Chartered accountant (CA) and University of Pretoria (UP) lecturer Relebogile Mashile has been named as one of 28 founding members of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Young Leaders Collective from across 23 countries. Mashile, a senior lecturer in the Department of Accounting in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, will serve as a member until the end of 2025.

The members of the collective are early-career and aspiring professional accountants who will provide insights and perspectives on some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the profession, as well as on some of the IFAC’s most important initiatives, including fighting corruption, addressing sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI), and attracting and retaining talent.

Mashile, an emerging researcher who has a background in accounting education, was selected from hundreds of applications to be an IFAC member. As part of her role and contribution on the IFAC, she aims to explore ways to future-proof the next generation of accountants for the rapidly evolving landscape of the accountancy profession so that they are equipped to thrive in this dynamic environment.

“It is a proud moment for me as a young black woman and early-career professional,” says Mashile, who hails from rural Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga. “This achievement underscores the importance of education and the power of perseverance in ascending to greater heights. It’s both exciting and humbling to be part of a group that will help shape the future of the global accountancy profession and make a meaningful impact on the broader global community.”

Mashile joined UP in 2023 from the University of Mpumalanga shortly after qualifying as a CA(SA). Following a short stint in industry, she discovered that contributing to the development of future accountants would be gratifying. Having grown in a family of advocates for education, she felt academia was the best platform from which she could help young people to fulfil their dreams.

“I am passionate about the transfer of knowledge and being part of the journey of young people as they actualise their dreams of becoming professionals,” Mashile says. “Higher education is one of the most powerful means of helping people to achieve their dreams, and I wanted to be part of that transformative process. Academia offers a unique platform where I can combine my practical experience with teaching and research to make a lasting impact on students and the accounting profession.”

As a trained chartered accountant, Mashile has been able to integrate her professional experience with her role as a lecturer to enrich the teaching and learning experience of students. She mentions that she pursued a career in accounting because of its versatility and ability to create value for businesses, organisations and society at large. Most importantly, she emphasises that the profession aligns with her values of transparency, integrity and accountability.

“By embracing these values, I am not only crunching numbers, but I am building trust, driving sustainable growth and making a meaningful impact on the world,” Mashile says.

Ultimately, she seeks to make a significant contribution to the accounting profession by bridging the gap between academia and practice, and promoting ethical and effective decision-making in businesses and society.

With the uptake of AI in most professions and its role in shaping the future world of work, she envisions the future of accounting being more focused on strategic decision-making and value creation, enhancing efficiency and increasing capacity.

“Artificial intelligence will assist in automating routine tasks, allowing accountants to focus more on analytical and advisory roles,” Mashile notes. “This evolution will also enhance our capacity to address sustainability issues and environmental, social and governance concerns, which, while less technical, are essential for improving quality of life and ensuring a sustainable future.”

Education has been the cornerstone of all her achievements. A focus on education and a sense of perseverance were deeply rooted in her upbringing. Both her parents are educators by profession. Growing up, Mashile witnessed the resilience of her mother and her commitment towards education to establish a successful career, balancing her studies with family life. Mashile’s mother, a UP alumna, has been a beacon of distinction and hope to her daughter, inspiring her to follow in her footsteps.

Her mother dedicated more than 30 years to education, specialising in the foundation phase within the Department of Basic Education. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to self-improvement, constantly acquiring new knowledge by obtaining multiple qualifications, including a Bachelor of Education (Hons) from UP in 2009.

“My mother has shown me that being a woman with a family does not limit one’s ability to pursue a successful career,” Mashile says. “Her resilience and determination to further her education, despite the challenges faced by women in South Africa, have been a powerful source of inspiration for me and my family.” She adds that her late grandmother was also a powerful advocate for education.  

Mashile says she has been blessed with a strong support structure that comprises her family, educators, mentors and colleagues. In her circle of cheerleaders who have been instrumental to her success, she also credits prominent CA(SA) and columnist Khaya Sithole for supporting her and helping her to make her dream of becoming a CA(SA) a reality.

“Additionally, the colleagues I met during my CA articles and those I work with today continue to inspire me with their dedication and achievements,” Mashile adds.