SAICA congratulates successful APC candidates

‘SAICA would like to congratulate the cohort of 2019 for their dedication and determination in applying themselves to the rigorous professional requirements of the APC. In many ways this is the toughest exam because it requires aspirant chartered accountants (CAs(SA)) to apply their technical academic knowledge from multiple disciplines to a single but complex real-life business case study. To pass, candidates must demonstrate high levels of the skills employers have told us they want in the next generation of CAs(SA),’ said Freeman Nomvalo, CEO of SAICA.

‘Succeeding at this final test of professional competence requires advanced levels of critical thinking, the ability to work with technology, and the capacity to assimilate new information under pressure over a five-day period which culminates in an eight-hour assessment. It’s gruelling but it’s exactly the kind of challenge successful candidates will soon face as qualified CAs(SA),’ added Nomvalo.

Transformation initiatives bearing fruit

SAICA celebrates its transformation initiatives across the pipeline which are bearing fruit.

A recent analysis of the transformation efforts that began in 2002 to make the membership of the chartered accountancy profession more diverse reveals that African membership under the age of 35 has significantly increased from 3% in 2002 to 25% in 2020.

While the total number of candidates that sat the 2019 assessment increased by 17,2%, SAICA noted with concern that the overall pass rate decreased by 12%.

Nomvalo said: ʻWhile we are encouraged to see how the profession’s transformation efforts have translated into more African and female candidates sitting the APC, we must raise our concern about the decline in the overall pass rate. We appeal to unsuccessful candidates not to give up, but to re-enrol for next year’s exam. Many CAs(SA) do not pass at their first attempt but go on to have highly successful and rewarding careers. I would like to specifically mention the two candidates who did not give up and overcame numerous obstacles to pass the APC on their 6th attempt. They exemplify the spirit of perseverance, and never giving up on their dreams,’ he added.

‘As SAICA we will intensify our collaborative efforts to work with all our stakeholders in the education value chain, from schools through to training offices, to develop new and repeat candidates for solving real-world scenarios at the standard required to become a CA(SA),’ committed Nomvalo.

12 exceptional candidates honoured for their aptitude and skill

On releasing the results SAICA also highlighted 12 candidates who earned a place on the institute’s prestigious APC Honours Roll. The roll is made up of candidates who demonstrate exceptional performance and show the greatest insight into the way they complete the case study tasks. Those candidates, in alphabetical order (by surname), are:

SAICA’s interventions to grow the pipeline of CAs(SA)

SAICA’s commitment to its members and the public is that the CA(SA) designation is of the highest standard of excellence, able to meet the demands of the future market, driven by the skills of the 21st century. With this in mind, SAICA has implemented a number of interventions including more detailed analysis, candidate surveys and engagement with key stakeholders. Among others, these engagements led to:

Collaboration with a range of stakeholders including ABASA (Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa) and AWCA (African Women Chartered Accountants)

Professional Programme Providers making a number of changes to their offerings and interventions, and

Training Offices becoming more aware of the need to expose trainees to a broader range of work environments (industries / types of clients) and to better develop the candidate’s critical thinking and judgement rather than simply their technical and numerical skills.

Additional interventions to support SAICA’s intent to develop the candidates, beyond being able to demonstrate their pure technical ability – in order to ensure the candidates’ ongoing relevance – were put in place at specific firms. In addition, academic programme providers were consulted to assess what they could do differently within the academic programme, to further develop relevant aspects of professional competencies earlier in response to the growing complexity of the demands within the accounting profession and business.

‘These long-term interventions, however, will take time to reach fruition. The skills required to be demonstrated in the APC, and expected in business today, cannot be developed overnight. There needs to be interventions across the candidates’ entire professional development journey from when they start their undergraduate qualification until they complete all requirements for becoming a CA(SA),’ concluded Nomvalo.

Detailed statistics can be found on the SAICA website: www.saica.co.za.

Simon Basson – KPMG Inc

I’m a 24 year old from Johannesburg. From 2009 to 2013 I attended Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, where I was a boarder. I studied for my under- and postgraduate degrees at the University of Johannesburg from 2014 to 2017, after which I stayed on for a year to do my academic articles.

I was privileged to be part of the Financial Management team for the CTA class of 2018. Currently, I’m a third-year CA advisory trainee at KPMG Johannesburg.

My career projections and how I would get there

Over the next five to ten years I see myself learning new skills in areas I haven’t yet had a chance to explore and honing the skills that I have developed thus far. I want to learn as much as I can from senior personnel and leaders in whatever position I find myself in.

Ultimately, I want to make a meaningful impact in the South African environment – it’s just a matter of figuring out which vehicle will allow me to make the biggest difference. I have a passion for people and would want to explore ways in which I can affect people lives for the better using some of the experience and knowledge I have and will obtain.

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

In my opinion the two most important things you should take away from articles are:

Learn to be an effective team member − you spend a lot of time working in teams over articles and it is just the start of what lies ahead for the rest of your career. Learn how to deal with team conflict, how to interact with different people from different backgrounds, when is it an appropriate time to give your opinion, and how to be wrong.

Learn what type of person or leader you want to be: you work for numerous leaders and managers and interact with people across all levels of an organisation. Take from them want you like and leave what you don’t – don’t make other people’s bad habits your own bad habits and adopt a few good ones.

It think that as a student, the biggest challenge is perseverance. You’ll feel demotivated at numerous stages after test results and the workload that you need to get through. This is where you learn to deal with disappointment and to break down large goals (like passing the year) into smaller, more manageable chunks.

One challenge affecting SA and what  can be done

The biggest challenge, in my view, is youth unemployment, which is greatly influenced by access to education. I’m referring to pre-school development, primary school and high school. Without a strong foundation at these levels, some money is being poured down the drain at tertiary level.

Given SA’s monetary and fiscal position, I don’t know how to solve the problem in its totality – but I do think more can be done to improve the quality of education from pre-school to high school, especially with access to digital/virtual classrooms. If we get the foundation to a better state, tertiary education will be much more impactful.

Robert Anderson – Nedbank

I am 26 years old and did a Bachelor of Business Science majoring in Finance and Accounting at UCT (2013−2016).

I have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting at UCT (2017); CFA Level I, II, III – CFA Institute (2016, 2017, 2018); the SAICA Initial Test of Competence – Honours Roll (4th place, 2018); and the SAICA APC – Honours Roll (2020).

My career projections and how I would get there

I don’t really know where I see myself in the next five to ten years, and I think that’s perfectly fine. One thing I can say is that during my articles I’ve been afforded the opportunity to rotate across various business units within Nedbank, and the experience I’ve gained in the different areas has equipped me with the ability to make informed career decisions going forward. I can certainly see myself remaining in the financial services / banking industry over the short to medium term, as I believe my skill set and personality traits are well-suited to this environment and there is ample opportunity for personal growth. In addition, I would welcome a short-term opportunity abroad to broaden my experiences and develop my skill set further. 

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

Five takeaways from my qualification journey are:

There is no substitute for hard work, perseverance and a good attitude.

Success is often a combination of your hard work, the hard work of others, good luck and good timing. Be careful to assume that your success was only of your making. Be grateful for the opportunities and the experiences afforded to you.

Stay balanced in life. Find that passion of yours outside of work/studies that makes you feel like the best version of yourself and always make time for it.

Challenge the status quo. As a young trainee in a new team, bring energy, come up with unique solutions and provide different insights. Put yourself in situations where you are outside of your comfort zone. Don’t be scared to ask questions.

Embrace the journey of life-long learning.  Read as much as you can.

One challenge affecting SA and what can be done

At the very forefront of South Africa’s challenges is the energy crisis and ever-increasing cost of electricity. The energy deficit is the single biggest risk to our country and continues to cripple the economy. We have also recently been informed that Eskom requires at least two years of load-shedding to give the power stations some breathing room for long-overdue maintenance.

Therefore, government needs to consider ways in which additional power generation from independent power producers can be secured from both existing and new sources and facilitate the development of the renewable energy sector. In particular, government needs to remove the red tape that is currently preventing the renewable energy sector from improving South Africa’s power supply.

We are already seeing the transition to renewables in the mining industry, where some of the big players have announced plans to build their own renewable energy plants to improve the security of their power supply.

Mari-Louise Boshoff – Deloitte and Touche

I will be turning 25 this year. My whole educational background has prepared me for this moment. I completed my matric at Hoërskool Bastion and went on to do BCom Accountancy and honours in Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg.

I enjoyed my academic life so much that I stayed on as an academic trainee in financial management. Thereafter, I became a second-year trainee at the Deloitte Johannesburg office.

My career projections and how I would get there

My end goal is to be a full-time academic and senior lecturer in Financial Management and Management Accounting. I have a deep passion for education and know for a fact that it is where I would ultimately end up. The first step to this would be to register for my master’s degree in finance, which I will be applying for this year. I would then like to gain some practical experience in a financial management role and would like to start lecturing full time in 3−5 years from now.

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt from this whole journey is that you have to be as consistent as possible. The hard work puts you where the good luck can find you. I learnt that consistent hard work and a consistent positive mind set will bring you far in this journey. The hard work starts the day after you register, be it for your degree, ITC or APC. I have also learnt that making things enjoyable for yourself is the biggest trick to keeping yourself motivated. Enjoy the process, have fun in preparing your notes and your file, and live yourself into the scenario.

One challenge affecting SA and what can be done

I strongly believe that one of the biggest problems in South Africa is the level of education. This problem can only be fixed if it starts at the lowest level, being Grade 1 Mathematics and languages. I believe that the answer lies in practical learning − showing learners practical scenarios rather than learning from textbooks. Show learners the impact that their knowledge can have instead of forcing them to do homework. As Albert Einstein said, ‘Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.’

Kyle Pillay – EY

I am 24 years old. I am originally from Durban but moved to Johannesburg in 2014. I began my CA(SA) journey as an undergraduate at the University of the Witwatersrand and completed my PGDA at UKZN. I started my training contract with EY in 2018, where I am currently in my supervisor year.

My career projections and how I would get there

In the year following my articles I want to begin a career which focuses on climate change and sustainability services. I hope to use the skills acquired in my journey thus far to be a driving force and a voice behind the increasing need for environmental awareness in corporate South Africa.

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

I think an essential lesson learned from my experiences over these years is the importance of perseverance. Life has the ability to test and humble you and how you approach and overcome these obstacles in many ways foreshadow your future success. It is important that no matter what struggle you are going through, you stay committed to the course. How you come back from a failure or handle adversity builds far more into your character than any success ever will.

One challenge facing South Africa and what can be done

South Africa suffers among the highest levels of inequality in the world and I believe the wealth gap is one of the most crippling issues our country is currently facing. People more qualified than I have suggested solutions from a wealth tax to increased social funding. Ultimately, however, I feel the most important aspect of any solution is a leadership that is committed to the growth and development of its people.

Christin Thomas – Deloitte and Touche

I was born in Johannesburg 24 years ago and went to primary and high school at Bryneven Primary and Brescia House High School respectively. I was fortunate in receiving a high standard of education which provided a basis for my tertiary education. I went on to study and complete BComm Accounting Science and PGDA at the University of Pretoria.

My career projections and how I would get there

The CA(SA) designation opens many doors and opportunities in the world of work. It is therefore not surprising that I do not have a set idea on my future career. In the next few years, I am going to try to travel as much as possible as well as test out the various options available to us. Through this, I hope to find exactly where I would like to see myself in the future.

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

Throughout the journey, I have realised that you will never know enough. You can learn from people younger than you, and you will also learn about yourself. Each day is different from the last. The studying and work can be extremely tough, but it is important to find balance and keep your eye on the end goal.

One challenge affecting SA and what can be done

Unfortunately, especially with South Africa being a developing country, the education that is offered is nowhere near where it should be. Besides the fact that education is not available to all in the country, the education that is accessible can be improved. With education not being up to scratch, there is more pressure on universities to fill the knowledge gap of students. This is especially prevalent in our profession.

Charne Ferreira – PwC

I grew up in Bloemfontein, where I completed my high school career at Eunice High School and obtained my degrees at the University of the Free State (UFS).

I completed my first year of articles as an academic trainee at the UFS. Spending most of my 25 years in the Free State, I decided to trade the Free State for the Northern Cape, where I am currently competing my articles at PwC Kimberley.

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

You can learn from everyone that crosses your path. Use a ‘tough’ lecturer or manager as a learning opportunity. Believe in yourself, you know more than you think you do. It is always better to admit that you do not know something: ask for help and speak up if you do not know. Your career is not a sprint, it is okay if you fall, as long as you get up again. It is important to make time to rest, and do not be so hard on yourself.

One challenge affecting SA and what can be done

I think that South Africa has so much unlocked potential, but there are many obstacles that result in us being unable to unlock this potential. This includes the lack of quality education. I think if more people can receive quality education, people can empower themselves to create better futures.

Eduard du Plessis – Deloitte & Touche, Cape Town

I am 24 years old and despite being born in Johannesburg, was raised in Somerset West.

I attended school at Somerset College in Stellenbosch and went on to graduate from the University of Stellenbosch before joining Deloitte in Cape Town.

My career projections and how I would get there

After six years, finally being in a position where I am able to make a decision over my future is scary yet exciting. The CA(SA) designation opens up so many doors that I find it difficult to define a specific trajectory for myself. I have always been excited by small and start-up businesses and see myself in a role that is dynamic and where I am constantly stimulated and growing. I hope to have established myself within the next 5−10 years in an exciting growing business where I am surrounded by people and challenges that I can learn from.

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

The qualification journey is long and there are days where the work is not always the most stimulating, but I would urge all aspiring CAs(SA) to always see the positive side of what you are being exposed to. You are being given the opportunity to see the inside of many different companies and are working with individuals at a level you would not easily have access to otherwise. You are growing as a person with every late night, every interaction with a difficult client, and every problem you solve. Your attention to detail, professional communication skills and manner of thinking about situations is developing. At the end of the journey you will be equipped to adapt to any scenario you find yourself in from a technical and personal perspective, and this is ultimately what makes you an invaluable resource.

One challenge affecting SA and what can be done

In my opinion the biggest challenge facing South Africa is a lack of trust in our economy and uncertainty over government policy. Ultimately this leads to a hesitancy to invest which in turn drives the high unemployment and poverty which we struggle with. I feel that we as a profession have an obligation to assist in re-instilling this trust, and I believe that the government needs to put measures in place to create an environment where small business can thrive.

Francois van der Merwe – PKF Cape Town

I’m a 24 year old from Philadephia, a small town near Cape Town. I completed my school career at Melkbosstrand Private School and realised from the guidance of my high school accounting teacher that the CA(SA) route was for me. After completing my BAcc degree and Honours at Stellenbosch University, I started my traineeship at PKF Cape Town, a medium-sized audit firm located in the Tyger Valley area.

Career projections and how you would get there

After completing my SAICA CA(SA) qualification, I would like to explore the private business landscape and what it has to offer.

Lessons learnt from the qualification journey

It’s a long and difficult journey, but it’s 100% worth it. The theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained through your studies and traineeship prepare you for the SAICA exams and how to professionally work with clients and fellow employees. PKF Cape Town is preparing me for the future of what a CA(SA)’s world could look like.

Always remember the importance of teamwork and the support provided by fellow trainees walking the same path as you.

One challenge affecting SA and what can be done

South Africa’s unemployment rate is considered to be one of the highest in the world yet is steadily increasing. Private business should be allowed, and supported by government, to address these issues in a sustainable manner to enable the country and its citizens to not only survive but to prosper.

This can be done by looking at the success stories of other countries which have faced similar problems in the past and adapting them to a South African context.