Alta Prinsloo has recently been named Executive Director, Strategy, and Chief Operating Officer for IFAC. Previously, she served as Director and later Executive Director, Governance and Operations, since January 2009. In her role, she is responsible for strategic planning and risk management; and the day-to-day operations of the organization, including human resources and information technology. She oversees the operating line: Supporting Professional Accountants Worldwide, which includes the Professional Accountants in Business, Small and Medium Practices, and New Initiatives activities, as well as the Global Knowledge Gateway. She also oversees the operating line: Developing the Accountancy Profession, which includes adoption and implementation, translations, and professional accountancy organization development activities.
Ms. Prinsloo previously served as Deputy Director of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), where she provided technical direction on the development of IAASB pronouncements and oversaw their publications. She joined IFAC in 2002.
From 1997 through 2002, Ms. Prinsloo worked at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), becoming its Technical Director in 2000. At SAICA, she was responsible for the development of auditing standards, accounting and auditing guidance for entities operating in regulated industries, and corporate governance-related matters. In 1996, Ms. Prinsloo worked at Amalgamated Banks of South Africa, where she was responsible for professional development of the internal audit function. Previously, she worked in the national technical and training office of PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Originally from South Africa, where she is qualified as a Chartered Accountant, Ms. Prinsloo holds a Master’s Degree in financial management. Ms. Prinsloo lives in New York with her husband and two children.