The SNG Grant Thornton Bursary Programme (Accounting Bursary)

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SNG Grant Thornton, a leading professional services firm, is deeply committed to fostering transformation within the South African financial landscape. A cornerstone of this commitment is their bursary programme, designed to empower talented students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue a career in Chartered Accountancy (CA). This initiative not only addresses the need for skilled professionals within the firm but also contributes significantly to broader societal development by creating opportunities for deserving individuals.

About the Bursary

The SNG Grant Thornton Bursary is more than just financial assistance; it's a comprehensive support system designed to nurture and develop future leaders in the accounting profession. Recognizing the historical imbalances within the sector, the programme specifically targets Black and Coloured South African learners, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to succeed. This focus on transformation is aligned with the firm's broader strategic objectives, which prioritize diversity and inclusion at all levels.

What this Bursary Entails:

The bursary offers extensive financial support, covering crucial expenses that can often be a barrier to entry for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes:

• Full Tuition Fees: The bursary covers the complete cost of tuition for each academic year, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. This removes the immediate financial burden of higher education, allowing students to focus on their studies.
• Accommodation: Recognizing that secure and stable housing is essential for academic success, the programme provides accommodation allowances.
• Books and Stationery: The costs of textbooks and other learning materials can be substantial. The bursary alleviates this burden by providing a dedicated allowance for these essential resources.
• Meals: Ensuring students have access to nutritious meals is crucial for their well-being and academic performance. The bursary includes a meal allowance to address this need.
• Living and Travel Allowance: To further support students' overall well-being and logistical needs, the bursary provides a living and travel allowance.

Beyond these financial provisions, the SNG Grant Thornton Bursary distinguishes itself through its comprehensive “wrap-around” support system. This holistic approach recognizes that academic success is influenced by a variety of factors beyond finances and provides support in the following areas:

• Academic Support: Recognizing the demanding nature of the CA qualification, the programme offers a range of academic enrichment initiatives. These include additional tutorials, study skills workshops, and other resources designed to enhance learning and academic performance.
• Social and Emotional Support: The transition to university and the pressures of academic life can be challenging. The bursary provides access to social and emotional support networks, ensuring students have the necessary support systems in place.
• Work-Readiness and Life Skills Training: Preparing students for the professional world is a key focus. The programme includes training in essential work-readiness and life skills, equipping bursary recipients with the tools they need to succeed in their future careers.
• Mentoring and Counselling: Students are paired with experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders who provide guidance, mentorship, and support throughout their academic journey. This invaluable access to experienced professionals offers students insights into the profession and helps them navigate the challenges of their studies.
• Exposure to Experienced Professionals: The programme offers opportunities for students to interact with and learn from experienced Chartered Accountants and business leaders within SNG Grant Thornton. This exposure provides valuable insights into the profession and helps students build their professional networks.
• On-the-Job Exposure During Recess: During university breaks, bursary recipients are given opportunities for practical experience within SNG Grant Thornton. This hands-on exposure provides valuable real-world experience and helps students apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting.

Partnership with Thuthuka:

To ensure the effective administration and delivery of its bursary programme, SNG Grant Thornton has partnered with Thuthuka, a well-established organization specializing in bursary management. This partnership ensures that the programme is managed efficiently and effectively, allowing students to focus on their studies without administrative burdens.

The Application Process:

The application process for the SNG Grant Thornton Bursary is designed to identify promising candidates who demonstrate academic potential and a strong commitment to pursuing a career in Chartered Accountancy. Applicants are required to submit the following documentation:

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining their academic and extracurricular achievements.
• A compelling motivational letter expressing their passion for the CA profession and explaining why they should be considered for the bursary.
• An official academic transcript demonstrating their academic performance.
• A copy of their identity document for verification purposes.

Shortlisted candidates may also be required to undergo a psychometric assessment to evaluate their aptitude and suitability for the programme. Following this, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Successful applicants will then receive a bursary offer, formally confirming their place in the programme.

Global Mobility and Career Development:

SNG Grant Thornton recognizes the importance of providing its staff with opportunities for professional growth and development. This commitment extends beyond the bursary programme to include a robust global mobility programme. This initiative allows employees to gain valuable international experience through secondments to Grant Thornton member firms around the world. These secondments provide employees with the opportunity to broaden their horizons, develop new skills, and contribute to the global network.

The global mobility programme benefits both the firm and its employees. For the firm, it serves as a valuable talent retention tool, attracting and retaining high-quality professionals. For employees, it offers unparalleled opportunities for career development and personal growth. The programme also facilitates knowledge sharing and the identification of best practices from network firms, which can then be implemented locally, contributing to the firm's overall success.

In Conclusion:

The SNG Grant Thornton Bursary Programme is a testament to the firm's commitment to transformation, education, and the development of future leaders in the accounting profession. By providing comprehensive financial and non-financial support, the programme empowers talented students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their full potential. This investment in the future not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to the growth and development of the South African economy as a whole.

Through this unwavering commitment to education and development, SNG Grant Thornton is not just investing in individual success but also contributing to a stronger, more inclusive South African economy. This bursary programme exemplifies the transformative power of investing in people, underscoring the firm's role as a catalyst for meaningful change in the profession and society at large.