The FirstRand Bank TOPP Programme

The FirstRand Bank TOPP Programme has been a SAICA registered ATO (Approved Training Organisation) since 1998 and has established a solid ATO reputation.  Trainees who have graduated from the Programme are to be found working in a variety of challenging positions within the Group where their qualification and training is highly valued. The TOPP experience at FirstRand Bank is not purely a training experience.  First and foremost, it sets out to select and recruit aspiring CA’s who are self-starters, will challenge and seek challenge, who display entrepreneurial ability and add value, and who ultimately see themselves establishing careers within FirstRand. In return, the FirstRand Bank TOPP Programme offers trainees three years of articles in a banking environment where they will be exposed to the five core category areas of experience prescribed by SAICA that are: Financial Accounting Management Accounting and Financial Management Taxation Internal Audit and Corporate Governance Professional skills Three years of articles where trainees, in addition to the prescribed experience, will be exposed to the many essential and life skill building experiences to be found in a highly energized and innovative Bank. Trainees will gain their experience by being placed on rotations within the various business entities of FirstRand Bank, thus giving them hands-on experience and a good overview of banking.  Examples of some of the rotations where training takes place are: FirstRand Bank Group Finance FirstRand Bank Internal Audit FirstRand Bank Tax FNB Retail Bank: FNB HomeLoans FNB Investment Product House FirstCard RMB Asset Management RMB Private Equity RMB Investment Banking Division In addition to the support trainees receive from the TOPP Programme management team, each trainee is appointed a trained mentor, who is a CA.  The rotation line management and the teams of the business entities in which trainees are placed, are keen supporters of the Programme and this ensures integration and quality training for the trainees. The FirstRand Bank TOPP Programme aims to make the Programme experience one where learning, development and achievement of career goals, are balanced with job satisfaction and enjoyment. How to apply The TOPP Programme is open to applicants who have completed a BCom Acc (Hons)/CTA degree or applicants who are in the final year of BCom Acc (Hons)/CTA, may also submit  applications to the details supplied below.  These applicants, in the event that they are successful in the recruitment and selection process, and have passed their BCom Acc (Hons)/CTA examination, will be made offers to commence training at the beginning of the following year. A well-prepared curriculum vitae, together with available academic results and matric certificate should be forwarded to: The TOPP Programme Manager FirstRand Bank Limited Banking Group Support Services P O Box 650149 Benmore   2010 Telephone:  011 282 1753 Fax:  011 282 4019 e-mail:  TOPP@firstrand.co.za Interested applicants should note that trainees are required to serve their articles in Johannesburg.