Profile: Mzimasi Phehla, Financial Accountant
In our mission to build a strong accounting community in South Africa, Accounting Weekly highlights the journeys of finance professionals who make a significant impact in their fields. This edition features Mzimasi Phehla, a Financial Accountant at Aramex South Africa, with 4-5 years of experience in financial management and taxation.
Mzimasi, a night owl, begins his mornings with a focus on personal hygiene and organization, often accompanied by a strong cup of coffee. Outside of work, he enjoys taking long walks, painting, and engaging with podcasts and books for inspiration and relaxation.
Mzimasi Phehla
Financial Accountant - Aramex South Africa
Past Experience:
Financial Accountant at Aramex (Full-time): Jan 2024 – Present (11 months)
Senior Trainee Accountant at Moore South Africa (Internship): Jan 2021 – Dec 2023 (3 years)
Qualifications:
BCom Financial Accounting
BCom Honours in Tax Technical and Compliance
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Mzimasi 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?
One of the most important things to me is personal hygiene. My first hour of the morning typically includes making my bed, showering, brushing my teeth, and enjoying the soothing comfort of moisturizing my body. After that, I sit down and organize my day while enjoying a strong cup of coffee.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting and finance was sparked by a combination of personal experiences and academic exposure. I grew up under the care of my entrepreneurial grandmother, whose financial habits and management intrigued me. Watching her track expenses and savings inspired my early financial awareness.
In Grade 9, university accounting students visited my school to talk about accounting degrees and careers, which influenced my decision to pursue accounting as a major in high school and university. This foundation led to a deeper passion for the profession and its practical applications in the real world.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
The key milestones for me were earning my accounting degree and honours in taxation, completing my SAIPA training contract, and successfully registering as a Professional Accountant (SA). Securing my first permanent job as a financial accountant was another proud moment in my career journey.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
My role includes preparing financial statements, performing reconciliations, ensuring tax compliance, assisting with audits, and analysing financial data. I collaborate with various departments to provide insights that guide strategic decisions and manage sustainability reporting efforts.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I provide accurate financial reports and educate stakeholders on accounting concepts and finance operations. My work supports effective budgeting, risk management, and cost-saving initiatives, aligning with the company’s strategic goals.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Obtaining crucial information from operational departments was a challenge I encountered. I addressed this by establishing standard operating procedures and emphasizing the importance of timely communication with the finance team.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on tools like SAP ERP for financial reporting, Microsoft Teams for collaboration, and Excel for data analysis. Continuous learning through SAIPA’s professional development programs also keeps me updated on best practices.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
To maintain balance, I prioritize tasks using a daily planner, take regular breaks, and engage in physical activities like daily 6km walks. Reflection on what worked well during busy periods helps improve future planning.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy long walks, painting, listening to podcasts, reading books, and attending church services. These activities help me relax and recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
While I don’t currently mentor colleagues in my department, I do mentor students pursuing careers in accounting, helping them navigate their paths and achieve their goals.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department within a company?
Focus on analytical skills, technical proficiency with tools like Excel and SAP, attention to detail, communication skills, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills, combined with a strong commitment to continuous learning, will set you apart in the finance industry.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
‘Never leave for tomorrow what can be done today’ by Benjamin Franklin. It motivates me to overcome procrastination and stay productive.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Active listening is essential. It fosters trust and collaboration within teams, encouraging open communication and innovative solutions. Practicing this skill strengthens relationships and enhances team performance.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me is that I can play the keyboard.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
The ability to predict financial trends with absolute accuracy. This would provide valuable insights for decision-making and improve the company’s competitive edge.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I focus on effective time management, dividing my day into work sessions and scheduling regular breaks. Staying hydrated and maintaining a distraction-free workspace also help me stay on track.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I became a Professional Accountant. It marked the culmination of years of hard work and opened doors to new career opportunities. Celebrating this milestone with colleagues and mentors made it even more special.
Mzimasi’s story exemplifies dedication, continuous growth, and a passion for empowering others. Connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his journey and insights.
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.