The theme for Women’s Month 2024 is, “Reflecting on 30 years of democracy in South Africa”. We interviewed fellow Chartered Accountant (CA)SA and CFA Charterholder, Zinhle Simamane about progress in the field of accounting for women, the challenges she has faced as a female in the accounting profession, and her advice to young women aspiring to enter the field.
Zinhle Simamane, CFO of International Business at Traxtion. Picture supplied.
Reflecting on 30 years of democracy in South Africa, what progress have you seen in business, or more specifically, in the field of accounting for women, and what further changes would you like to see?
There are many more women accountants visible across various industries than ever before. When I chose to start my career in accounting, the majority of the people within audit firms and subsequently once I completed my articles were men.
There is still a long way to go when statistics are not in our favour. Per PwC’s Executive Directors Report 2022 across all companies on the JSE, only 8% of CEOs and 22% of CFOs are female, while most executives (85%) are male.
I would like to see this number grow as companies and businesses come to understand that diversity in leadership is necessary for the success of organizations. For the girl child to understand what opportunities are available to her throughout every industry, because accounting (and finance) are necessary in every business.
“…I am helping create the next generation of accountants by talking about my journey and what’s possible.”
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career where you felt your contributions significantly impacted your community or organisation?
Although I’ve always taken a keen interest in tutoring and mentoring people throughout my life, I’ve started to get involved in giving talks at accounting-related events and work functions (e.g. Thutuka students, fourth-year accounting students and “The future of rail is women” event held for high school girl students) and on a one-on-one basis.
My interactions within those various forums gives me a real sense of purpose and the idea that I am helping create the next generation of accountants by talking about my journey and what’s possible. The feedback from these have been wonderful and I believe I could provide meaningful impact for the future of the profession and women participation.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the accounting profession, and how have you overcome this?
As a woman in the accounting profession also working in the rail industry, I find myself surrounded by mostly male counterparts. There is very little women representation in my sector (for now).
I used to find this quite intimidating, especially because I came from a non-transport background. This coupled with being one of the youngest in the rooms I was entering, there was definitely a challenge in getting these older, wiser, more experienced rail men to pay attention and listen to me.
Fortunately, I am not one to shy away from a challenge and found that being consistent in high quality work delivery, remaining present while willing to grow and learn within the environments and speaking up worked tremendously well to overcome any doubts from others (and myself).
“…there was definitely a challenge in getting these older, wiser, more experienced rail men to pay attention and listen to me.”
Who has been your greatest inspiration or mentor in your career, and how have they influenced your professional journey?
My mother, Nomahlubi Simamane, who has managed to persevere through tough situations; juggling the different facets of womanhood with a career, raising four children (mostly on her own) and excelling in her own right.
My mom has continuously smashed glass ceilings and shown me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I’ve even had some of my friends wanting to be mentored by her!
“My mom has continuously smashed glass ceilings and shown me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.”
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the field of accounting and finance in today’s professional landscape?
Starting out can be daunting because you don’t know where you’ll end up. I’d say that it’s important to take pleasure in the journey and to not forget the importance of human connections and building meaningful relationships. But also, to focus on the work and delivering (because you are there to do a job).
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