Barloworld said the successful recruits would gain career experience and a chance to shape a career path in multiple sectors across the group’s business units. It has run this initiative since 1995. The TOPP programme was established by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) as an alternative route for qualification as a chartered accountant.
A practical programme in principle, TOPP is a way for the group to build the skills capacity of its future leaders. Andronicca Masemola, who heads up the TOPP, said the company was passionate about people development, which made TOPP an important programme.
“We operate in a country where there is a serious shortage of scarce skills. As a responsible corporate citizen, we cannot stand on the sidelines and expect other people to bridge the gap. We are looking after our long term sustainability as a business by ensuring we develop people with the skills we require to operate both now and in the future.
“The TOPP programme has evolved to such an extent that it now produces some of the company’s future leaders and TOPP graduates with potential often progress through the company ranks very quickly.
“We pride ourselves in the success of our recruits and their often meteoric rise has motivated us to continue with TOPP. We have had support and commitment from our senior leadership, who are mentors to the trainees.
“As one of the longest standing companies in South Africa – we are over 110 years old – and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the company provides an enticing option for graduates to work at any of our business units in automotive, equipment, logistics, power and agriculture.”
New recruits require a Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) and Honours in CTA and applicants need to qualify to write the qualifying examinations for Chartered Accountants. A stringent assessment process ensures that the TOPP opportunity is offered to the best candidates.
Applicant assessments will start after June, when potential recruits will go through a first round of interviews to assess their suitability to the business. Shortlisted candidates will be put through a second set of panel interviews before the final decision is made. The successful recruits are chosen by February 2017 and placed across the Group in business units where their learning will begin.
“We are looking for recruits with strong personalities that make them stand out as future leaders and change makers. We are looking for innovative individuals committed to sustainable business,” concludes Masemola.
Interested students can email moc.dlrowolrab@srotanidroocac for more information.
