Caryn Maitland
Get to Know Caryn Maitland CA(SA) RA
Image credit: Ashleigh Wegner Studios.
Caryn Maitland, a Chartered Accountant (SA), Registered Auditor, and the founder of Maitland & Associates Inc. I'm also proudly a teacher, mentor, technical ally, and occasional "phone-a-friend" to countless accountants, students, and professionals across South Africa.
For over two decades, I've dedicated myself to supporting the accounting profession in all its forms—through technical training, consulting, ethics facilitation, and collaborative thought leadership. Whether I'm unpacking a tricky IFRS disclosure, mentoring a young working mom on her 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.
My Professional Background
My passion for financial reporting, assurance, ethics, and legislation started in the lecture halls of UKZN, where I taught Advanced Financial Accounting—and today I still lecture CTA students because I believe deeply in investing in the next generation of CAs(SA).
After years in academia and training, I founded Maitland & Associates Inc. as a platform to provide hands-on technical support to professionals and firms. Today, my work spans:
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Developing and presenting webinars, workshops, and in-house training for accountants and auditors;
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Providing technical opinions (including for legal practitioners and advocates);
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Guiding firms in ISQM 1 implementation and conducting file reviews as part of their internal quality management;
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Assisting boards, CFOs, and finance teams in navigating compliance, governance, and transactions;
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Consulting on ethical dilemmas, sustainability assurance, and professional standards.
I resigned from my formal role at Regent Business School at the end of 2024, but I continue to support students wherever I can—especially those balancing studies with work and life.
Giving Back to the Profession
I've always believed that being a CA(SA) is about more than numbers—it's about community. I've proudly served the profession in various capacities:
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Vice Chair of the SAICA Eastern Region Council;
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Chair of the Midlands District Association;
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Vice Chair of the National SMP Interest Group;
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SAICA National Council member (representing SMPs);
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Member of the Legal and Compliance Committee;
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Contributor to the Companies Act Guide working group;
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Past Chair of the Legal Practices and Accountants Committee.
I also work closely with SAICA districts, present on national platforms (including webinars on legislation, ethics, and technical topics), and contribute to exam development, school career talks, and mentorship programmes.
Image credit: Ashleigh Wegner Studios.
Who I Am Outside the Office
When I'm not deep in the Code of Professional Conduct or decoding financial instruments, I'm most likely:
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Reading (voraciously),
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Walking in the forest with my dogs,
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Sipping single-origin coffee (yes, I'm a coffee snob),
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Supporting my son's jazz band gigs (which helped this 80s rock fan grow musically),
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Catching up with friends over a good laugh,
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Or enjoying a Harley ride through the hills with my husband.
I'm proudly South African, a mountains-over-sea kind of person, and passionate about community, connection, and meaningful conversations—whether they're about ethics, rugby, or Stoic philosophy.
What Guides Me
A few beliefs that shape how I work and live:
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
– Gandhi
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
– Maya Angelou
"People may forget what you said or did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel."
– Maya Angelou
These remind me daily to lead with empathy, curiosity, courage, and professionalism.
Let's Connect
Whether you're a professional needing technical guidance, a firm refining your quality control, or a trainee navigating your path to qualification—I'd love to support your journey.
