In this issue we speak to some of the top achievers and among other issues, they share their exams tips, why they chose the CA(SA) route, and how they celebrated their results.
Susanna Lucia Huyser (Anlu)
First year of articles at Deloitte, Johannesburg
What does this achievement mean to you and how did you celebrate?
This achievement really means a great deal to me, as I can see that all my hard work in the past couple of years has paid off. I got my results surrounded by friends at the office, which was a moment I will never forget. After that, I went home to celebrate with my close family; it was a special evening.
What are some key lessons you took from the exams?
Preparation leading Down to the exam was all about keeping my mental health in a good plaDown I exercised regularly, ate healthy and made sure to schedule time with friends and family. After that, it is all about keeping your Down down and getting in those hours behind the books, believe in yourself, you have got this!
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
My parents are both CAs(SA), so I have had exposure to the career from an early age. I have always liked accounting and the feeling you get when something balances so it was a natural fit. So far, I am really enjoying auditing and ‘real-life’ accounting.
Who would you like to thank for their support through your journey so far?
‘Die CATTE’: I could not have done it without you. My mom for the daily phone calls and for all her motivation and love. My dad for always making my favourite food when I come home and for being my biggest supporter. Nandi for being worried about me when I cried too much, and Lucha for lending me her books so that I can relax. And my boyfriend for his endless support and patience.
Melissa Bezuidenhout
Academic Trainee, Management Accounting and Financial Accounting at Nelson Mandela University
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
When I chose accounting as a subject in high school, I at once became very enthusiastic about the field. During my high school years, a family friend was pursuing his undergraduate BCom accounting degree at Nelson Mandela University. Through our numerous discussions and my passion for accounting, he inspired me to join this career path. Although there have been ups and downs through my academic journey, I do not regret my choice at all.
What are your future career plans?
To experience new places and new people, as well as having gained experience, pursue additional education and certificates, build up my network within the industry, and add value wherever my path has taken me.
How are you making a difference in society?
I am currently making a difference through my position as an academic trainee. I am and always have been passionate about people. Through my role as an academic trainee, I have the privilege to inspire students to grow, fuel their curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and support the students, not only in the classroom but in their everyday life as well. I believe that through my position as an academic trainee I am contributing towards the success of future leaders of the South African business world.
What does integrity mean to you?
Randa Abdel-Fattah said, ‘Bad things happen when good people remain silent.’
Integrity means that when someone is doing something wrong, even if you are not necessarily involved, you will stand up for what is right. It also means being accountable for my actions, taking responsibility for my mistakes and striving to do what is right, even when it is difficult to do so.
Kayla Bester
Audit Clerk at Moore WK Inc, Gqueberha
What does this achievement mean to you and how did you celebrate?
After the initial shock and relief of finding out that I had passed, I got another shock finding out that I had made the Top 10. This achievement means that all my hard work and sacrifices throughout my years studying were not in vain.
What are some key lessons you take from the past exams?
I know the exams look daunting; people make them sound daunting and when you get there, they are daunting. The key thing is to stay calm. Do not panic and if you find yourself starting to panic, you must find a method to bring yourself back to a calm state of mind. The exams take a lot of your energy; therefore, I would say have a good rest before starting to study for them and even the day before the examsy’s took the dsy’soff before the exam as I knew that the next two days would be very tiring. And I would say the best thing is to have a good support system.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
After considering some other careers, I did research on being a CA(SA) and seeing all the opportunities that this title can expose you to, I decided that this is what I wanted to be.
What are your future career plans?
To pursue job opportunities in Europe or Australia. Recently, I have also been doing some research in qualifying as a certified fraud examiner and I might pursue that in future years.
What does integrity mean to you?
To me, integrity is a mindset and an attitude. To always speak the truth and to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Chloe Longwitz
Trainee Accountant at KPMG
What are some key lessons you took from the exams?
To be successful in conquering ITC, one needs self-belief and consistency. Believe in all you have done throughout university – you deserve to be sitting there writing the ITC − and believe that you have the strength to brush off a disappointing paper and tackle the next one with a clear mind. Attempt every question and stick to your time – it is so easy to get intimidated by the pristine environment, new assessment format and the swarms of people, but you must trust yourself to stand firm and ‘get the job done’.
Work as hard for the ITC as what you did in CTA, but work smarter by focusing on your weakest areas, prioritising your exam technique, and learning to become adaptable to any scenario. Working hard when you are exhausted after an intense CTA year and watching everyone around you take their relaxing holidays is so disheartening, but I promise that it pays off and you will thank yourself for your dedication and perseverance.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
Because I am enthusiastic about contributing to public trust and being part of the upkeep of the finance world. I have always loved accounting in high school and that love grew when I was exposed to auditing. I am a critical thinker and a resolute person who thrives on being challenged in my academics and career, and I believe I have so many technical skills to put to effective use, and the CA(SA) route allows me the opportunity to gain experience and add so much value to the finance space.
Who would you like to thank for their support through your journey so far?
My parents for their unconditional support, being helpful and endless love, and my university friends. A massive thank you to UP for preparing me to conquer and for teaching me to be strong and to take those moments to stand back and be proud.
The results of this latest round of the ITC exam are cause for celebration and should serve as inspiration to candidates that were not successful and future candidates.
Carli van Staden
Honours Student in Forensic Accountancy at NWU Potchefstroom campus (signed with PwC for 2024)
What does this achievement mean to you and how did you celebrate?
This achievement is a true reflection of what hard work and determination can achieve. I think it taught me to believe in myself and to always strive to do my best. I am honoured to have received this accolade. I celebrated with my family, and there might or might not have been a bottle of champagne as part of the celebrations.
What are some key lessons you took from the exams?
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Also, take enough breaks from studying and your attitude is a vital key to your success.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
My mother is a CA(SA) and I think my interest in this particular career was sparked by her. I also feel that from the moment that I was exposed to accounting I had a natural understanding thereof and I was drawn to it from the get-go.
What are your career plans for the next few years?
After qualifying I will be working toward becoming a senior audit manager or partner.
Who would you like to thank for their support through your journey so far?
My parents, for all their love and support. I would also like to give a special thanks to my better half for his continued support and for helping me through the tough times.
What does integrity mean to you?
Integrity means to act justly in all walks of life. It also means to be a person of your word and to honour all your promises.
Muhammad Sharaafat Moosajee
Assistant – FIST at Deloitte
What does this achievement mean to you and how did you celebrate?
It represents a culmination of the efforts I put in during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies and shows that every hurdle faced during university brought me closer to passing the ITC. I celebrated the achievement with friends and family.
What are some key lessons you take from the past exam that can help other candidates?
Pace yourself in your studies. It’s important to strike a balance between your academics and social life. The last thing you would want is to put in hours in front of your books only to feel burnt out shortly before the exams.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
I developed an interest in finance and business at quite a young age. From my research and speaking to others in the profession I identified that the CA(SA) qualification opens many doors and gives me numerous options in future.
Who would you like to thank for their support through your journey so far?
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my family for showing me support during the toughest moments in my journey thus far. Their support has been invaluable and has brought me to this point.
What does integrity mean to you?
Integrity means always doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It means keeping to your principles no matter how easy it seems to stray from them.
Peter Geeringh
Associate at PwC
What does this achievement mean to you, and how did you celebrate?
It means that I am one step closer to qualifying as a CA(SA). I celebrated by taking off (relaxing over) that weekend.
What are some key lessons you take from the past exam that can help other candidates?
You have to put in the effort from Day 1 of your PGDA. This will prepare you for the exam. Work out questions from past papers when you study and focus on understanding the mistakes you make.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
The earning potential and work opportunities.
What is your career goal?
I want to become a tax specialist.
Who would you like to thank for their support through your journey so far?
My family.
What does integrity mean to you?
To do what you believe to be the right thing.
Année van Staden
Assistant in First Division at Deloitte
What does this achievement mean to you?
Initially I was extremely surprised, but when the excitement calmed down it hit me that all those years of hard work and sacrifice were worth it. I felt privileged to realise that I had not only conquered one of SA’s leading organisations’ exams, but that I actually came first. It still feels a bit unreal.
What are some key lessons from the past exam that can help other candidates?
Start studying early, but also make time for friends and family.
Don’t change your routine. If you passed CTA, stick with what works for you.
Remember that there are four tests. Stop overthinking if one of them does not go so well.
Trust in the knowledge base that you have been building for at least the past four years.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
I wanted to help the world but didn’t want to be a doctor or an engineer. I believe our economy is the backbone of modern civilisation and that as a CA(SA) I will be uniquely qualified to help heal (like a doctor) and strengthen (like an engineer) this backbone.
What are your career plans?
I hope that on my CA journey I will be able to work closely with the financial reporting on sustainability matters. My ultimate dream is to one day serve on the IFRS sustainability standard-setting board.
Are you involved in any community projects?
I have been involved in tutoring students and I also mentor CTA graduates. With the hybrid working system in place at Deloitte, I donate the fuel money I save on the days I work from home to a charity involved in sustainability and climate change.
Savannah-Lee Correia da Silva
Academic Trainee in the Tax Department at the University of Pretoria
What does this achievement mean to you and how did you celebrate?
It shows me that hard work and sacrifice always pay off, and even when you want to give up, you should always persevere to achieve your goals. After attending the function held at the University of Pretoria, I came home to celebrate with my parents and sister.
What are some key lessons from the past exam that can help other candidates?
The ITC exam is not a result of two months but rather four years of consistently working towards the end goal. The preparation for the exam teaches you time management and prioritisation that even when others around you are enjoying their holidays, a month of sacrifice is worth it. Your CTA year adequately prepares you for your exam. You need to back yourself and believe that you can do it.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
I decided in high school that I wanted to pursue accounting. My initial intention was to just complete my three years, but after obtaining my undergraduate degree, I decided that my dedication and passion for the field could be realised by pursuing the CA(SA) designation. I also knew that with this designation, I could make a difference.
What is one of your goals in the next few years?
One of my goals is to be seconded to a European country to further explore the field of international taxation.
What does integrity mean to you?
Integrity means staying true to yourself and to those who put trust in you, no matter the situation.
Jeanri Albertyn
First-year Associate at PwC Stellenbosch
What does this achievement mean to you?
This was never my goal but purely a bonus to conclude my four years of hard work. This achievement makes the past four years of studying and sacrifices worth it. I also realised that working hard and putting your heart into something make anything possible. All glory to God!
What are some key lessons from the past exam that can help other candidates?
Being prepared (rather start early and take frequent breaks) and confident before writing ITC is key. Take at least two days off prior to the exam.
Why did you choose the CA(SA) route?
I have been interested in maths and accounting since a young age. The broad range of different industries CAs(SA) can specialise in also made it very attractive.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Since university tax has been my favourite subject. I would love to specialise in tax and be a tax advisor.
What does integrity mean to you?
Integrity is a highly valued trait in our industry. When taking an action first consider the consequences − not only personal consequences but the reputation of our industry. Doing the right thing when no one is watching.
