Caryn Maitland: Blending passion and expertise in the accounting profession

In a profession often defined by numbers and regulations, Caryn Maitland stands out as a beacon of mentorship, clarity, and community engagement in the world of accounting.

Maitland is a Chartered Accountant by profession and the founder of Maitland & Associates Inc.

She has dedicated over two decades to enhancing the accounting landscape in South Africa through technical training, consulting, and ethical facilitation efforts.

With an unwavering commitment to making complex concepts accessible, Maitland has donned multiple hats throughout her career.

"Whether I'm unpacking a tricky International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) disclosure, mentoring others through their CA journey, or helping a board navigate legislative changes, my aim is always the same: to make the complex clearer and to walk the journey with integrity and care," she said in summarising her mission.

Maitland's passion for financial reporting and ethics began at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she now lectures on Advanced Financial Accounting.

Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, as she strongly believes in investing in the next generation of Chartered Accountants.

"After years in academia and training, I founded Maitland & Associates Inc. as a platform to provide hands-on technical support to professionals and firms," she said.

Her firm is a testament to her commitment, offering a wide range of services including developing and presenting webinars, workshops, and in-house training for accountants and auditors.

It also provides crucial technical opinions, assisting legal practitioners and advocates, in addition to guiding firms in the implementation of ISQM 1 (International Standard on Quality Management) and conducting quality management file reviews.

Even when she resigned from her formal role at the Regent Business School in 2024, Maitland remained a steadfast supporter of students, particularly those juggling studies, work, and life challenges. She emphasises that being a CA goes beyond simply crunching numbers—it's about building a community.

Throughout her illustrious career, Maitland has held various leadership roles within the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), including serving as vice chairperson of the SAICA Easter Region Council and the Chairperson of the Midlands District Association.

She has also contributed as a member of the National SMP Interest Group and the Legal and Compliance Committee, illustrating her commitment to shaping policy and education in the profession.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Maitland cherishes her downtime, often immersing herself in books or enjoying leisurely walks in the forest with her dogs.

She's proudly South African with a preference for mountains over the sea, she treasures community, connection, and meaningful conversations.

In reflecting on her guiding principles, Maitland said that her work and life are shaped by a few core beliefs.

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