With 24 years in the trade, Yolandie Ferreira CA(SA) has ascended among the ranks of one of the most accomplished multi-hyphenates in the auditing profession, yet she has other fish to fry.
Yolandie Ferreira CA(SA) portrays a kind of quiet confidence as she sits in a corner office of the practice’s Rialto Street building in Century City, Cape Town.
Observing propriety, we chat a tad, reliving the events around the proverbial southeaster, also known as the Cape Doctor, which recently hit the headlines.
The key to surviving the storm is ‘clinging on to the street railings with might and main’, she says good-humouredly.
Women who choose motherhood can still succeed in their careers, Yolandie says. Still, she concedes that there are sacrifices to be made.
MOTHERING NEEDN’T MEAN A DEAD-END CAREER
Does the accounting profession make it easy for mothers to remain in the profession? ‘I think that when your kids are small the most important thing for any working mother is to have a good support system,’ she says. ‘I can’t speak for the accounting profession as a whole but in the auditing profession, good time management and being able to negotiate around deadlines mean that we can be more flexible.
‘And for me that has meant that, although I have to work long hours and meeting deadlines is non-negotiable, I am able to find the time to go and watch my son Ethan play sports and work in the time. I’m not sure that this makes it easy to remain in the profession, but flexibility is something that many other professions don’t offer.’
In general, there are still chances of success in transforming the profession, making it possible for even mothers to remain in the profession, she says. ’Being able to decide that I will get up early on a given morning to work an hour or two before my actual work day starts, or work once my son has gone to bed helps to spread the load and makes it easier for me to be present when it matters.’
Born in Pretoria, Yolandie moved to Kimberley at the age of four. While in matric she considered the University of the Free State (UFS), debating over Aeronautical Engineering and a career in the financial services industry.
THE PULLS OF THE CA(SA) BRAND
Initially, she was partial to Aeronautical Engineering because of her ‘aversion then to working with people’, but the pulls of CA(SA) proved impossible to ignore. ‘I was inspired by the fact that the CA(SA) brand is very sought after worldwide and therefore offers opportunities to work anywhere you find yourself,’ she says.
Yolandie completed her postgraduate studies with Unisa, then went on to serve her articles with Mazars, a prominent international partnership specialising in audit, accounting, advisory and tax services.
Her designation has since changed, being a partner and the co-head of both the Global and South African Audit and Assurance Service line. Joining the business in 2000, she made partner in 2006, then she was appointed regional leader for the Cape Town office in 2023.
Yolandie was credited for being instrumental in growing the brand in South Africa having overseen the acquisition of key strategic clients across multiple sectors.
Growing through the ranks, she’s also been credited for enhancing knowledge management across the firm.
PAST CHALLENGES GIVES ONE THE CONFIDENCE TO TAKE ON MORE
A JSE-accredited registered auditor and reporting accountant, Yolandie gets kudos for her proficiency in developing and maintaining relationships with clients both internally and externally.
‘Her ability to seamlessly identify key critical deliverables, communicate systematically to all concerned parties and crafting appropriate solutions allows her to gain buy-in from multiple strategic partners ensuring deadlines are met and expectations are exceeded,’ noted her company bio.
‘Training to become a CA(SA), particularly at a medium-large firm, means that you deal with a wide variety of topics, situations, and people, and to me, that is what has added the most value in my career.’
She concedes that the road is fraught with uncertainties given the changing landscape. Still, she has nothing but praise for her mentors. ‘The biggest challenges are the ever-changing technical demands and working in a profession that has been quite male-dominated at senior level,’ she says. ‘I have had very good mentors over the years and that has greatly assisted with overcoming most challenges.’
LEADING WITH KINDNESS
When it comes down to success in business there’s no substitute for a strong work ethic and good relationships, she says. ‘Hard work is quite crucial. I also would not have been able to achieve what I have without the support of my partner, Hennie.’
The conversation reverts to the subject of workplace headwinds and Yolandie covers much ground on her leadership style. ‘I always try to lead with empathy and through setting the example,’ she says. ‘For my teams, I will have their back and I take responsibility when things go wrong, holding my teams accountable and recognising their efforts but never blaming them when something goes wrong.’
What of the idea that women should become like men in order to lead, that is, they should be seen to be tough, combative, loud, and inherently hard-charging? Can women still find success without changing themselves?, I ask.
‘This is a difficult question because I think the environment you work in does impact how you lead but I believe all leaders should be authentic first and that neither women nor men should have to change who they are and become like anyone else to lead and get the best out of teams,’ she says.
‘Ultimately there is great value in diversity and using the varied strengths of the leadership team as a whole rather than just building teams who are all like.’
HELL-BENT ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The most memorable days of her career are when she can make a difference and solve a problem for someone, she says. ‘I have had many highlights, but for me having your contribution recognised, whether that is by way of a promotion or being given the opportunity to take on a new role is always a highlight.
‘Winning a new client, delivering on a challenging assignment, and seeing people grow from new graduates entering the profession to becoming partners themselves or reaching their goals after they leave the firm is very rewarding.’
She’s religiously into mentorship, being a sponsor of SAICA’s Difference Maker campaign, which encourages members to engage in philanthropy and stewardship. ‘I am passionate about seeing people grow and develop and have mentored a number of prospective CAs(SA) over the years,’ she says.
‘Outside of work I’m a lover of the great outdoors − I enjoy camping and hiking. I also enjoy spending time with my family and building LEGO with Ethan.’
Her advice for upcoming CAs(SA) is ‘to put in the time and the work. Nothing replaces experience, and you only realise how much you have learnt through your experience when you are in a difficult situation. There is no quick fix.’
For the foreseeable future − the next five years at least − she envisions opportunities to do more excellent work, working her magic with clients, and altogether making life-changing deals. Most importantly, she is going great guns mentoring the next band of smart accountants.
Author
Mpho Tshikhudo
