University of Pretoria (UP) alumnus Vincent Motholo was recently appointed Chairman of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). A chairman is elected annually at the board meeting following  the Annual General Meeting.

Motholo says he is immensely honoured and appreciative of his appointment to the SAICA board by members. “It was my goal to be on the board of SAICA,” he said. “Prior to being elected, I was involved in SAICA structures for many years, lending my expertise and time. So my appreciation further extends to board members for granting me the privilege to be their chairman.”

Motholo, a qualified chartered accountant  is also a director and partner at the audit and advisory firm SNG Grant Thornton, graduated from UP with a BComm in Accounting Sciences (2003) and completed the Gordon Institute of Business Science’s Business and Management Development Programme last year.

The father of two hails from Maboloka, a village outside Brits in North West. While growing up, his family had a supermarket and a tavern, which is where he worked throughout his formative years. This exposure sparked in him an interest in business and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

SAICA’s strategic intent is to contribute to sustainable economies by developing responsible, ethical leaders. It also aims to support the development of the South African economy and society, and to promote the interests of SAICA members and associates.

Motholo plans to bring various skills to his position as Chairman of SAICA. Among the skills he cites is an ability to communicate a compelling strategic vision and inspire others to achieve objectives. He says that he also has experience in fostering beneficial partnerships across organisational, functional, cultural and global boundaries, and negotiating persuasively to shape stakeholder opinions in a manner that gains full support for key business initiatives.

One of the concerns that he will need to address in his new role is the lower pass rates for board exams, especially among black candidates. As such, SAICA has commissioned a review into the matter. “Completing the review as soon as possible is vital so that we can help accelerate transformation for the benefit of more young people joining and growing the accounting profession,” Motholo says.

“This profession has experienced public distrust not only in South Africa, but the world over. I will need to work with the board, SAICA management and staff, and our members and associates to restore trust and confidence in the accounting profession. In addition, I would like to also use my influence and network to ensure the continued financial sustainability of SAICA.”

He says he is looking forward to leading and serving the members and associates of SAICA with honour and integrity. “Our members and associates play a key role in the economy of South Africa and the world over; this is due to their exceptional calibre. It remains imperative to preserve this stature and continue creating value that our country and the world can benefit from as our members and associates develop, influence and lead.”

As far as his career is concerned, Motholo says he is interested in roles that provide him with opportunities in business strategy formulation, taking into account innovation and disruption, and to implement those strategies to ensure the financial sustainability of businesses.