • 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. 

  • 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. 

    • More hands: Reduce senior staff workload. 

    • Talent pipeline: Trainees become future hires. 

    • Market edge: Firms with ATO status attract clients, graduates, and credibility. 

Apply to Become an ATO