Where Accountants Get Pulled In: The Accountant’s Role in Business Rescue

Accountants play a critical role in business rescue, often without realising their exposure. This session explains where responsibility sits and how risk arises.

3 CPD units September 29, 2026 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

Where accountants fit into business rescue
What is expected from financial professionals
How professional exposure arises
Where advice becomes risky
How independence is affected
When to step back

Event breakdown

Role of accountants in rescue
Advisory versus preparation work
Independence and objectivity
Professional responsibility
Risk areas for accountants
Managing pressure situations
When to disengage
Protecting professional standing

Category: Business RescueType: CPD CourseCPD category: Business Rescue

Description

Accountants are often drawn into business rescue under pressure, tight deadlines, and emotional decision-making. This session explains where the accountant’s role begins and ends during business rescue. It focuses on professional judgement, responsibility, and exposure. Poor advice, unclear boundaries, and rushed involvement can create long-term risk. This session helps clarify expectations, protect independence, and support sound decision-making. Understanding this role strengthens confidence and reduces professional exposure in high-stress rescue environments.

Presenters

Div De Villiers — 20 years of experience as small business owner in Southern Africa. 35 years of experience in the development finance environment and 14 years' experience in the climate smart SME financing and development environment. Director of the management consultancy Dimension Capital Consulting (Pty) Ltd, which offers feasibility assessment, mentorship and business rehabilitation solutions to owner-managed SMEs. Certified Business Advisor and member of the Institute of Business Advisors of Southern Africa (IBASA); and associate member of the South Africa Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). As a Certified Business Rescue Practitioner with CIPC, conducting business rescue interventions for owner-managed private sector clients. Most recent business rescues include: Mpumalanga Sinks; Mtebeni Farms; Zakheni Projects; Critical Chain Technologies; Full Circle Farming; Sorted Design Studio; Mesca Agri Engineers. Holds a Master's Degree in Commerce from the University of South Africa (UNISA).

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 3 CPD units in Business Rescue.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser