Chartered accountant: Shirleen de Wee
A chartered accountant (CA) ensures that an organisation is doing what they are supposed to be doing in terms of finances.Shirleen de Wee is a CA who works as an auditor and the manager of the audit department at PwC Namibia. She describes being an auditor as working in the mechanics of the financial industry.
According to Namibian criteria, to become a CA, you must complete the following: Pass the Initial Test of Competence (ITC), complete a minimum of 20 months at a registered training contract with an accredited training office, and complete a Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia tax course and successfully complete a professional programme with a registered provider.
But De Wee did things just a little differently. After obtaining her bachelor's degree in accounting at the University of Namibia (Unam) in 2015, she attempted her honours degree (known as CTA as the time) at Potchestroom in South Africa, however, she did not pass.
She started with her training programme at PwC Namibia in 2017. She returned to her studies once again but failed to pass. After multiple attempts, she managed to pass her bridging course in CTA in 2021. She then went on to pass her CTA through Milpark Education, in January 2022 she wrote and passed her first board exams (ITC) and in December 2023, she wrote and passed her second board exams (APC).
And now in 2024, she is a qualified CA. “After 11 years, all the sweat, tears and fights have paid off,” she said.
This is where her heart belongs, she added.
She went on to add that even though she had to study day and night, the practical experience she gained through her training programme has helped her see that even though there is a list of skills required to make a successful career as a CA, most skills can be taught and developed over time. She said as long as you have a humble and teachable attitude, you can make a success out of anything you put your mind to.