By Antje Derks
Mentoring is a vital aspect of professional growth, providing essential guidance, support, and inspiration. In the Chartered Accountancy field, mentoring has significantly shaped the careers of both emerging accountants and seasoned professionals. This article examines the various mentoring initiatives implemented by some institutes from the Chartered Accountants Worldwide network, emphasising their importance and contributions to the industry.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) has been instrumental in fostering a supportive mentoring environment within the Chartered Accountancy profession. The ICAS mentoring network connects seasoned professionals with emerging accountants, providing a platform for knowledge transfer and career guidance. This network is particularly beneficial in helping new accountants navigate the complexities of the profession and develop their skills.
One notable example is Olio co-founder Tessa Clarke, who has shared how mentoring within ICAS helped her in reducing waste and backing female founders. Through her mentoring relationships, Clarke was able to gain insights and support that were crucial in her journey towards creating a successful and impactful business. Her experience highlights the importance of mentorship in driving innovation and sustainability within the accountancy field.
Rupal Sachdev Kantaria’s advocacy for creating a diverse world through mentoring further underscores the significance of ICAS’s mentoring initiatives. By fostering diverse mentoring relationships, ICAS promotes inclusivity and broadens perspectives within the profession. Kantaria’s work emphasises that mentoring is not just about career advancement, but also about creating a more equitable and inclusive professional environment.
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) partners annually with Usha Maharaj to offer the Leadership Evolution Masterclass Series (LEMS), an exclusive programme for female Chartered Accountants and Associate General Accountants. This online programme focuses on developing self-awareness and emotional intelligence, essential traits for confident leaders. Through immersive group coaching, participants gain valuable insights and skills, preparing them for leadership roles within the industry.
The African Women Chartered Accountants’ Forum (AWCA) is dedicated to accelerating the advancement of Black women in the field of accountancy. Their three-tier strategy involves identifying and developing young talent, nurturing aspiring accountants, and focusing on leadership development. AWCA’s initiatives ensure that Black female accountants receive the support and training necessary to excel in their careers, promoting diversity and representation within the profession.
Last year, SAICA celebrated National Women’s Month by honouring trailblazing women in accountancy. This celebration highlighted the achievements of women who have made significant contributions to the field, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in accountancy. Profiles of successful women like Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO of Fasset, and Refilwe Matenche, founder of the African Women’s Movement, showcase how mentoring and empowerment can drive transformation and growth in the industry.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) is also deeply committed to empowering women and girls, believing that equal access and opportunities for all genders benefit the entire community. Through initiatives like the Women Chartered Accountants Network (WeCAN) and the Vimbiso Scholarship Trust Fund, ICAZ fosters women’s empowerment in the accountancy profession.
WeCAN provides a robust platform to support female members and students aspiring to become Chartered Accountants. It encourages the participation of women in ICAZ activities, promotes diversity, and offers networking and mentorship opportunities. The key objectives of WeCAN include enhancing female participation in ICAZ activities, promoting diversity, facilitating networking and idea-sharing, empowering women to assume leadership roles, offering mentorship, training, and development opportunities, and addressing gender-based challenges to create a supportive professional environment.
The success of WeCAN is evident in its impactful mentorship programmes, where experienced professionals guide and support younger women through webinars, power talks, annual networking events, and one-on-one mentorship. This initiative has increased female representation on the ICAZ Council from 18% to 41% in five years, with four female presidents since 2010. In 2024, WeCAN celebrated its 7th anniversary, further cementing the network and relationships among women in the profession.
Established in 2015, the Vimbiso Scholarship Trust Fund provides educational assistance to academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds aspiring to become Chartered Accountants in Zimbabwe. The fund supports the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by advancing quality education, gender equality, and reducing inequalities and poverty.
The Vimbiso Scholarship Trust Fund emphasises mentorship as a vital aspect of its program, pairing beneficiaries with experienced professionals in the accountancy industry. Through mentorship, Vimbiso aims to build a community of supportive professionals to help beneficiaries grow and succeed. This initiative prepares students for work and leadership opportunities, promoting women empowerment and gender equality.
Mentoring is an invaluable aspect of the Chartered Accountancy profession, fostering growth, diversity, and resilience. Through various initiatives and programmes, organisations like ICAS, SAICA, and ICAZ are paving the way for future generations of Chartered Accountants. These efforts not only enhance professional capabilities but also promote a more inclusive and supportive industry, ultimately benefiting the broader community.
