“Never give up until you have reached your goal” – Prof Anculien Schoeman 

Researcher and lecturer, Professor Anculien Schoeman of the Department of Taxation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of Pretoria (UP) recalls playing ‘school-school’ with the neighbours’ kids. Today, she’s fulfilled her dream of being a teacher and for her, nothing beats “seeing the penny drop” for her second-year students.

What does your job entail?

I am an associate professor in the EMS Faculty’s Department of Taxation. I lecture in the accounting sciences stream focusing on tax and business acumen to second-year students. I am also involved in research, where I supervise master’s and doctoral students. As part of my academic activities, I conduct research to publish articles in academic journals that could potentially influence policy decisions. I’m also involved in various committees, such as serving as the Deputy Chair on the EMS Ethics Committee.

How long have you served in your current role?

I was promoted to associate professor last year, effective from 1 January 2023, so about one and a half years.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I really enjoy interacting with students, more specifically, the one-on-one consultations, where one sees the penny drop and the student understands the work.

What sort of challenges have you encountered in your career as an academic and as a woman in academia, and how did you navigate these?

Other than the normal challenges I think everyone experiences in any type of work – huge workloads or challenges with colleagues – my biggest challenge is finding the right work-life balance. I am grateful for the flexibility we have as academics, but I have not found the perfect way to navigate this challenge yet.

When did your journey in academia start?

I completed my CTA (Hons) in Accounting Sciences in 2009, and joined the Department of Taxation as the CTA academic trainee in 2010. Then I completed my auditing articles at PwC, and was appointed permanently to the Department of Taxation from 1 October 2013.

You’re a Chartered Accountant by training, so why enter academia?

Ever since I was a child, I thought I’d run a nursery school; I always played ‘school-school’ with the neighbours’ children. When I had the opportunity to become a tax academic clerk in my first year of employment, I was very excited and really enjoyed my year in academia. I knew that I wanted to come back to academia.

However, in years two and three, I had to complete my articles and was signed with PwC. I worked as a clerk in the Metals and Mining division. After I qualified as a chartered accountant – a CA(SA) – at the end of year three, I moved to the Indirect Tax Department at PwC where I was a tax consultant. I was there for nine months before I had the opportunity to come back to academia again, and I seized the opportunity.

What are your research interests?

I enjoy research in the field of tax compliance. I am researching a potential tax lottery system for South Africa to enhance tax compliance, and also looking at the tax compliance effect of the implementation of the National Health Insurance scheme in South Africa.

What are some of your accomplishments?

Other than being a CA(SA), I obtained my PhD and was appointed as an associate professor. My colleague and I won the EMS Teaching and Learning Award for innovative teaching methods in 2023.

Aside from your role at UP, what other activities/roles are you involved in?

I am a mother of two (almost three), so my role as a mom takes up most of my time outside of work, and it is a huge blessing. I am a very social person, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy playing sport (tennis and cycling) when the opportunity arises.

Any special skills or hidden talents?

I play the piano and violin.

What are you most passionate about?

Being part of a community, especially our church community.

What is your source of motivation?

There are various sources of motivation: inspiration from God’s Word, my supportive husband, family and friends, and my wonderful role models at work.

What are your ambitions and hope for women in South Africa?

My wish for women in South Africa is that they have and use opportunities to live out their dreams – be it career-wise or otherwise, but never neglecting and forgetting the most important role that we need to fulfil as mothers of our children and supportive wives to our husbands.

What impact do you aspire to make on society?

I aspire to empower people to reach their full potential, and to be ethical influencers who create a friendly environment.

Can you share a moment when you felt empowered as a woman?

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have had wonderful leaders who shaped me and created opportunities for me to learn and grow. I am truly grateful for their confidence in me and for shaping me into the person I am today.

What is the one important life lesson/motto that has shaped you?

Perseverance – never give up until you have reached your goal.