University of Pretoria (UP) alumna Patricia Stock has been appointed as the first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). Stock will be taking over the office from 1 December 2023. 

“It’s an incredible honour to be the first female CEO at SAICA, and it fills me with gratitude and responsibility to model the way for other aspiring leaders,” Stock says. “While this achievement is a significant milestone, my focus has always been on competence, dedication, and contributing positively to the organisation and the profession as a whole.”

She believes diversity in leadership generates fresh perspectives and enriches innovation and decision-making processes. “My appointment is a testament to the progress we're making in promoting gender equality and diversity in leadership positions.”

Stock is a co-founding member and current CEO of MGI RAS, a company that aims to provide sustainable solutions for enhancing good corporate governance, sustainable financial management practices, and effective people development in both the public and private sectors. She received her BCom Accounting Sciences degree from UP in 2005, and obtained her honours degree in the same field, along with a Theory of Accounting certificate, in 2006.

Her academic journey was not easy due to stress, the pressures of studying, and financial constraints, but she managed to secure a bursary with the Auditor General of South Africa that helped ease the burden. “Obtaining my qualifications at UP was a transformative experience that had a profound impact on my career trajectory,” she says. “These qualifications played a pivotal milestone in my career. It provided me with a solid academic foundation, honed my critical thinking abilities, and instilled in me a sense of confidence and competence. These qualities have undoubtedly set me apart from some of the graduates in my field and contributed significantly to my professional success.”

Stock, who was born in Atteridgeville and grew up in Mamelodi, Pretoria, says her life’s calling is to help professionals grow to be leaders of significance so that they in turn can help grow the people and organisations they are entrusted with. Her calling is summed up in her life philosophy: “Grow as I grow”.

In her first year as SAICA CEO, Stock hopes to enhance member engagement; provide and contribute to innovative education and training; boost global advocacy for the profession and SMEs and strengthen sustainability initiatives for the organisation and its stakeholders. While these are ambitious goals, she believes that with the continued dedication of the dedicated team and the support of members, SAICA can achieve significant progress in the given term. “These efforts will be part of our broader commitment to advancing the accounting profession and contributing to growth.”

She says her daily recipe in life is knowing that continuous learning, adaptability, collaboration and resilience are key to success. “Throughout my career and life, challenges and unexpected situations are inevitable. What truly matters is the ability to adapt to these changes and bounce back from challenges. ‘As a leader one must have a growth mindset.’ – These are some of the lessons I have learnt over these years.”

As an alumna of UP she believes alumni are the living legacy of an institution, and their active engagement can contribute immensely to its growth and success. She says alumni can play a role in coaching, mentorship, guest lecturing, networking, fundraising, and advocacy.

When it comes to her achievement and successes, Stock credits God and her mother, who resiliently supported her and her siblings through hardships with the proceeds of her informal trade selling fruits, vegetables, and snacks – a trade she started when she lost her a job as a domestic worker.