By Sinazo Mondo
One of the first important decisions a high school learner makes is choosing the right career path.
This is by no means a simple task as the choice they make will most likely influence their future studies, career options and guarantee them places in the professional world. That decision has far-reaching implications that extends beyond high school and into the future. But pursuing a career in public sector auditing, accounting and finance is one of the wisest decisions a learner can make. By so doing, a learner will be taking the first crucial steps towards a bright future into the world of accountancy.
This is according to Lona Mbhalathi, an Accounting Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), sharing insights on the extensive opportunities within the field of public sector auditing and accounting.
Mbhalathi highlights various areas such as strategic planning, compliance and risk management, emphasizing the potential for growth and advancement in the field. “Society is in need of students in public sector auditing and accounting to fill the gap,” says Mbhalati.
“At present, there are numerous challenges regarding compliance, accountability and transparency in the public sector. There is lack of skills, a lot of irregularities and extensive corruption that need to be addressed.”
As a professional body, the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) encourages students to join the world of accountancy and pursue a career in public sector auditing.
The Institute offers members access to exclusive resources, information, networking opportunities, and recognition of competence and also student membership. Membership in a professional body is highly advantageous for career alignment and professional advancement.
Among the professionals who have walked the path is Phathutshedzo Matodzi, a Registered Government Auditor – a designation held by SAIGA.
Matodzi, an Audit Manager at the Auditor General of South Africa, provides a glimpse into the roles and responsibilities of external auditors in the public sector.
“Government institutions are required to report annually on the financial performance and service delivery performance and our role as auditors is to verify the information reported in the financial report and service delivery report against supporting evidence to determine whether the information reported is valid, accurate and complete,” says Matodzi.
“After confirming that these reports are valid, accurate and complete, the oversight structures then use these verified financial report and service delivery report to hold the government institutions accountable based on what is reported therein.”
“Every day we hear of the economic challenges the country face due to fraud and corruption in government. And it is through the work of auditors that we can do checks and balances and ensure that the government fiscus are adequately utilised for the intended purpose and for the benefit of South African citizens”, he adds.
“Ours is to assess the spending and determine whether it is done in accordance with government principles while also verifying performance in terms of service delivery to determine whether there was value for money spent.”
While the specific requirements for pursuing a Degree or Diploma in Auditing and Accounting may vary among institutions, Mbhalathi has provided a general overview.
For Diplomas, subjects such as Mathematics or Technical Mathematics and English are typically required, while degrees may require English and Mathematics at specified levels depending on the programme. Leaners are encouraged to refer to university prospectus for more information. But Mbhalati has the best advice for prospective university students.
“It is essential for learners to sacrifice the last two years of high school (Grade 11 and 12), focus on their academics, and ensure they pass with flying colours so that they can be admitted to the programmes they want,” he says.
“Space is often limited at universities, and the competition for space is invariably high. So, pupils need to work hard, set goals and achieve them.”
As exam preparations gets underway, SAIGA can only encourages learners to study hard and set themselves on the path to a rewarding career in public sector auditing and accounting.
