Profile: Fatima Ely, Intermediate 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 Fatima Ely, an Intermediate Accountant at BDO South Africa Inc., recognized for her dedication and balanced approach to personal and professional growth.
Fatima, a night owl, starts her mornings with prayer and reflection. Outside of work, she enjoys quality time with loved ones, embodying a sense of balance and resilience in her career.
Fatima Ely
Intermediate Accountant - BDO South Africa Inc.
Past Experiences:
Junior Accountant at Quotient Financial Solutions (Pty) Ltd: May 2023 - Feb 2024 (10 months)
Trainee Fund Accountant at Apex Group Ltd: Oct 2022 - Apr 2023 (7 months)
SAIPA Trainee Accountant at H Tarleys and Company: Jun 2019 - Sep 2022 (3 years, 4 months)
Sales Associate at TFG (The Foschini Group): Aug 2017 - May 2019 (1 year, 10 months)
Seasonal Sales Associate at TFG (The Foschini Group): Nov 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year, 2 months)
Work Study Tutor at University of the Western Cape: Feb 2018 - May 2018 (4 months)
Seasonal Sales Associate at TFG (The Foschini Group): Dec 2015 (1 month)
Qualifications:
BCom General, majoring in Financial Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Fatima on LinkedIn
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
9:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I always say a prayer as soon as I wake up, unwind, and fully wake up before starting the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I had a lot of career options when I started college, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. During my first accounting lesson, I realized this was the path for me. The class brought life to a topic most people find dull, making it fascinating.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Completing my SAIPA articles in 2021 was my first major career milestone, bringing me closer to becoming a professional accountant (SA).
Leaving accounting to work for an investment company was a defining moment—it helped me realize my true passion was in accounting.
Passing my professional evaluation was another significant event; it brought a sense of relief and accomplishment.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as an Intermediate Accountant, handling monthly accounting for clients to ensure records are accurate and compliant with SARS and government regulations. I also prepare clients' annual financial statements in line with IFRS and ISRS 4410 standards.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I base my client interactions on the REACT values:
R - Always do the RIGHT thing
E - Be EXCEPTIONAL
A - ADD value
C - COLLABORATE to win
T - Stronger TOGETHER
I keep up with tax law and standards changes to help clients make informed financial decisions.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Adjusting to BDO South Africa Incorporated was challenging, especially with clients from various countries and larger revenues than I was used to. I overcame this by trusting my skills and seeking help from superiors when needed.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Though simple, I use a daily to-do list in my notebook, prioritizing tasks from most to least critical. It’s old-school, but checking off tasks gives me a sense of accomplishment.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I do my best to switch off work when I’m home, focusing on family time. It’s challenging as an accountant, but I’m continually working on it.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, going to the beach, and watching the waves. Sitting by the sea with coffee brings me a sense of tranquility.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
In my current role, I don’t formally mentor others. However, as a senior article clerk, I helped junior team members understand tasks, which was rewarding.
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?
Ensure that this is the career path you genuinely want. Accounting is always evolving, so staying current on standards and tax laws is crucial. I recommend doing your CPD with a professional body.
What’s your favorite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Work hard, stay disciplined, and be patient. Your time will come."
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
"This is just a stepping stone on your way to your goals." It reminds me to view challenges as temporary stops on the path to success.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
I love knitting. After a long day, it’s a wonderfully soothing and relaxing activity.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
The ability to replicate myself—especially useful during the busy season!
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I take short breaks to walk around, either to the kitchen or just around the building, to refresh my mind and return with a clear perspective.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
The day I learned I passed my board exam. It was an emotional day, as the journey to becoming a professional accountant was a challenging one.
Fatima’s story reflects resilience, dedication, and a balanced outlook on life and career. Connect with Fatima on LinkedIn to follow her journey and achievements.
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.