Naeela Moosajee Discusses Milpark’s Innovative BCom in Accounting Programme

Naeela Moosajee Discusses Milpark’s Innovative BCom in Accounting Programme

The role of a Chartered Accountant (CA) is evolving. Today’s CAs are not just number crunchers - they are business leaders and strategic decision-makers. To meet the demands of this dynamic profession, Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) has developed a fully online, SAICA-accredited Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting.

This future-focused accounting degree course has been designed from scratch to align with the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA)’s CA of the Future competency framework. It blends technical expertise with critical thinking, ethical leadership and real-world business application.

We spoke to Naeela Moosajee, Acting Head of Department (HOD), about how Milpark’s BCom in Accounting is developing a new generation of CAs, while giving students the flexibility and support to thrive.

Explore: Milpark BCom in Accounting

Meet Naeela Moosajee: From Deloitte to Academia

Naeela is a qualified CA(SA), registered SAICA Assessor, and a former audit manager at Deloitte. During her time there, she discovered a passion for teaching.

“Several article clerks asked me to mentor them, even though we weren’t working directly together. I loved coaching and found it fulfilling to help young professionals grow and add value to their CA journey.”

She joined Milpark in 2023, as a lecturer on the newly launched BCom in Accounting. Now Acting HOD, Naeela is pursuing an MBA in her ‘spare’ time. “As a working professional and parent, I relate to our students – juggling a career, studies and family, while working towards a better future.”

We asked Naeela why Milpark’s BCom in Accounting is a game-changer; here’s what she said.

Breaking Barriers: Making Accounting Accessible

Milpark’s fully online degree removes barriers that prevent students from pursuing an accounting career - whether due to location, work commitments or personal circumstances. Milpark allows students to study anywhere, anytime, making accounting more accessible than ever. 

“A student might be working full-time, living in a rural area with no access to a university or handling social and family responsibilities. There may be religious or cultural factors that make in-person learning difficult. Distance learning online removes barriers, allowing people to study without putting the rest of their lives on hold.” 

Furthermore, Milpark’s approach fosters a more diverse learning environment, where students can learn much from one another. “At traditional universities, you’re mainly surrounded by people of similar age. At Milpark, we have students fresh out of school and people working for years. The mix of perspectives is incredibly valuable and prepares you well for the real world.” 

Developing Future-Ready Chartered Accountants with Real-World Skills

The BCom in Accounting isn’t just an online version of an existing degree. It was built from scratch, to fully align with SAICA’s CA of the Future competency framework.

In addition to the technical accounting expertise required, students develop:

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Leadership and ethical decision-making
  • Digital fluency and business acumen

“This degree has been designed for real-world application,” says Naeela. “It’s about far more than being perfect on paper or excelling in exams. We are developing well-rounded accounting professionals who can think critically, lead with integrity and positively impact business and society.”

Read More: Milpark’s BCom in Accounting: A Future-Focused Path to Becoming a CA(SA)

Learning Through Real-World Business Scenarios

A standout feature of the programme is E-Bike SA, a practical business scenario that develops with students over the three-year online degree course.

“The way the course is built is brilliant,” says Naeela. “When I studied accounting, understanding the bigger picture could take a while. With E-Bike, students practically apply concepts from day one. They start as entrepreneurs, and their knowledge grows, as does the business. It makes students more curious and engaged.”

The 6 Cs: Graduate Attributes for Success

Milpark’s SAICA-accredited BCom in Accounting goes beyond technical accounting competency, cultivating six essential graduate attributes. Naeela explains the six Cs:

  • Confident – able to present and defend ideas.
  • Critical – evaluating problems from multiple perspectives.
  • Creative – finding innovative solutions.
  • Conscious – making ethical business decisions.
  • Collaborative – working effectively with teams.
  • Curious – continuously seeking knowledge.

“Our students are not just book smart. We teach them to think, question and problem-solve. With AI and automation changing industry, human-centred skills - like judgment, ethical leadership and creativity – are what sets them apart.”

More Than an Accounting Degree: A Supportive Learning Environment

Studying accounting is demanding. One of the biggest advantages at Milpark’s SOPA (incorporating CA Connect) is the structured support system that helps students stay on track academically and emotionally. Support for accounting students includes:

  • Structured study schedules with weekly tasks and assignments
  • Live weekly sessions
  • One-on-one consultations with lecturers
  • The Viva Engage peer-learning platform for discussion and support
  • A dedicated Student Success and Wellness team offering time management and stress management coaching

“It’s not just online learning,” Naeela emphasises. “There’s support every step of the way. You have live sessions and one-on-one consultations from the moment you sign up. There is even a dedicated team of psychologists to help with stress, time management and mental health.”

Read More: Success Beyond Numbers - Holistic Support for Accounting Students.

The Best Investment is Yourself

Naeela understands the challenges of modern life firsthand - excelling in a career while remaining well-rounded: “Flexible online learning enables students to pursue their passions while still successfully progressing in their career. We even have a student, Jacques Marais, who is a professional cyclist in Lyon, France.”

Her advice – don’t give up. “Yes, it can be difficult. It is challenging. But when you succeed, no one can take it away from you. When you prioritise your future – even when it means temporarily sacrificing social and societal demands - you create freedom, you leave a legacy.

Remember the hopes and dreams you had on day one. Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.”

Ready to Begin Your Career in Accounting?

Milpark’s BCom in Accounting and its Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA) provide the first fully online, SAICA-accredited pathway to becoming a CA(SA) in South Africa. If you’re ready to future-proof your career in accounting, apply today:
Milpark BCom in Accounting Or explore Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect).

Get to Know Naeela Moosajee Better

Naeela Moosajee is a qualified CA(SA), a registered SAICA Assessor, and the Acting Head of Department (HOD) for Milpark’s BCom in Accounting. A proud graduate of the University of Cape Town, she qualified as a CA(SA) in 2019 before beginning her career at Deloitte Cape Town, where she worked as an Audit Manager.

Passionate about mentorship and education, Naeela transitioned into academia in February 2023, joining Milpark’s School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect). Now a parent and MBA student, she understands firsthand the challenges of balancing career, studies and family life - a perspective that strengthens her connection with Milpark’s students. Connect with Naeela on LinkedIn.

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Naeela Mosajee Acting Head of Department | School of Professional Accounting