The Lived Experiences of South African Black Accountants within the Framework of the Chartered Accountancy Profession Sector Code
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Gallery 3
| Monday, July 1, 2024 |
| 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM |
Presenter
Dr Yinka Moses
Academic Programme Leader
Victoria University Of Wellington
The Lived Experiences of South African Black Accountants within the Framework of the Chartered Accountancy Profession Sector Code
Abstract
Purpose:
This study investigates the progress of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act 2003, and its associated Chartered Accountancy Profession Sector Code.
Originality:
Contributing to critical accounting literature, our study extends scholarship on the limitations of Black Chartered Accountants (CAs) within global audit firms. We offer practical policy-focused recommendations that, if implemented, can address the complex socio-political realities obstructing the success of affirmative action. By sharing first-hand accounts, our study aims to empower auditing firms with actionable insights, enabling them to improve authentic inclusivity and foster equitable representation in the accounting profession.
Research Design:
Using semi-structured interviews, we explore the lived experiences of Black aspirant CAs undertaking articles in global audit firms. The experiences are thematically analysed, embracing a comprehensive theoretical approach that encompasses professional and social closure, as well as boundary work, to adequately understand why affirmative transformational endeavours persistently face uphill tasks. The utilisation of multifaceted theorisation is deemed essential for a more nuanced portrayal of the intricacies inherent in the CA profession in South Africa.
Findings:
The narratives presented by Black aspiring CAs unveil a complex web of exclusionary practices entrenched in institutionalised historical, professional, and social contexts. The multifaceted nature of closures, symbolised by racial, cultural, and linguistic factors, significantly impacts the experiences of Black trainees. The findings furthermore show that deliberate intervention beyond compliance with the Government’s framework is necessary for meaningful transformation.
Practical Implications:
The paper brings to the fore the current lived experiences of underrepresented Black CAs in global auditing firms. In doing so, these firms are empowered with incremental knowledge of the prevailing challenges and can thus make tangible improvements towards genuine transformation. Additionally, the results help in tracking the advancements made through affirmative action, acting as a feedback loop for future developments in transformation policy.
This study investigates the progress of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act 2003, and its associated Chartered Accountancy Profession Sector Code.
Originality:
Contributing to critical accounting literature, our study extends scholarship on the limitations of Black Chartered Accountants (CAs) within global audit firms. We offer practical policy-focused recommendations that, if implemented, can address the complex socio-political realities obstructing the success of affirmative action. By sharing first-hand accounts, our study aims to empower auditing firms with actionable insights, enabling them to improve authentic inclusivity and foster equitable representation in the accounting profession.
Research Design:
Using semi-structured interviews, we explore the lived experiences of Black aspirant CAs undertaking articles in global audit firms. The experiences are thematically analysed, embracing a comprehensive theoretical approach that encompasses professional and social closure, as well as boundary work, to adequately understand why affirmative transformational endeavours persistently face uphill tasks. The utilisation of multifaceted theorisation is deemed essential for a more nuanced portrayal of the intricacies inherent in the CA profession in South Africa.
Findings:
The narratives presented by Black aspiring CAs unveil a complex web of exclusionary practices entrenched in institutionalised historical, professional, and social contexts. The multifaceted nature of closures, symbolised by racial, cultural, and linguistic factors, significantly impacts the experiences of Black trainees. The findings furthermore show that deliberate intervention beyond compliance with the Government’s framework is necessary for meaningful transformation.
Practical Implications:
The paper brings to the fore the current lived experiences of underrepresented Black CAs in global auditing firms. In doing so, these firms are empowered with incremental knowledge of the prevailing challenges and can thus make tangible improvements towards genuine transformation. Additionally, the results help in tracking the advancements made through affirmative action, acting as a feedback loop for future developments in transformation policy.
Biography
Olayinka (Yinka) Moses is the Academic Programme Leader for the Master of Business (Professional) at the Wellington School of Business and Government, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He also serves as a Professor Extraordinarius in the College of Accounting Sciences at the University of South Africa. Yinka plays a prominent role in advancing accounting research in developing countries through his involvement with various associations and initiatives. As the Vice President of the African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA), he significantly contributes to driving research and innovation in Africa and other developing countries.
Yinka's research intersects management accounting and financial reporting, with a focus on accountability and sustainability practices. He actively engages in contemporary debates aimed at advancing accounting research, and his work has been featured in several reputable accounting journals. Yinka is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. He chairs the New Zealand division of the CPA Australia ESG Committee, where he plays a pivotal role in helping members enhance their sustainability skills within the accounting profession.
Chair
Muhammad Kaleem Zahir-ul-Hassan
Associate Professor
Zayed University
