Excellence 22 years of - see money differently
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22 years of
excellence
Chart your
success.
Craft your
career.
Your way.
see money differently
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS
PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE.
REDEFINE YOUR BOUNDARIES.
CONTENTS
Why Nedbank? 01
Enabling success 03
Being part of the best 06
Hot seat with our ITC Top Achievers 09
Hot seat with our APC Top Achievers 11
Our initiatives 13
Corporate social responsibility 15
Coolest experiences 18
Choose your own path 21
29
Meet our first-years
Meet our second-years 33
Meet our final-years 37
Hear from Alumni 40
Hear from Line Managers 42
How to apply 44
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 01
WHY NEDBANK WAS
DID YOU
KNOW?
NEDBANK?
THE 1ST BANK
TO OFFER A
CA(SA) TRAINING
PROGRAMME
AT NEDBANK WE DISCOVER Nedbank’s worldclass CA Training Programme
BRILLIANT AND INNOVATIVE offers exceptional study and developmental
opportunities and benefits outside of the South
MINDS, DEVELOP AND DEPLOY
African Institute of Chartered Accountants
THEM ACROSS THE DIFFERENT (SAICA) framework. Our trainees are afforded
AREAS IN OUR ORGANISATION the opportunity to rotate across the bank during
AND GIVE THEM EXPOSURE the course of their three-year learnerships, and
TO OUR DISTINCTIVE AND our proven track record of high pass rates bears
testimony to the support that they receive. We
COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT.
place great value on the principles of leadership
and transformation, which are firmly ingrained in
our business culture, and encourage our trainees
to participate in and avail themselves of events,
seminars and mentorship programmes.
Furthermore, the programme is unique in that
it affords you the ability to choose your own
rotations, thereby tailoring your articles to
your career goals. Although the rotations are
mostly Gauteng-based, there are exciting
rotations in Cape Town and Durban. Trainees
can also apply for international rotations in
Namibia and London. These rotations will
challenge your adaptability, tenacity and
business acumen, while providing strong
support and invaluable mentorship.
Join the Nedbank CA Training Programme,
where you can do more and be more.
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 02
THE PROGRAMME PRIDES ITSELF
The benefits ON THE UNIQUE DEVELOPMENTAL
of being on the OPPORTUNITIES AND TAILORED
CA Training ROTATION EXPERIENCES THAT
Programme ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO YOU.
You will be offered the following:
banking boot camp. This is an induction programme in
A
the first month of working for Nedbank. It aims to sculpt
you into a more professional individual and accelerate
your transition from a student to a professional. You will
learn business writing and reporting skills, have advanced
Excel training, learn how to improve your presentation
skills and make a professional impression.
lock training and simulations that will equip you with the
B
professional and technical skills sought after in a CA(SA).
International rotations.
Individually tailored rotations.
Individually tailored training support to assist you with
any professional skills required to help you perform
better in your rotations.
A vibrant social committee that organises social events.
A seasoned coach from the bank who will guide and
support you throughout your journey.
Board courses for ITC and APC that are paid
for by Nedbank.
The ability to lead various projects run by the
programme committees, thereby providing an
opportunity for leadership skills development.
The opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives
through impactful corporate social investment initiatives
that are trainee-led and speak to our purpose of being
financial experts who do good.
A mentor and programme buddy who will be
assigned to you.
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 03
ENABLING
SUCCESS
Lerato Mathibela
HEAD OF THE
SPECIALIST TRAINING
PROGRAMME
What was it about the programme that How has your journey been so far?
made you want to stay involved? The journey has been exciting! We have
I qualified as a CA(SA) in 2017 after having just launched two international rotations
completed my articles through the Nedbank in the United Kingdom, which enhances our
CA Training Programme. Before choosing unique developmental opportunities.The
to take on the position of Head of the CA trainees achieved outstanding results in the
Training Programme, I worked in Nedbank ITC and APC exams, with 100% pass rates
Corporate and Investment Banking. respectively, and two trainees featured in
the top 10 and honours rolls for both exams.
The calibre of the trainees we have on The trainees also made a difference in the
our programme made me want to stay lives of young children at Epworth Children’s
involved. Although each year we are joined Village early this year, after raising over
by a new group of trainees, year after R30 000 to upgrade their learning centre
year the trainees prove themselves to be and revamp their play area. We have just
authentic and driven to make a difference chosen our 2020 Nedbank CA Training
within the context of their scope of influence. Programme intake after a very rigorous
recruitment process. The challenges that
The Nedbank CA Training Programme still lie ahead motivate me to leave an
is truly worldclass, offering exceptional unrivalled, impactful legacy that will enrich
opportunities to young professionals that the South African chartered accountancy
are tailored to their own unique career profession.
aspirations. The opportunity to not only
stay involved, but also to play a significant
role in the advancement of the programme,
excites me daily!
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 04 ENABLING SUCCESS Lesego Gwebu PROGRAMME COORDINATOR Describe your role and driven. Nedbank is truly people- I am the programme coordinator for the centred. Every person I have interacted with CA Training Programme. As a person who has shown me that Nedbank invests in the has a good eye for scouting and nurturing development of its employees. talent, my role ensures that every diverse and unique individual we bring onto the What drew you to this role at Nedbank? programme does and becomes more Nedbank was the first bank to offer a than what they could have imagined. We CA(SA) training programme, and I believe continuously invest in our people and ensure that the programme’s success speaks for that we create an environment that also itself. It also allows trainees to do more and empowers them to perform distinctively be more. and to excel. What was your first impression of the culture at Nedbank? The support given is invaluable, I’m still in disbelief. The team is warm, very positive
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 05 ENABLING SUCCESS Reneé Macaulay LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Describe your role their three-year journey to assist them I am the Learning and Development in deciding which areas of the bank suit Manager for the Nedbank CA Training them best in working towards their future Programme and have over 20 years of career goals. My role ensures that every experience in the broader area of human diverse and unique individual we bring onto capital management. As a certified life the programme not only receives the best coach, I have a passion for nurturing young exposure and mentorship the bank has to talent and working alongside them to help offer, but that our trainees are able to enter them harness their talents and potential. In the profession with a level of competence my 14 years with the programme, I am yet and leadership comparable to the best in to meet two individuals with the same goals the world. and aspirations, which is why the Nedbank CA Training Programme is so unique in its In short I love what I do and I love where I do approach to talent development. There is no it. Most of all I love the people I work with ‘one size fits all’; rather I partner with each every single day! This is what keeps me and every individual trainee throughout coming back.
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 06
BEING
PART
OF THE
BEST
Nedbank is THE SUCCESS OF THE
home to some NEDBANK CA TRAINING
of the top PROGRAMME SPEAKS
achievers in the FOR ITSELF. WE BOAST AN
country. EXEMPLARY PASS RATE
IN BOARD EXAMINATIONS
AND A REMARKABLE
RETENTION RATE.
Through supporting our trainees
and providing exciting and robust
training rotations, the Nedbank
CA Training Programme
has a proven track record of
exceptional performance.
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 07
TOP ACHIEVERS
ITC APC
Joanna Taylor Greg Rowan
(2019 eighth place ITC) (2019 APC honours roll)
Chris Powels Mark Champion
(2019 ninth place ITC) (2019 APC honours roll)
Rob Anderson Nicki Berrange
(2018 fourth place ITC) (2018 APC honours roll)
Kate Stephens Tim Noble
(2017 third place ITC) (2014 fifth place QE II)
Gregory Rowan Rob Peche
(2017 tenth place ITC) (2013 joint tenth place QE II)
Rainer Steinhagen Candace Waterer
(2016 sixth place ITC) (2013 joint eighth place QE II)
Matthew Thomson Zenhardt Dedekind
(2014 fourth place ITC) (2011 joint eighth place QE II)
Gareth Lake Bradley Smith
(2014 first place ITC) (2011 joint fifth place QE II)
JD Symington
(2011 first place QE II)
Renee van Schaik
(2010 sixth place QE II)
Hayley Plimsoll
(2006 first place QE II)
Stephen Warner
(2005 first place QE II)
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 08
PASS RATES
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
ITC PASS RATE 30%
20%
Nedbank 10%
National average
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
APC/QE II
30%
20%
Nedbank
National average 10%
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 09
HOT SEAT WITH OUR
ITC TOP ACHIEVERS
Joanna Taylor
What best prepared you for the ITC exam?
Practice, practice, practice. I started
studying quite early and allowed myself
time to get through most of the board
course work. This gave me an opportunity to
grapple with topics I hadn’t been exposed
to in university or had completely forgotten
about. At the end of the day you are not
being tested on theory and therefore
practising as much as possible should be
your main aim.
What was your differentiating factor?
I took two days off before the exam to rest
Practising under exam conditions for the
and get in the right mind-set. People tend to
week before helped ensure I would be ready
study until the last minute; I was guilty of this,
for the 12 hours of exams. Writing four
but had to learn to be kinder to myself in the
exams in two days is a marathon that you
latter part of my studying.
need to practise for.
My differentiating factor really came from
working hard in PGDA, the goal of which is to
prepare you for ITC. Consistency throughout
PGDA meant that I didn’t change much
leading up to ITC.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 10
Christopher Powels
What best prepared you for the ITC exam?
To recognise that the road to ITC began
on the first day of my undergraduate
career and to emphasise the significance of
continuous learning and development by first
laying a solid foundation of core principles.
I then built on each subsequent year,
ultimately finishing off with the technical
aspects covered in CTA.
Being a tutor for two years helped to ensure
What was your differentiating factor?
that my technical understanding of the
content was on point – as the best way to My consistent work ethic and never-give-up
know whether you understand something, is attitude. CTA and ITC preparation is a very
being able to teach someone else the same tough and demanding period that requires
thing. This ensured that I kept current on a large amount of sacrifice, and as such it
prior years’ work, which formed the base for requires a positive attitude day in and day
more technical concepts covered in CTA. out to ensure that progress is being made
consistently, regardless of how small or big.
Lastly, I believe the support structures I was fortunate to have exceptional support
provided by the Nedbank programme structures in family, friends, lecturers and
greatly assisted my preparation process. mentors throughout CTA, which I believe
The constant support and guidance from helped me to maintain this positive attitude.
second- and third-year mentors allowed A balanced lifestyle is key to success, ensuring
me to ask all the questions, technical and that you prioritise and give time to both
personal, to ensure my nerves were settled academics and activities outside of studies,
and I was comfortable walking into the and maintain mental and physical health.
exam.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 11
HOT SEAT WITH OUR
APC TOP ACHIEVERS
Mark Champion
What best prepared you for the APC exam?
While we were provided with a variety
of training opportunities by Nedbank in
preparation for the APC (all of which were
extremely valuable), I believe my rotation
in Specialised Finance best prepared me
for the exam. Specialised Finance required
me to analyse the financial performance of
companies from a broad range of industries.
I was then required to perform indepth
industry analysis, often working together
However, I took a few days of annual leave
with external parties as a part of the due
before the actual prerelease period to clear
diligence process. All of this information was
my mind and ‘switch off’. Once we received
then condensed into credit papers, which I
the prerelease information I split my day
believe was instrumental to my achievement.
into sessions and worked for between six
and eight hours a day. I also firmly believe
What was your differentiating factor?
that exercise is critical to being able to study
Stick to what works for you. We have all effectively. As such, I also made sure that I
been through university and over the years had set aside one hour each day for exercise
each of us has developed a system that to ensure I was both mentally and physically
works. This took discipline, as I have always fit for the exam.
been a relatively more ‘relaxed’ student,
and given the pressure of the APC it would
have been easy to dive head first into my
preparation for the five days, surfacing only
hours before the exam was to be written.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 12
Greg Rowan
How did Nedbank support you in
preparation for the APC exam?
Nedbank provides a multilayered approach
to preparing the second-year trainees for
the APC exam. Primarily, the support comes
through extensive training that is tailored
towards focusing on skills that will assist the
trainees to excel in the exam. This includes a
session with a research specialist to improve
case study skills, as well as a three-day audit
intervention designed to prepare trainees
training period at Nedbank, as well as a
for audit considerations in the APC. In terms
concerted effort to be mentally prepared
of APC programmes, trainees can choose
and rested for the final exam. The exposure
from either the UCT or APT programmes,
and experience that I had in my first two
with the latter programme’s lectures being
years at Nedbank were definitely important
held at Nedbank for the trainees’ benefit.
factors in preparing me professionally for
Nedbank has one of the most attractive
the responses required in the exam. I was
study leave propositions in the market. It
exposed to and worked on projects that
provides trainees with much required time
were highly strategic in nature, mirroring
to focus on the board course material, and
the line of thinking that is required to excel
to be as best prepared as possible for all
in the APC. In terms of writing exams,
exams written during the year.
both the CA Training Programme and
my rotation were extremely supportive in
What was your differentiating factor?
providing the required capacity and time
I didn’t have a differentiating factor per se, off to concentrate on putting my best effort
but rather a culmination of factors over my forward in the numerous exams written.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 13
OUR
INITIATIVES LEADING LADIES
EVERY YEAR UNDERGRADUATE AND LEADING LADIES
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS ARE IS AN INITIATIVE
AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO DESIGNED TO EMPOWER
ATTEND EXCLUSIVE NETWORKING YOUNG WOMEN AND
EVENTS. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ASPIRANT WOMEN
TO LEARN WHAT IT TAKES
FOR THE STUDENTS TO FIND
TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
OUT MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS
PROSPECTS WITHIN THE CA This event provides an intimate
space for views to be shared,
TRAINING PROGRAMME. ranging from the role that women
play in the corporate world and
work-life balance to topics
relevant to millennials.
At the event you will learn what roles
CAs fulfil at Nedbank, what you can
expect from a career in banking and
how women can grow further and have
a challenging and rewarding career
as a CA in banking. It is your time to
showcase your extraordinary talents
and step into the shoes of a leading lady.
This event is open to female
students in their final year of CA
undergraduate studies.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 14
CA SEMINAR
EXPERIENCE
THE PURPOSE OF CA
SEMINAR EXPERIENCE (CASE)
IS TO INTRODUCE 35 FINAL-
YEAR BCOM/BUS SCIENCE CA
STREAM STUDENTS TO THE
MEET AND GREET CULTURE, VALUES AND BRAND
OF NEDBANK GROUP.
They will:
THIS IS AN EXCLUSIVE
master professional, financial and
NETWORKING EVENT THAT leadership skills with informative
ALLOWS STUDENTS TO FIND talks and workshops;
gain insight into Nedbank’s culture,
OUT ABOUT OUR UNIQUE
values and brand;
PROGRAMME OFFERING.
meet and network with the Nedbank
Students get to discover CEO, executives, directors and
what makes our trainees current trainees; and
worldclass CAs and meet
attend presentations on professional
our programme and senior skills, exam techniques, CV-writing
executive management team. skills, personal branding and more.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 15
‘Safety and
security don’t
just happen,
they are the
result of collective
consensus and
public investment.’
– Nelson Mandela
CORPORATE SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY:
PROJECT ITLOLE
We believe children are the most vulnerable
citizens in society and we owe them a life free
of violence and fear – and that is why Nedbank
chose the Epworth Children’s Village.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 16
To date the Nedbank CA Training Programme has raised
just over R900 000 for various community initiatives,
the latest being Project Itlole, which focused on Epworth
Children’s Village. Epworth is a Germiston-based non-profit
organisation that is home to approximately 80 children who
are victims of domestic violence. The home provides the
children with basic needs such as shelter, food and clothing.
What did the programme do to
help the children?
Project Itlole’s aim was to revamp
the playground area and the
learning centre. In just under
three days we created a soccer
field, revamped and transformed
the basketball court, refurbished
the existing jungle gyms and
provided the home with brand-new
jungle gyms. The learning centre,
which was previously used as a
storage facility, had a leaking roof
and broken windows, but was
transformed through a complete
renovation.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 17 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Boitshoko Mongalo CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LEAD What part of the project do you think How was your experience of leading such a had the biggest impact on the lives of the big project? children there? Leading the project was a phenomenal The playground area had the biggest experience. Being given the opportunity to impact. I think that as adults, we tend lead such a huge event taught me so much to forget that sometimes the most vital about myself and sharpened my leadership, element to a child’s development is simply interpersonal, negotiation and fundraising being a child. Playing allows children skills. It was truly rewarding and heart- to use their creativity while developing warming to see the results of our work, their imagination and dexterity, physical, and to see the smiles and giggles on the cognitive and emotional strength. It is also children’s faces as they played on their important for healthy brain development. new and improved facilities.
NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 18
COOLEST
EXPERIENCES CELEBRATING
APC RESULTSNEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 19
COOLEST
EXPERIENCES CELEBRATING
ITC RESULTSNEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 20
COOLEST WEEKEND AWAY
EXPERIENCES AT KIEVITS KROON
COUNTRY ESTATENEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 21
CHOOSE How will you
YOUR get your CA(SA)?
OWN PATH
ONE OF THE UNIQUE ASPECTS
OF OUR PROGRAMME IS THAT
YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN
ROTATIONS TO ALIGN TO
YOUR CAREER GOALS.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 22
CORPORATE
FINANCE
Galetume Rampedi
Can you tell us about your rotation in
Corporate Finance?
My role in Corporate Finance is that of a
junior analyst. My responsibilities include,
but are not limited to, assisting in the
preparation of pitch proposal documents,
creating models, performing industry
research and company research, and
structuring and executing deals.
I find this rotation very interesting because
Over and above the work, it becomes
it helps me improve not only my technical
fulfilling to build worthwhile relationships
skills and market knowledge, but my
with those around you. In terms of knowing
communication and networking skills as
oneself, it is important that you have a
well. In my team I have had the opportunity
passion for what you do, you find your
to interact with many clients who hold top
coping mechanisms and you find balance.
positions in their company and industries.
I find it’s great interacting with individuals
What is the culture like in your rotation?
that I see as role models and mentors;
it always reminds me how much I can Work hard, play hard and sleep later. That
still achieve. pretty much summarises it. It is a fast-
paced environment with a lot of work, but it
What was your biggest learning/growth is very rewarding when you have achieved
point? your outcome. People are very helpful and
always willing to teach you. You must just
The biggest learning point for me over the
be willing to work hard and not be afraid to
past few years has been the importance
ask questions.
of emotional intelligence and knowing
oneself. Given that we spend so much of
our lives at work it is important that people
enjoy working with you and that you enjoy
working with your team.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 23
CORPORATE AND INVESTMENT
BANKING: CREDIT
Alex Bouter
What did your role entail?
The role given to a CA trainee in Corporate
and Investment Banking (CIB): Credit is
that of a credit manager. CIB: Credit is the
approval function for all investment banking
deals, and within this function credit
managers are given the responsibility to
manage their own portfolio of clients/deals
from a credit risk perspective. This entails
evaluating investment banking deals from
The various teams are full of experienced
end-to-end, presenting to and debating
CA credit executives who are willing to
with the bank’s Credit Committee for deal
give advice at any point and are invested
approval, liaising with the front-office
in the development of the trainees. There is
team to structure deals appropriately,
regular training to make sure all individuals
evaluating and rating clients on the scale
involved are upskilled and up to date with all
of investment grade to junk, preparing
market, regulatory and legal developments.
and structuring Client Coverage deals and
The various executives adopt a mentor-
attending client meetings. A CA trainee is
type role and will guide the trainee to
given huge responsibility in this rotation and
help nurture their growth throughout
it is really only self-starters who thrive. It is
the rotation.
a fast-paced working environment, where
assertiveness and professionalism are key.
What was the working environment like?
The working environment within CIB Credit
is high-paced and enables a CA trainee to
be upskilled as quickly as possible.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 24
VENTURE
CAPITAL
Bafana Mhlanga
Can you tell us about your rotation?
The Venture Capital team aims to make
pure minority equity investments in early-
stage disruptive technology companies.
In my role as an investment analyst I
am responsible for writing proposals to
be presented to Nedbank’s Investment
Committee, which makes investment
decisions. My job involves performing
financial analysis, which includes building
What has been your biggest learning/
financial models, making desktop valuations
growth point?
and analysing the commercial and
I have learnt about various business models
scaling viability of a business to ultimately
and the modelling techniques that need to
determine the fair value at which Venture
be used when determining the value of a
Capital is to make an investment.
new business, as well as being able to define
and explain what it takes to start and run
What is the working environment like?
a successful company. I’ve been fortunate
The environment is conducive to innovative
to have been exposed to senior Nedbank
thinking and solutions. The team is positive
officials, valuing companies, interacting with
and driven, which allows us to feed off each
the founding members of tech companies
other’s energy through a ‘work hard and
and writing committee papers.
play hard’ atmosphere. We’ve found it to be
quite important to build good relationships
with one another and I would regard each
member as somewhat of a mentor to
me. More importantly, within a month I
had forgotten that I was a trainee. This is
because the team puts a lot of emphasis
on your technical learning experience while
also showing confidence in your abilities
by enhancing them with value-adding
responsibilities of soft professional skills.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 25
WEALTH AND
EXTERNAL AUDIT
Rob Anderson
Can you tell us about your rotation in Wealth?
I was fortunate to spend nine months rotating
through the various business units in Nedbank
Wealth, including the Centre (Reporting team),
Nedbank Private Wealth (NPW), Stockbroking
and Asset Management. In the Centre I
worked directly under the CFO of the cluster.
Highlights included the preparation of the
interim results and involvement in the three-
year-planning budgeting process, as well as
How did you find external audit?
getting exposure to senior management daily.
I thoroughly enjoyed my brief rotation at PKF
In NPW I worked for the Stockbroking finance
Octagon, an external audit firm. I was treated
team and highlights included engaging with
as a fulltime audit clerk and allocated to
the portfolio managers daily and preparing
various audits across multiple industries. I was
the annual financial statements. In Asset
fortunate to get exposure to the entire audit
Management I stepped out of a finance
cycle from beginning to end, including work
role and managed to secure a rotation as
that usually only second- and third-year audit
an equity analyst for the Property Fund.
clerks get involved in, and ended up dealing
Highlights included building a valuation model
with clients by myself. I got on really well with
from scratch for one of the listed real estate
the audit trainees, managers and partners at
investment trusts and presenting my research
the firm. The audit trainees were very diverse,
and recommendations to the business.
as many of them were still studying or had
Nedbank Wealth is a great place to be for
families, and I learned a lot from them. I was
your first year of articles. The CA trainees
treated as a colleague with mutual respect
have a great reputation in the business and
and not as an outsider, and the managers
the staff are very friendly, down to earth and
and partners really made a concerted
approachable. The culture is laid-back but
effort to ensure I got the most out
results-driven, and the teams rely heavily on
of my short time there.
receiving a trainee every year, so you fulfil the
role of a permanent teammember with
fulltime responsibilities. Based on this, the
exposure one gets is invaluable. I would highly
recommend Wealth as a first-year rotation.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 26
GROUP FINANCE
(NAMIBIA)
Ipeleng Phele
Tell us about your role in Group Finance
(Namibia)
I was fortunate enough to have dual
roles as both a financial officer (FO) and
a treasury product controller in Group
Finance at Nedbank Namibia. As an FO,
my primary responsibility was to prepare,
review and amend the annual financial
statements of the subsidiaries in the
What was your biggest learning/growth
NedNamibia group. This included all the
point?
statements and notes, plus the accounting
policies. In addition to this, I was tasked with I learnt a lot about managing a bank’s
responding to and addressing any audit liquidity. Everyone knows the operations of
queries received regarding the preparation most entities, but not everyone understands
of the statements. As a treasury product how to stabilise an entity with many moving
controller, I was tasked with preparing parts and how to add value through that
month-end reports about the treasury process. I also improved my ability to
instruments issued by the bank, monitoring provide insights to different audiences as a
various instruments and testing system result of working with people with different
controls surrounding the capturing and skill sets and levels of expertise, ranging
reporting of the instruments’ daily and from data capturers, tax managers and
monthly movements. the acting CFO.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 27
PROPERTY FINANCE
SALES
Lulu Molemong
Can you tell us a bit about Property Finance
Sales and what it entails?
The Property Finance office in Pretoria
specialises in the financing of commercial,
industrial, retail and residential development
property, offering loan funding to
developers, owners, occupiers and
investors. The funding can be in the form
of conventional loans, building loans,
development loans or a combination. to be taken into account when structuring
funding deals. I have learnt about the
This is a year-long rotation and I am an different methods of valuing properties,
analyst, focusing primarily on corporate as well as the key drivers of property
and listed clients. My prime responsibility is valuations. Furthermore, I have had to be
the writing of credit motivations, requesting more proactive and vocal when it comes
approval from Credit for our clients’ funding to the kind of exposure I would like to get.
requirements.
What have been your biggest growth
points in this rotation?
I have learnt a great deal about property
fundamentals and all the key considerationsNEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 28
ROYAL BANK
OF SCOTLAND
Joanna Taylor
Tell us a bit about your rotation at
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS)
I was placed in two six-week rotations in
Group Finance at RBS. This was to ensure
that I received as much exposure as I could
while I was there. The first rotation I had
involved external reporting. Thereafter I
was placed in Allocations. This is allocating
costs to the rest of the banking divisions.
In this rotation I had a CA(SA) as my line
manager, which helped to ensure that I
got the competencies I needed while I
was there.
How is the culture in RBS?
RBS has a great culture. The dress code is
relaxed, with people getting to wear what
they are comfortable in. As the headoffice
is quite far from the suburbs, working hours
are flexible as people need to commute to
work. My colleagues were incredibly friendly
and welcoming, ensuring that I settled in
smoothly. RBS, like Nedbank is a very green
bank. There are recycling stations and
trees planted inside the beautifully modern
building too.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 29
MEET OUR
FIRST-YEARS
Great things happen
with great people.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 30
Luyanda Njilo
Why did you choose banking?
The banking industry is the backbone
of the economy. From large corporates
down to the man on the street, banks
connect them all. I have been interested in
financial markets and the impact they had
on the economy and people subsequent
to the 2008 crisis. Completing articles
at Nedbank will help me start my career
early as I can complete my articles, build
my brand and create connections all
at once. The banking route is niche and
individually focused. This, coupled with the
responsibility placed on trainees, enables
me to grow within the programme.
How did you find induction?
The lessons I learnt in induction were
invaluable. Learning how to build my
brand and dress and communicate
effectively were the highlights of induction
for me. Coming from university, where
emphasis was placed on IQ, it was a
surprise to see the value Nedbank places
on EQ. Being a well-rounded individual
with a deep awareness of one’s self were
my biggest takeaways from induction.
Induction also provided a platform to build
close relationships with our fellow trainees.
Having gone through various challenges
and fun times together, it is no surprise
that we came out of induction as a family,
rather than coworkers.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 31
Izaan Messelaar
What support did you receive for the ITC
exam?
Nedbank’s support for ITC didn’t just
start a month or two before we wrote the
exam. We were allocated two programme
buddies while we were in CTA. Their role
was to support us throughout the CTA
journey. Nedbank also arranged an ITC
workshop with Rob Anderson, who came
fourth in the 2018 ITC exam. Before the
workshop we had to identify any areas in
which we struggled, which he addressed.
Nedbank also paid for our board course
training and ITC exams.
How have you found adjusting from the
university life to working fulltime?
It has been quite an adjustment. Nedbank
has made this journey much smoother
as we had a month-long induction, which
allowed me to gradually transition to the
working environment. Nedbank has other
ongoing support systems in place to help
ease the process, such as its buddy and
mentorship programmes and an employee
wellness programme.
What has exceeded your expectations?
I thought banking would be cut-throat.
When I got to my rotation, everyone was
very friendly, helpful and understanding.
The people in my team are never too busy
to help in areas where I struggle.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 32
Aimee Te Riele
Why did you choose Nedbank?
The people. Nedbank is an organisation
that truly invests in its people and the
effect of this can be felt in the warmth
that welcomes you when you walk through
Nedbank’s doors. I found that you can
walk into any room with any Nedbank
staff and you will always be greeted with
a smile. The culture is incomparable to any
other organisation and I am grateful to the
Nedbank team for having me in their family.
How has the transition to living in
Johannesburg been?
I am from a small farm in the KwaZulu-
Natal Midlands, but I survived boarding
school and five years in Cape Town, so
being away from home was not a big
hurdle for me. However, a professional life is
quite different from a student one. We were
assigned two mentors from the year above
us, who helped us with any questions or
concerns we had regarding this transition.
The trainees were inclusive and made
us feel like we were part of the team by
organising after-work drinks and weekend
fun. The Nedbank trainees have been
incredible in helping us establish ourselves.
What has exceeded your expectations?
The generosity of the organisation.
Nedbank does this to ensure you perform
at your best while being your best.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 33
MEET OUR
SECOND-YEARS
Great things happen
with great people.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 34
Boitumelo Morodi
Can you tell us about your experience
organising Leading Ladies?
Organising Leading Ladies was an
experience that really pushed me beyond
my boundaries. It was the first Leading
Ladies that included quant students and
the biggest Leading Ladies to have been
hosted. This created a great opportunity
for networking, knowledge-sharing and
diverse views for the students outside of
just the CA stream. My biggest takeaway
from planning Leading Ladies was that
with great opportunity comes great
responsibility, but no moment could match
the feeling of seeing the culmination of
months of hard work come to fruition.
If you could go back to honours, would
you choose Nedbank again?
Most definitely. The Nedbank CA
Training Programme is the most
rigorous, supportive and trainee-focused
programme in the country. It balances my
development and training with business
needs, which is not an easy task to perform.
What were your expectations before coming
to Nedbank and have these been met?
I have found that the programme has
exceeded my expectations because I
have chartered my own rotation path.
I have had ample amounts of support
through mentoring, coaching and courses
to become a well-rounded future CA.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 35
Matthew Godrich
How do you manage work-life balance?
Maintaining a work-life balance is one of
the most important skills that you need to
develop once you join the corporate world.
Personally, I feel that time management
plays an important role, as I prioritise the
work that needs to be done while ensuring
that I have sufficient time during the week
and on the weekends to do the things I enjoy.
How would you describe Nedbank’s culture?
The Nedbank culture differs slightly
depending on the area that you are in.
In CIB: Finance, the culture is high-paced
as there are deadlines that need to be
met weekly. In Credit the deadlines are
dependent on the deal flow, so at times
the rotation is less intense. The common
denominator in all areas is the willingness
of every teammember to help the
trainees and ensure we get the most out
of every experience.
What have you enjoyed most about the
programme?
I have thoroughly enjoyed how involved
the trainees are in every aspect of the
programme – from organising events
throughout the year and conducting
interviews for CASE, to being mentors to
the first-years. The trainee involvement
fosters a culture within the programme
that I don’t think can be found elsewhere.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 36
Uressa Chetty
What have been your highlights at
Nedbank so far?
My highlight so far is definitely the people.
I have had the opportunity to work for
very senior people who offered so much
advice during my time with them. Getting
to learn from these individuals has
enhanced my experience thoroughly and
the relationships I have made are ones I
hope to maintain. My fellow trainees have
also been a great part of my experience
so far. It isn’t often you find colleagues
who you can call your close friends, but
I think that the Nedbank CA Training
Programme is unique in this regard.
How do you manage work-life balance?
Work-life balance is an adjustment coming
out of university, but I haven’t found it
difficult to maintain. It just takes getting
into a routine and having discipline to
ensure you still make time for yourself as
well as prioritising your work. The best way
I found to do this is to make time during the
week for a personal activity to ensure your
entire week isn’t just about work.
What were your expectations before coming
to Nedbank and have these been met?
The Nedbank CA Training Programme
has a prestigious reputation, so my
expectations before joining were high. From
my experience so far, these expectations
have been surpassed in nearly all regards.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 37
MEET OUR
FINAL-YEARS
Great things happen
with great people.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 38
Kate Stephens
Can you tell us about your journey at
Nedbank?
I started in CIB: Finance, where my role
was largely focused on ensuring the
accuracy of the balance sheet for the
Client Coverage team. In second year
I rotated to the Special portfolio, the
distressed debt management space
of the bank that falls under Credit. I
loved this year and was privileged to be
exposed to large transactions and many
client meetings. I’m now in my final year
in the Leveraged and Diversified Finance
team, where I’m learning valuable
debt modelling skills, and enjoying the
creative aspect of deal structuring, the
high-energy environment as well as the
relatively social nature of the team.
What are your plans after articles?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the banking
space, particularly my experiences in
distressed debt in Credit and Leveraged
and Diversified Finance, so I would
expect that staying in banking in areas
I’ve enjoyed would be fulfilling. Having
completed my CFA I’ve opened a variety
of doors. I would also love to travel for a
few months, using it as a time to see and
experience more of the world and to gain
some personal perspective.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 39
Kgosietsile Mekgwe
Can you tell us about your journey at
Nedbank?
I started off in an audit rotation. I did internal
audit with Nedbank Group and external
with Nolands. I learned the differences and
similarities between the two, which would be
very difficult to get during articles. I moved
to Wealth in the second half of my first year
and I got an opportunity to be an executive
assistant to the managing executive of the
Wealth Cluster. This was the highlight of
my articles. I also did a rotation in Aircraft
Finance which gave me exposure to the
aviation industry within the banking sector.
I’m currently in my final year, doing a
rotation in Infrastructure, Public Sector and
TMT Finance. This rotation is filled with a
lot of debt modelling, deal structuring and
has a lot of deal flow. What I enjoy the most
is that it offers a learning opportunity for
both project funding and term funding.
Is life as a banker what you expected?
I have realised that banks take an interest
in the wellbeing of their most important
asset – their staff. There is a work-hard,
play-hard culture that ensures that you
always looking forward to the next day.
What are your plans after articles?
In the medium term I’m looking at
acquiring risk-associated skills, and in
the long term I’m looking at becoming
an entrepreneur.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 40
HEAR FROM
ALUMNI
Tayla Lai Thom
What is the life of a dealer like?
Predictably unpredictable. Every day is
different, with different circumstances and
challenges that arise, yet every day there
are predictable deliverables (for example,
cash management, pricing, etc). So, there is
a great balance of the known and unknown
to keep you on your toes. There is always
work and there is always something new
to learn.
Why did you choose to stay at Nedbank Do you believe your articles prepared you
after your articles? for your current role?
Firstly, there are endless learning Totally. My many different roles in the bank
opportunities in financial markets. The all contributed to the skills that I apply in
industry is so dynamic and adaptive that Treasury. My group rotations prepared me
there is no chance of ever becoming bored. for the high-level reporting responsibilities
Secondly, the Treasury is the heart of any in Treasury. My time at the external audit
bank. Without it there is no bank; we are firm (Octagon) prepared me for the detailed
the money. That is why I love my job and and granular reporting duties in Treasury.
why it was blissfully easy for me to stay My front-office role in Specialised Finance
at Nedbank. added to my soft skills and knowledge in
terms of investment banking, which helps
me in my current role.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 41
HEAR FROM
ALUMNI
Bohlokwa Napo
Description of current role
I’m in Corporate Finance: Advisory and joined
the team in my last year of articles. No two
days are the same in Corporate Finance,
but the role entails, among other things:
collating pitch books with various merger
and acquisition ideas; performing valuations;
structuring transactions and capital raising
(including initial public offers, rights offers,
private placements and preferential share
offers). Despite the hard work and extremely
long hours, I have learnt a lot not only about Would you recommend the CA Training
the work but also about myself. It has Programme for articles? Why?
stretched me to lengths I never thought I would definitely recommend the CA
imaginable. This may sound clichéd, but I truly Training Programme, not only because I
understood the saying ‘what doesn’t kill you have walked the path and I have an obvious
makes you stronger’ in Corporate Finance. allegiance to the brand, but also because
Nedbank is a great place to transform
Did doing the Nedbank CA Training from being a bit rough around the edges
Programme give you an advantage in to a fully fledged young professional. The
your career path? mentors have a vested interest in the
Without a doubt, the programme pays special programme and are always willing to go
attention to the learning and development the extra mile to ensure that you get up
journey of all the trainees and provides the curve as quickly as possible. Above
additional skills development sessions, eg everything else, I naturally gravitated
advanced Excel training, professional writing towards Nedbank because of the culture
skills, additional Board 2 support, etc. These and warmth of the trainees, mentors and
sessions were useful to me as they have management.
helped me to perform better. I have been
given the opportunity to be in front-office roles
from my second year of articles, I have been
exposed to numerous sectors and have built a
solid network within the bank and beyond.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 42
HEAR FROM
LINE MANAGERS
PRINCIPAL – CIB:
PROPERTY FINANCE
Khayise Mashifane
Why do you support the CA Training
Programme?
I believe in people development and the
programme helps to address the skills
shortage in the financial services sector.
The programme gives us an opportunity
to build the skills capacity for our future
leaders. The trainees have an added
advantage by being exposed to real-life/
on-the-job training and they have an
opportunity to engage closely with mentors
and coaches in the specific disciplines.
What role do CA trainees play in
your team?
CA trainees play a significant role in our
team. They are involved in the full value
chain of the services we provide to our
clients. This involves client engagement,
deal structuring, application of relevant
valuation methodologies and ongoing
maintenance of the transactions at hand.
The trainees also interact with all internal
stakeholders, including senior executives.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 43
HEAR FROM
LINE MANAGERS
CREDIT RISK EXECUTIVE
– SPECIAL PORTFOLIO
Catrina Le Grange
How do trainees fit into your team?
The trainee effectively becomes a
credit manager in the team. They will
be responsible for the day-to-day
management of a portfolio of clients,
they prepare credit papers based on
discussions held internally and with clients
and will present these credit papers to the
relevant committees.
Why do you support the CA Training
Programme?
The trainee forms a vital part of the team,
especially with their knowledge of current
accounting practices. An example is the new
IFRS 9 standard, which we implemented
last year. We are also supportive of
retaining top talent in Nedbank and the
trainees become well-rounded through
the Programme.NEDBANK CA TRAINING PROGRAMME < | > | CONTENTS 44
HOW TO
APPLY
Nedbank
CA Training
Programme
Applications open in January
Nedbank and close mid-March for entry
CA Seminar to the programme for the
Experience following year. To apply you must
be registered for a Certificate
Applications open in July each year in the Theory of Accounting
and close in September for entry for the or an equivalent year of
following year. To apply you should be in postgraduate studies.
your final year of undergraduate studies. Visit our website for more
Visit our website for more information. information.
Nedbank Meet
and Greet Contact us
There are various sessions in Apply at www.nedbank.co.za/ca.
Johannesburg and Cape Town Email any questions to
during the year. Visit our website
CA@nedbank.co.za.
for more information.purpleberry 0619/10933/1 Nedbank 135 Rivonia Campus 135 Rivonia Road Sandown Sandton 2196 South Africa PO Box 1144 Johannesburg 2000 South Africa nedbank.co.za Nedbank Ltd Reg No 1951/000009/06. Authorised financial services and registered credit provider (NCRCP16).
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