After spending many late nights and early mornings juggling studies, work and being a single mom, Gill Hendricks of Rondebosch East has beaten the odds to become a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA).
Ms Hendricks had dreams of becoming a CA, but knew it would be tough to achieve as a single parent.
“When I finished my BCom at UCT at the end of 2009, I just wanted a chance to prove myself and get a foot in the door.”
She started out as a third party recon clerk at the Shoprite Group in 2010 and, after qualifying as a CA in September 2016, Ms Hendricks now holds the prominent position of Business Planning and Consolidation Accountant at the group’s home office in Brackenfell.
“It was always in the back of my mind to do chartered accounting, but I knew it would be difficult. I was already working crazy hours and had a baby at home.
“I also still had to get my honours while working, which I did while studying part-time,” said Ms Hendricks.
“Family support and an inspiring mentor in my former manager Deon Thiart is what pushed me through.”
The challenge of completing her articles has been life-changing for Ms Hendricks and she hopes to inspire others to also follow their dreams because the journey has been thoroughly rewarding.
“When I started articles, a different world opened up. I got see every part of the Shoprite business. I love the company and the culture. The people here have become like family,” she said.
The Shoprite Group is a South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) accredited training office giving trainee accountants the opportunity to join the organisation after completing a BCom Honours degree combined with a Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA).
The retailer also offers bursaries to people applying to higher education institutions as well as to students currently completing tertiary qualifications in programmes such as chartered accounting, logistics, IT, pharmacy and retail business management.
