Using exploratory research, this study analysed some of the factors that have an impact on the level of financial literacy of undergraduate students studying to become chartered accountants. The study utilised an internationally developed instrument to measure financial literacy. It investigated whether some of the factors that were identified in international studies also influence the financial literacy levels of chartered accountant students in South Africa. In line with previous international studies, the study concluded that gender, age, language, race and income levels do have an impact on the level of financial literacy. This information should enable chartered accountant firms to identify trainee accountants who might require special training in the field of financial literacy.

The aim of the study being reported, was to determine the status of online reporting in South Africa. The history, advantages and disadvantages of web-based reporting were evaluated. A survey was undertaken among the top South African listed companies to determine the extent of their use of technology for online financial reporting and investor relations.The results of the survey indicate that the use of the internet by top South African companies has increased tremendously over the past number of years. The increased importance of online reporting is demonstrated by the fact that several companies not only provide copies of their annual financial statements on their website, but have also progressed to the second and the third stage of online reporting. Communication with investors, which is a part of online reporting, is very important. The results of the survey indicate that companies take this matter into account when preparing a home page on their website.From a comparison of some of the results of this survey with those of international surveys it can be concluded that South African companies are keeping abreast of international trends regarding the use of the Internet as a medium of communication with investors and shareholders.

In his 2006 State of the Nation Address, President Thabo Mbeki indicated that the regulatory environment for small businesses would be improved, as this sector plays an important role in the national strategy for accelerated and shared growth. The aim of this study is to determine whether the size of an enterprise and the sector in which the enterprise operates has an impact on how the enterprise’s tax responsibilities are administered and managed. A survey was conducted amongst small and medium enterprises in the manufacturing, retail and business services sectors in Gauteng. The study focused on Gauteng because the majority of small, medium and microenterprises (SMMEs) are located in this province. The study found that most small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the business services sector outsource their tax responsibilities because they lack the time needed to manage these functions. It was also found that the size and type of organisation affects the role taxation inputs play in business decisions. The SMEs included in the survey preferred a reduction in interest and penalties charged as a taxation relief measure.

Internal auditing assumes an increased responsibility for the evaluation of entity operations as a service to management and the board of directors. Quality assurance review is the process through which assurance is obtained that the internal auditing department’s work is done in accordance with the Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. This study examines the current practices of quality assurance review in South Africa. Although not all organisations surveyed do perform internal auditing quality assurance reviews, the organisations that do, benefit from them. Various methods are used in practice to perform internal and external quality assurance reviews. This study provides information on the processes and procedures used in quality assurance review programmes.

Individuals in South African are experiencing increasing financial stressed due to the deterioration in the economy and restrictions imposed by the National Credit Act, No. 43 of 2005. The paper investigates the financial needs addressed by users of credit products. Human needs are firstly classified according to Alderfer’s ERG theory. Hereafter financial needs which individuals addressed when using credit products were analysed. The results indicate that consumers are also using credit products to address other financial needs than that for which the products were developed for. This could be partly due to the limitation in accessing appropriate credit products due to the requirements imposed by the credit legislation.