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 Basetsana Molatedi, an accountant known for her commitment to excellence and passion for helping her team thrive.

Basetsana, a self-described night owl, begins her weekends around 8:30 am, enjoying a relaxed start. Outside of work, she loves travelling and spending time with family, balancing her career with personal fulfilment.

Basetsana Molatedi
Accountant at Netcare N17 (2023 – Present)

Past Experience:

Accountant at Clinix Health Group (Pty) Ltd: Jul 2019 - Nov 2023 (4 years, 5 months)
Finance Intern at Clinix Health Group (Pty) Ltd: Apr 2018 - Present (6 years, 7 months)
Senior Tutor at University of Johannesburg (Soweto Campus): Feb 2016 - Nov 2016 (10 months)

Qualifications:

Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Management

Country of Residence:

South Africa

LinkedIn Profile:
Click here to view the LinkedIn Profile

What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
8:30 AM.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl.

How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I check messages on my phone.

What sparked your interest in accounting?
I love problem-solving, systematic analysis, and being able to look at numbers and tell a story. I always found accountants to be the smartest people around, and I wanted to be seen as someone smart, which motivated me to pursue this career path.

What’s a significant career milestone for you?
A key milestone was when I began my career as a Finance intern. Initially, I applied for an intern role at a hospital, but after my interview at the hospital group's head office, I was appointed and placed at the head office instead. My manager explained that my skill level suited a head office position more than a hospital role. After a year, I was promoted to head office accountant, chosen over other finance interns. This achievement made me proud, as my hard work and dedication paid off, advancing my career swiftly.

Tell us about your current role and how you contribute.
I'm currently the head of my department, the Accounting Manager. I’m responsible for financial reporting, ensuring transactions are processed accurately and promptly, and supporting my Finance Manager. I also lead the finance team.

How do you ensure the business’s financial performance aligns with its strategy?
I make sure business performance aligns with the budget, and when it doesn’t, I analyse the discrepancies for the month and provide feedback and recommendations to senior management. This enables them to make decisions that support the company's financial strategy.

What’s been a challenging experience, and how did you handle it?
My biggest challenge was stepping into a senior role where my subordinates were older than me and had been with the department for over a decade. The position of Accountant Manager had been vacant for three years, with the assistant accountant acting in the role. I initially faced resistance, as they believed there was little, I could add. I addressed this by collaborating with them as equals rather than imposing authority, learning from the team’s history and seeking advice from fellow accountants when needed. Eventually, the assistant accountant resigned, leaving me with the finance and admin clerk. We now work well together, respecting each other’s contributions.

How do you manage stress and stay balanced?
I take breaks to breathe, go for brief walks to clear my mind, and return with a refreshed focus. Staying hydrated and snacking also helps.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love travelling, visiting new places, catching up with friends despite our busy schedules, and singing in the church choir.

Do you mentor others in your team?
I encourage team members to advance their studies, involve them in critical tasks, and assign reports like the VAT and tax reports to develop their skills.

What’s your favourite quote?
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most.

If you could have any superpower at work, what would it be?
The ability to create Excel spreadsheets that integrate data from various sources, making data interpretation easier.

What’s something surprising about you?
I have a knack for solving problems at the last minute—like balancing a reconciliation just before leaving work, and it’s accurate (no forced balancing involved).

How do you reward yourself for your hard work?
I treat myself to takeaways, ice cream, or something special when I meet my deadlines.

Describe a proud moment in your career.
I was incredibly proud the day I presented my business review to the executive team. Despite being the youngest in the room, they were fully engaged, listening to my presentation, reviewing my slides, and asking critical questions, which I answered confidently. It felt empowering to stand in front of senior leaders and represent my work.

Basetsana Molatedi’s journey exemplifies resilience, strategic leadership, and a passion for growth in finance. You can connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her inspiring career.

Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants