Profile: Molai Mabilu, Junior Accountant
In our mission to build a strong accounting community in South Africa, Accounting Weekly highlights the journeys of accountants who make an impact in their field. This edition features Molai Mabilu, a Junior Accountant recognised for his enthusiasm and dedication in shaping his early career.
Molai starts his day with a workout, a routine that energises him for the day ahead. Outside of work, he’s keen on forex trading—a challenging hobby that keeps him mentally sharp. Molai’s journey exemplifies the importance of resilience and adaptability in finance.
Molai Mabilu
Junior Accountant at Prime South Africa (2022 – Present)
Past Experience:
• Corporate Finance Intern at Beckman Coulter Diagnostics: Oct 2021 - Aug 2022 (11 months)
• Market Analyst at Bestway Capital Management Limited: Oct 2020 - Jun 2021 (9 months)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
10:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I head to the gym and exercise.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I have a deep passion for numbers and integrating strategic solutions to solve business challenges. Finance provides a pathway to explore this.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I contributed to a cost-saving project that saved over 1 million rand for an insurance company.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
Reporting and month-end processes: generating accounts payable reports, preparing monthly reconciliations, supporting audit processes, and managing bank balances with daily reconciliations.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I maintain financial records and implement strategic controls to generate value.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
I developed a Power BI system to reduce vendor costs, a challenge I overcame through learning and application.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Control checks, like Excel formulas on payment templates.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I eat healthily and go to the gym.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Trading forex.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I collaborate with team members, especially when duties increase, to ensure mutual support.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department within a company? What skills or knowledge should they focus on?
Focus on your goals and understand that learning never stops. Aim for certifications like CIMA, CA(SA), or CFA.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
Keep going!!
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Never settle and always work the hardest.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
I like swimming.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Predicting financial trends.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Do the most critical things in the morning and the least demanding tasks at the end of the day.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
The day I first started a finance job as it reminds me of where I began.
As Molai Mabilu progresses in his career, his drive and curiosity pave the way for continuous growth and learning. You can connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his journey.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
Not yet a professional designated accountant? CIBA is the professional body for all accountants. We offer designations for each stage of your finance career: BookkeeperFinancial AdministratorFinancial AccountantFinancial ManagerChief Financial OfficerAccountant-In-Practice.
