Soon Nel is a CA (SA) and holds several qualifications, including a PhD in Finance (Valuations) and a Master of Commerce degree in Economics. He spent several years in practice before joining Stellenbosch University where he lectures Corporate Finance.

He is a full professor and currently heads up the Management Accounting and Finance division. During his tenure as an academic he received various awards for teaching and research. Soon formerly headed up the Research division at the School of Accountancy, before being appointed Editor-in-Chief of the South African Journal of Accounting Research.