'Trust the process,' says IAC top candidate Sasha Tjihero

Sasha Tjihero was the top candidate in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia (ICAN) January 2026 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) examination, a result that brought disbelief, gratitude and reflection.

The achievement represented four years of commitment, sacrifices and perseverance in pursuit of becoming a chartered accountant.

Born and raised in Windhoek, Tjihero attended Windhoek Gymnasium Private School before moving to South Africa to study at the University of Pretoria. She completed a bachelor of accounting science over three years, followed by a postgraduate diploma in accounting.

Her interest in the chartered accountant profession developed during Grade 12, when career talks, workshops and exposure to the industry introduced her to its versatility and opportunities.

“I liked the fact that the profession offers a strong foundation in business, finance and technical accounting while opening doors to different career paths,” she said.

Tjihero’s IAC preparation began in her first year at university.

Rather than studying solely to pass examinations, she focused on understanding, retaining and applying concepts. By the time she completed her postgraduate diploma in October, her preparation was largely revised, allowing her to concentrate on weaker areas.

Holistic approach

One of her biggest challenges was managing the anxiety surrounding the assessment, which is widely regarded as severely demanding. She also had to balance preparation with spending time with family and friends during the holidays.

“I learned that the way you approach a challenge can significantly influence how you perform,” she said.

“Knowledge and preparation are essential, but so are your mindset, discipline and ability to manage your thoughts and emotions under pressure."

Her family and friends played an important role in supporting her through moments of doubt and disappointment. Achieving a top-five position reminded her of what consistent commitment could accomplish.

Looking ahead, Tjihero remains open to the different opportunities within accounting and finance. Beyond professional growth, she hopes to make a meaningful and positive contribution to her community.

Her advice to aspiring chartered accountants is to embrace challenges as learning opportunities, remain disciplined and trust the process.

“Keep climbing, trust the process and remember that every step forward brings you closer to where you want to be.”