Alet Terblanche, Senior Lecturer
Senior Lecturer
Current Experience:
Senior Lecturer at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria · Full-time Aug 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 5 mos)
Past Experiences:
Senior Lecturer at University of South Africa Aug 2008 - Aug 2023 · (15 yrs 1 mo)
Senior Financial Accountant at Coris Capital (Pty) Ltd Jun 2007 - Jul 2008 · (1 yr 2 mos)
Accountant at PwC Jan 2004 - May 2007 · (3 yrs 5 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Accounting
Honour’s Degree Accounting
Master’s Degree Accounting Science
Doctor of Philosophy Accounting Science
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Dr. Alet Terblanche, a powerhouse in both the classroom and the profession.
She’s not just a PhD and a CA(SA); she’s a builder of futures. As a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria, Alet’s not crunching numbers, she’s challenging minds. From 5AM wake-ups to raising a family, researching, mentoring, and teaching third-year auditing students, she’s proof that it’s possible to lead with both intellect and heart. Her mission? Equip the next generation of accountants to do more than tick boxes, to think critically and lead change.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
05:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I spend the first hour of my morning getting myself ready for work and preparing my kids for school.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting and finance comes from a strong love for numbers and accounting. I chose education because I believe it’s where I can make a real difference in shaping the future of students.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Obtaining my CA(SA) qualification and completing my PhD were major milestones and defining moments in my career. Hard work, dedication, and passion kept me motivated throughout the journey to achieving both.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I am currently a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria, where I teach Auditing to third-year students as they work towards qualifying as CA(SA)s.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced by planning my day, week, and month in as much detail as possible. Strong time management is essential, as I balance teaching, supervising students, and conducting my own research, all of which require careful coordination.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy jogging, mountain biking, and going to the gym. I also value spending quality time with my family and friends, which helps me recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I mentor and supervise several master’s students. I support them by helping develop strong time management skills and encouraging critical thinking, both of which are essential at that level.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I’d advise aspiring finance professionals to focus on developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills so they can evaluate information and provide meaningful advice to management. In today’s technology-driven environment, the role goes beyond number crunching. It’s about understanding the business, identifying risks, and adding real value.
“Great things never come from comfort zones”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
A valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is the importance of being adaptable. Embracing change helps you avoid getting stuck in outdated ways of working that no longer serve you.
For Alet, accounting was never just about balance sheets, it was about balance in life, and impact in education. From her PhD to the lecture hall, she shows what it means to lead by example.
Want to use your skills to shape the future too?
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to grow your influence, boost your impact, and keep learning without limits.
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