Stand up and dream big!

When faced with a challenge, a lot of people choose the path of least resistance, of giving up or changing course. A select few decide to persevere, with grit and determination, to not give up on their dreams, no matter the challenges that they will need to overcome.

Today Sherylee manages a capital budget of almost R1,5 billion per year and heads up a finance team of dedicated individuals. She also serves as a mentor and role model for many professionals across ages and disciplines in the urban development sector.

‘I was fortunate to be hired by a medium-sized audit firm straight out of matric and completed my articles while studying part-time,’ Sherylee explains. ‘The journey isn’t always a one-size-fits-all approach and not everyone has the financial resources to attend university full time. Studying part-time and building a career at the same time isn’t easy. I had a number of setbacks but would like to believe that these have contributed to the type of CA(SA) I am today.’

Sherylee chose to become a CA(SA) because she had taken a liking to high school accounting and had an influential teacher that steered her in the right direction. ’I had also always admired what the qualification stood for and the recognition it received, even on an international platform.’

Starting out, Sherylee had limited financial resources to study full-time but persevered and did not allow any challenges that came her way, to steer her from the course.

‘During my article and undergraduate days, I worked two jobs to be able to fund my studies. Looking back now, I am not sure where all that determination came from, but failure was definitely not an option!’

There were many times she could have given up, but she refused to do so. ‘I had some setbacks in completing my postgraduate and board exams. Building a career during this time did put a significant amount of pressure on my studies, but I am glad that I was able to persevere through it all!’

All her hard work and dedication finally paid off and today, Sherylee is the CFO at the JDA. The JDA is the City of Johannesburg’s development agency and is responsible for the management and facilitation of infrastructure development projects.

‘I definitely did not plan on joining the public sector space,’ she laughs. ‘But now that I am here, I can’t say I want to leave!’

Projects that her team has played a part in implementing include the construction of the Rea Vaya stations and busways; the pedestrian and cycling route that connects Alex to Sandton; clinics, parks, and community centres in neighbourhoods including Noordgesig, Westdene, Jeppe, and Rosettenville; and the new international transit interchange near Park Station.

‘The JDA plays a significant role in the City of Johannesburg, and knowing I am a part of the force that delivers on these projects creates a certain accountability and responsibility that is different from being in the private sector,’ says Sherylee. ‘I have a role to play in ensuring that the JDA is always steered in the right direction and away from the usual negative connotations that are associated with the public sector.’

Sherylee, who is inspired by the women in her family and their constant encouragement, says that young people need to dream big and realise their power, no matter what field they are in.

She started her career as a senior auditor while serving her articles at HLB Barnett Chown before joining the JDA in 2009 as an accountant. In 2012 she was promoted to finance manager and obtained her CA(SA) accreditation from SAICA. In 2016 she was appointed the acting CFO and in 2018 she was officially appointed as the JDA’s CFO.

She enjoys being in a role and an organisation where she can make an impact. ‘Sometimes through all the number crunching, it’s good to know that somehow I am contributing towards something bigger than just me.’

‘As an accountant, there is very little that we feel we can do to make a real-world impact, however, being a part of an organisation like the JDA allows me to feel like I support a bigger cause,’ she continues. ‘The JDA has implemented hundreds of development projects all across Johannesburg in areas such as Diepsloot, Orlando, Nancefield, Jabulani, and Alexandra, to name a few. Besides just the impact these projects have in the areas that they are in, they also have a significant impact for each and every individual in those communities.”

Her dream for the future is to continue to apply her skills to areas that need them, and where it matters. ‘I believe that the public sector needs professionals of the right calibre and work ethic, as there is still so much to do in this space.’

Sherylee enjoys challenging herself and strives for greatness, even though the road to it, may sometimes be filled with struggles, challenges and obstacles. ‘The comfort zone is nice, but nothing ever grows there!’

The past few years of pandemic life and COVID-19 have had a major impact on Sherylee. ‘COVID, for me, like with most people, created a different perspective on life. I value family and health (both physical and mental) much more now than I did before. It also taught me about how adaptable we can be under pressure and how important the little things are.’

She now knows that she can be incredibly resilient when she is required to be. ‘I have also learned that, no matter how much we plan, we never really know what is in store for all of us.’

These days, Sherylee finds joy in the small blessings life has bestowed upon her. ‘I find my motivation and inspiration in my family – my husband and our two children. I am so grateful that I am part of a world that allows me to have achieved everything that I have and the hope that my kids would have even more opportunities than me.’

Sherylee is incredibly grateful for the path that has brought her here, even though it was at times difficult and sometimes even felt impossible. ‘I am thankful that I happen to have chosen this path, and for the opportunities that came my way. My heart breaks when I see how many challenges the youth of our country face now as compared to the past. All I can say is that nobody can take your dreams away from you, persevere, and strive to be the exception to the rule. Stand up and dream big!’

Sherylee’s tips for facing challenges and succeeding in a ‘man’s world’

• It may be a man’s world, but women are definitely running it! I never realised how being a woman and a mother would fundamentally change the kind of professional I become. Own those differences. It is those very same things that will separate you from everyone else.
• Remember: The journey isn’t always a one-size-fits-all approach!
• Persevere and do not make failure an option. Don’t ever give up on your dream.
• Dream big and realise your power.
• Challenge yourself and strive for greatness!