Apr 30, 2021 The Department of Home Affairs recently ended public commentary on the draft national Critical Skills List, which includes several common accountancy roles. “Due to a shortage of accountants, organisations are forced to source and recruit foreign nationals to fill the gap,” says Faith Ngwenya, technical and standards executive at the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). Professional bodies play a key role in ensuring only foreign accountants who demonstrate professional competence and ethical integrity are permitted to practice locally under a Critical Skills Work Visa. Accountancy roles included in the draft Critical Skills List are general accountant, management accountant, tax professional, accountant in practice, financial accountant, forensic accountant, accounting officer, external auditor, and internal auditor.