Doris Dondur

Paying it forward – a story of lifting as you rise

Persevering, compassionate, lively and exuberant are just some of the words one might use to describe South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) board member, Doris Dondur. Known among her peers for her colourful, vibrant attire and quirky hair colour choices, Dondur is by no means your archetypal idea of an Accountant.

Dondur has collected a number of accolades and titles in her career within the Accountancy profession and has served as an Independent Non-executive Director and Audit Committee member on several boards of prominent organisations. These include The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and The Professional Provident Society (PPS) – of which she is still a member.

Despite her many senior roles and noteworthy professional achievements, Dondur as far as identity, says she is not particularly attached to these and wants rather, to be associated with a legacy of making a meaningful and sustainable impact.

Being the daughter of a working-class family and having grown up on “the wrong side of the railway” as she puts it, Dondur overcame many financial hurdles, societal and gender stereotypes to reach success. She worked and studied part time to pay for her studies and graduated with a Bachelor of Accounting Degree from Stellenbosch University in 1988, allowing her to pursue the career she had always dreamed of, and one that many of her teachers, had told her she would not be good enough to achieve. In fact, proving them wrong became her motivation to succeed.

“My advice to other Accountancy professionals climbing the ladder, aside from giving your 110% in everything you do, is to develop a thick skin, and remember that not everyone has your best interests at heart or wishes you well in your career,” she says. “Unfortunately, we aren’t taught the soft skills that we need to navigate the pressures of this profession, and this needs to change.”

As an avid outdoorswoman with a love for exploring the Western Cape’s vast and picturesque mountain ranges. When it comes to success, Dondur likens her thinking to a hiking metaphor, where one moves branches aside on their way to the top of the mountain, “I believe in continuing to hold branches out of the way for others behind you on your way to the top.” This is the same approach she adopts in her capacity as a mentor to young up and comers and in her approach to female empowerment in the profession.

“As women, I don’t believe that we support each other as much as we should. In an industry that was once considerably male-dominated and where gender bias is subtle but still exists, it’s vital that women have each other’s backs and continue to lift each other up.”

Dondur also envisions a more diverse and inclusive future for the accountancy profession. “Diversity is vital because we all think differently. Additionally, many of our SAIPA members are young millennials, and having a diverse board to represent them ensures their needs are better met.”

Asked what she hopes the legacy she leaves behind will be, Dondur says, “I don’t want to be known for my executive titles or board positions. I want to be known for who I lifted up, and for what I’ve given back to the profession.”