Why did I chat to Vincent?
Vincent Motholo CA(SA), RA is the Chairperson of SAICA for 2022 and 2021. He was a UNISA Auditing lecturer, and an audit partner at SNG-Grant Thornton. His experience as an academic and in practice is really valuable for students.
I wanted him to share his qualification journey with us and take us through some of his post-qualification career decisions.
We also chatted about studying while doing articles. A lot of students ask me whether this is a good or bad idea, so we chatted about some pro’s and con’s and things to consider if you want to start articles while you’re studying.
If there are any questions / topics you’d like Vincent and I to chat about in our next video, please comment at the bottom of this post. (Please also comment to thank Vincent for his time!)
Vincent's journey
A bit of Vincent’s qualification journey. And how he got into education after he qualified. We also discussed why he stopped lecturing, and what he’s up to now.
Should you start articles while you're still studying? (Student perspective)
I get asked this a LOT. Should you start articles while you’re still studying? Does the practical working knowledge make your studying easier?
We discussed some of the pro’s and con’s, and considerations to think of while making this choice. This portion of the clip focusses on the choice from the student’s perspective.
I studied and worked through all my studies. I worked as a bookkeeper until I passed CTA, so I only started articles after I finished studying. So I have a lot of insight about how tough it is, and what it takes.
Should you start articles while you're still studying? (Firm's perspective)
When we’re studying, we’re only thinking of ourselves. Our study leave, our needs etc, but we also need to consider what your firm needs from you. Vincent and I chatted a bit about studying, from the firm’s perspective.
“Why can’t I find a firm who will employ me for articles?” I get this a LOT from students who are still in undergrad, or even CTA. This chat gives some more insight to the reasons that quite a few firms aren’t so keen on employing article clerks who are still studying.
Are you more likely to pass exams if you're doing articles?
Your studies give you the technical knowledge and skills that you need for your articles. So there’s a direct connection between what you do in articles, and your studies.
Does this mean that you’re more likely to pass if you’re doing articles? Does the work experience make studying easier?
(Spoiler alert: My answer is NO! Especially not for Auditing! Watch to find out why!)
Advice for CTA / PGDA students who are feeling REALLY stupid when they study
CTA / PGDA is HARD. It makes you feel stupid EVERY DAY. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to fail.
Few people understand how tough it is to keep studying when you feel so hopeless and that it’s never going to come right.
I asked Vincent for some advice for students who are feeling like this. Where does the daily motivation come from? What is your REAL commitment?
Note… Vincent is the Chairperson of SAICA for 2022 and 2021. This is a pretty impressive role… and you’d think that he NEVER felt stupid or struggled… pay attention to his comments!
Last words for students
CTA / PGDA is HARD. It makes you feel stupid EVERY DAY. This doesn’t mean that you’re going to fail.
Few people understand how tough it is to keep studying when you feel so hopeless and that it’s never going to come right.
I asked Vincent for some advice for students who are feeling like this.
Thanks Vincent!
I appreciate the time that my guests take out of their schedule to chat to me on your behalf.
Please leave a comment at the bottom of this page to thank Vincent if you found any of this valuable. Also include any other topics / questions you’d like me to chat to to Vincent about.
4 Comments
Yvonne your conversation with Vincent was insightful, especially the part about consideration to do CTA full time or part time. Thanks to you both
Thanks Lwazi,
I’m glad you liked it. Always so good to get stuff to think about from people with more experience! Keep an eye out, the next chat I’ll be posting is with someone who used to work for the IASB 🙂 So we chatted about how those IFRS Standards are actually written!!!
Wow,this interview was very insightful and very interesting.Yvonne you are doing great job with this platform and I like the uniqueness of it.
Thank you! I’m so glad you find value in the stuff 🙂