EMPOWERMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

SAPRO chief talent architect WIEDAAD SHAIK shares her insights on how to attract, retain and develop women in South Africa’s audit and corporate finance profession

Typically, upon completing their articles as junior auditors, accounting graduates in South Africa strive to become Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)) by successfully passing both board exams. However, a growing trend nowadays sees many audit professionals seeking opportunities outside of audit.

With the profession facing a critical shortage of experienced audit talent, companies must maintain strong connections with their employees, understand their needs and acknowledge their accomplishments. This entails fostering a culture that encourages continuous development and empowers professionals to take ownership of their careers.

Enhanced Appeal And Diverse Opportunities

When a qualified CA(SA) chooses to transition out of the audit field, it is often because of a strong aspiration to explore opportunities that contribute to personal growth and development. This enables the public and private sectors to create dynamic work experiences that closely align with the professional’s career and life stage through supportive partnerships built on mutual understanding and collaboration.

Introducing the concept of a “rotating work environment” will represent a significant step forward in fostering collaboration, upskilling and expanding the experience of professionals. This approach aims to broaden and diversify specialised capabilities while ensuring high employee engagement levels.

Embracing Individuality

By fostering an environment that embraces individual creativity, firms and their clients can benefit from fresh ideas, innovations and opportunities, particularly as the economy shifts towards more sustainable development and finance.

Through this approach, auditors gain the confidence to showcase their individuality and embark on new pathways that transcend traditional thinking. This allows them to leave their mark on the clients they serve and the accounting profession.

Did you know?

By the end of June 2023, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants had a total of 21 680 women registered as CAs(SA). Of that number, 9 650 are black.

Source: 2023 SAICA Membership Statistics (January to June)

Connected Community

It is vital to strengthen and advocate for the future leaders of the audit profession by ensuring they receive support and have access to a support network and community. At SAPRO, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that facilitates professional relationships among women. We encourage active participation in organisations such as The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa that provide invaluable platforms for women to engage and interact with peers at similar stages in their careers.

Creating a culture that promotes the advancement of female leaders in the profession involves equipping them to participate in key decision-making processes.

Such connections offer an opportunity to join meaningful networks and communities where knowledge sharing and discussions about collaborative opportunities occur.

Nurturing A Culture Of Respect For Personal Time

In recent years, the significance of achieving balance has become increasingly apparent. To succeed, the future of work must consider diverse needs and priorities while maintaining high-performance standards. Flexibility is often discussed, but there is no universal solution. Companies must be adaptable and agile, recognising and valuing the individual needs and values of their professionals.

Empowerment And Exposure

Creating a culture that promotes the advancement of female leaders in the profession involves equipping them to participate in key decision-making processes. By exposing women to challenges that empower them to gain valuable experience, we help cultivate their confidence in their abilities and foster their overall growth.

In the face of persistent biases, the presence of women in leadership roles has gained increased significance. It is crucial to create opportunities that allow more women in the profession to showcase their strengths, share their voices and apply their skills and talents. By so doing, we lay the foundation for nurturing future leaders within the profession.

*SAPRO is an assurance, tax and advisory consulting firm.

SAPRO’S EMPLOYEE VALUE PROPOSITION

The company’s employee value proposition is built on five pillars:

1. Shared purpose.

2. Elevated growth.

3. Adaptive agility.

4. Connected community.

5. Holistic experiences.