VALUE CREATION

OUR STRATEGY, PERFORMANCE AND IMPACT

Manufactured Capital

What Manufactured Capital Means to SAICA

SAICA’s manufactured capital encompasses the physical and technological resources that support its operations and strategic initiatives. This includes:

Rented office
premises:

Providing the physical space for SAICA’s employees to collaborate, innovate, and deliver services effectively

Infrastructure for education and training programmes:

Enabling the delivery of high-quality learning experiences that support member development across diverse platforms

IT infrastructure and office
equipment:

Critical for maintaining operational efficiency, supporting digital transformation, and enhancing member services

SAICA’s strategic goals aim to address challenges related to outdated systems and the need to streamline resource-intensive processes, ultimately enhancing the member experience and enabling data-driven strategic decision-making. To support this, SAICA is optimising its manufactured capital through:

Ongoing digital transformation

leveraging new technologies and practices to improve efficiency and service delivery

Efficient execution of IT projects

aligned with the SAICA strategy, ensuring that technological investments directly contribute to strategic objectives

Key initiatives include the Customer/Member Experience (MeX) Strategy and the Data Management Strategy, both of which are crucial for SAICA’s progress toward becoming an Insight- Driven Organisation (IDO). These initiatives remain top priorities for 2025.

In addition, SAICA is:

Harnessing technology for people-centric automation through the Human Capital Information System (HCIS), aimed at streamlining HR processes and enhancing the employee experience. This initiative ensures that SAICA’s talented workforce thrives in an environment that fosters efficiency and growth
Driving data-informed decisions empowered by AI, emphasising the integration of cutting-edge, AI-driven practices into decision-making processes. By leveraging data insights, SAICA will create adaptable, forward-thinking strategies that respond effectively to evolving member and stakeholder needs

The IT Project Management Office, reporting to the CIO, plays a pivotal role in tracking project progress and ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Regular updates are provided to the ExCo and DTGC to maintain transparency and accountability.

Digital transformation journey

SAICA is redefining member experience and operational efficiency through the Ushintsho and other digital transformation programmes, positioning itself as a digitally transformed organisation. By leveraging AI-driven insights and cloud-based technologies, we are streamlining operations, enhancing accessibility, and shaping the future of the profession. However, we acknowledge the material challenge of implementing our digitisation strategy, which has impacted member experience due to unforeseen circumstances. We remain committed to addressing these challenges, ensuring seamless adaptation and enhanced member engagement as we move forward.

Our focus on cloud-based solutions, improving accessibility, and streamlining processes emphasises our commitment to excellence as we drive the digital transformation of the profession. SAICA’s digital transformation journey, guided by its IT Strategy, is intended to make significant strides in Stage 3 of the Ushintsho programme. This phase − scheduled for completion in 2025 − focuses on delivering innovative, cloud-based, and member-centric solutions that elevate operational efficiency and enhance member experiences.

IT mission − Deliver innovative solutions that drive growth and elevate member value

IT vision − Relentlessly advancing member experience through AI-powered insights innovation

Ushintsho Programme

The Ushintsho programme has three focused stages with the following objectives:

Stage 1

Deliver Case Management, Profile Management, Online Membership Applications (AGA(SA) and CA(SA) including the Member Portal) and D365/iMIS Data Integration

Complete

Stage 2

Deliver Finance system, Membership, Continuous Professional Development, Exam functionality through the Member Portal, D365 Customer Engagement (D365 CE) and D365 Finance & Operations (F&O). Enhance data quality and system stability

Complete

Stage 3

Covers delivery work across D365 CE, the Web Platform, Finance and Operations, Infrastructure Environments (DevOps) and Project Management. Additionally, regular release cycles have been planned rather than a large monolithic release at the end of the stage

In progress (Due for completion 2025)

Value Delivered in 2024 - Ushintsho Programme Stage 3

Enhanced Member Functionality

Seminars and events

Members have the ability to view and download attendance reports directly from the portal with ease. In the case of fully booked events, they may join a waitlist if desired. Email notifications ensure that members remain informed about their bookings
Once an event is booked, the calendar is automatically updated, allowing members to easily access pre-event materials. Additionally, events can be added to the cart for future checkout, and the portal provides options for sorting, filtering, and multi-filtering based on criteria such as region, date, and more
Payments for event invoices are efficiently processed through the portal, with members receiving a payment receipt upon completion of the transaction. Furthermore, members have the option to book multiple sessions simultaneously, simplifying the process of event planning and participation

Membership

Members are able to submit their concession applications seamlessly through the portal
Companies may access the portal to manage their profiles and associated information
The system facilitates the automatic generation, viewing, and downloading of Letters of Good Standing and Confirmation for Tax Practitioners. Additionally, members can submit applications for the reinstatement of reciprocal status and renewals of tax practitioner registrations directly through the portal, thereby streamlining these administrative processes

Legal and Disciplinary Module

Members can easily lodge complaints through the website and member portal, with the ability to track progress directly from the portal. The process is designed to be quick, simple, and hassle-free

Exam Innovations

SAICA members enjoy a seamless digital experience through the portal, which allows them to effortlessly view and download admission letters and results, ensuring prompt access to essential documents. The portal also simplifies the process of requesting access to information and applying for special concessions, with the added convenience of easily downloading concession letters
Chief invigilators and markers are able to apply for appointments directly through the system and download their contracts and appointment letters, thereby streamlining administrative tasks and enhancing overall efficiency

Optimised Thuthuka Application

Students can easily apply for bursaries online and e-sign their applications for faster processing. The platform provides students with easy access to funds provided by donors, streamlining the entire process
Donors will also benefit from quick access to a list of eligible students, along with the necessary details, enabling a faster selection process. In addition, donors can accept proposals and e-sign contracts online, simplifying administrative tasks
The platform will also send timely reminders to universities about upcoming visits, ensuring smooth coordination throughout the process

RECALIBRATE REIMAGINE RENEW

Manufactured Capital (cont.)