When you think about accountants, cooking is not something you would normally associate with CAs(SA). Enter Joubert Spies …
Joubert Spies CA(SA) from Pretoria is not only a proud father of two and happily married to his high school sweetheart, Roné, but he is also one of the contestants in the popular kykNET cooking show Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam.
In this year’s exciting season, most of the cooking takes place on a fire, which adds an interesting twist to the original recipe of the show.
Joubert is the CEO of Intelleto (Pty) Ltd, which is part of a network of companies working closely together in the business process outsourcing space. ‘The whole network has a big passion to support Graduate World Connect NPC which has a huge focus on assisting young graduates from TVET colleges and universities to obtain first-time work experience and make a transition into the real business world,’ he explains.
Choosing a career
Having grown up in the small town of Ermelo, there weren’t many options open to Joubert when it came to choosing a profession. ‘You basically had three professional occupations everyone knew about: doctors, lawyers, and auditors.’
His real passion, however, was to become a professional rugby player. This dream got derailed after an injury in Grade 10. ‘I realised I needed a backup plan. Biology did not interest me, so I focused on business studies. I never actually knew what being a CA(SA) entails, but after a conversation with a family friend, I decided to become one.’
Joubert studied at the University of Johannesburg. ‘I have always worked hard and believe hard work is the key to the qualification. Undergrad was manageable with a social life, but the honours programme was different. I basically stayed in my room and studied for 14 hours a day!’
Worth the hard work
He realised the qualification was worth the hard work when he was offered a position for articles with Deloitte at the beginning of his matric year. ‘The qualification allows you to go into multiple career opportunities where the basis of your qualification always plays a critical role. The knowledge you have gained in the studies is so deeply entrenched and for years you might not deal with a problem but when faced with a question you can figure it out.’
While Joubert would definitely encourage young students to complete this qualification, he also advises people to be focused on information technology. ‘This has a major impact on business these days. The two skills combined put you on another level. With a CA(SA) designation you will always be in demand locally and internationally.’
Joubert’s other passion is food. ‘I have been passionate about food for as long as I can remember! My brother passed away at the age of six in December 1984 (he had been sick since birth). I was born in February 1985, and my mother was so glad to have a healthy baby. I think that is where my love of food came from.’
Eat to live, live to eat
He entered Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam because he is a passionate outdoorsman and loves cooking over an open fire.
‘We also take clients on bush experiences where I do all the catering,’ adds Joubert. ‘I entered the competition with my niece, Lara, who had just finished her BSc Food Sciences degree and wanted to start her career in the food industry.’ Joubert saw this as an opportunity to do what he loves whilst supporting his niece through the process.
The whole experience was amazing. ‘Being a businessman I am always interested in how different industries operate and this was a great way to experience this first hand.’
In one of the episodes, Joubert speaks about an accountant mindset. ‘As accountants, you are stuck to black or white and always see risk in everything. You always tend to overthink everything. In some way, it influenced me both positively and negatively. Most importantly, as a CA(SA), you are never there to do the easy job and constantly deal with change: you are always driven and never give up. And that was my strongest point in the competition.’
It was also a valuable learning experience for the chartered accountant. ‘I have learned once again to never give up and always make a plan when things are not going your way. Never doubt yourself. Be yourself and let people know what you stand for. Also, one always tends to say “I will at some point do this or that”and then remain stuck in that mindset. Take a chance!’
The show also allowed Joubert to showcase to all of South Africa that when you put your mind to something, you can do it!
Your work does not define you
For Joubert, maintaining a work/life balance is the most important aspect of his life. ‘All the money in the world does not bring back time lost with the most important assets – your family and your health.
‘I was retrenched at 28 and suddenly realised then you are replaceable everywhere, it does not matter what your title is. Now I make time for the important things in life. Work is a part of you and yes, there are very stressful times, but work does not define you. Your kids don’t care what you drive − you just have to arrive for those special moments in their lives.’
In the future Joubert would like to keep on changing the lives of the people and businesses they deal with. ‘I want to build sustainable businesses where people still see an opportunity to stay in South Africa. I also want to get involved in the food industry and build brands like our new brand HANGRY (trademarks filed) that my best mate from varsity (also a CA(SA), Roelie Gey von Pittius) and I formed.’
He would also like to continue making videos to encourage people to keep braaiing and cooking and also to interact with companies in this industry. ‘Making food forms bonds with those around you. You don’t eat to live, you need life to eat!’
Author
Marteli Brewis
