Christa Viljoen

Christa is currently a research assistant at the UniSA Business School, having completed her PhD in late 2024. Her background in lecturing and involvement in higher education spans over 15 years, including experience in both Australia and South Africa.

Christa holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the Free State in South Africa and Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accounting from the University of Natal in South Africa.  She is a qualified Chartered Accountant and member of CAANZ (Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand).   Christa completed her Senior Fellowship with Advance HE in 2022. This certification is awarded in recognition of attainment against the Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support. She also completed a Diploma in Financial Planning. 

Christa started her professional career working in London for two years in the field of accounting.  She completed her internship with Mazars in South Africa before spending five years as Financial Manager for a group of companies in the retail industry.  She started her lecturing career at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa in 2010 as a lecturer in Finance. Christa has been involved with UniSA since February 2016 in various capacities, including that of lecturer, tutor, marker, and workshop faciliator.  At UniSA she has been involved in a range of courses: Financial Accounting 1, Property Investment, Accounting for Business, Management Accounting, Sustainability Accounting and Reporting, and Strategic Finance and Economics for Defence. 

Christa has co-authored several papers with researchers from accross Australia, South Africa, and Ireland.  Her PhD thesis focused on the Financial Planning of older Australian women, with specific reference to living and housing arrangements, including homeowners, retirement village residents, and renters.  Her research interests are focused on Finance, housing, and women.  

Christa is passionate about teaching and is dedicated to helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers.

Christa has been selected to be a member of the ATN HDR Advisory Committee in 2025.  She has also been chosen as a Catherine House Community Ambassador for 2025. 

CAANZ 

Senior Fellow, Advance HE

ATN HDR Advisory Committee

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Accounting) University of Natal

• Bachelor of Commerce The University of the Orange Free State

• Certificate of Membership South African Institute of Chartered Accountants

Work history

Research Assistant, UniSA Business - November 2024 ongoing

PhD Candidate - 2017 to 2024

Involved in private higher education as lecturer and manager - February 2019 - October 2024

UniSA and UniSA online - Sessional staff member - March 2017 to November 2023; October 2024

Lecturer, School of Commerce, UniSA Business School - February 2016 to March 2017

Lecturer, School of Accountancy, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa  2010-2015

Financial Manager, Boardware Propriety Ltd, South Africa - 2005-2009