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 Nokwazi Sithole, a senior accountant with 9-10 years of experience, known for her commitment to excellence in financial preparation and mentoring the next generation of accountants.

Nokwazi, an early riser, starts her mornings with meditation, prayer, and reading. Outside of work, she enjoys running and hiking on the weekends, as well as indulging in her love for comics.

Nokwazi Sithole
Senior Accountant

Current Experience:

• Accountant at W.K.H. Landgrebe & Co (Full-time): Jul 2013 - Present (11 years, 5 months)

Qualifications:

• National Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting

Country of Residence:

• South Africa

LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Nokwazi on LinkedIn

What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
4:00 AM

Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird

How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Meditation, prayer, and reading.

What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My neighbour was an accountant and always looked like she’s got her stuff together.

Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Getting my professional designation and now being able to handle assignments independently.

What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I'm a reviewer and accountant for various clients.

How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
My attention to detail in preparing financials helps ensure compliance and accuracy, especially with SARS.

What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
I haven’t faced major challenges, but understanding the basics of accounting has enabled me to adapt to various accounting software and industries.

What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I work efficiently and take time to understand each client, making audits smoother.

Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Exercising in the mornings before work keeps my energy levels up throughout the day.

What do you enjoy outside of work?
Running and hiking on weekends.

Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
I mentor a trainee, helping with financial preparation and audit procedures.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Focus on your studies and develop people skills, as you'll interact with diverse individuals.

What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
Be the change you want to see.

Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Treat trainees the way you would want to be treated. Teach them time management, communication, and acknowledge their good work to build their confidence.

What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I enjoy comics.

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Master multitasking without compromising quality.

What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I start with a green smoothie for breakfast, packed with spinach, beetroot, ginger, and lemon.

If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I got this job on 4th July 2013.

Nokwazi’s story reflects her dedication to financial integrity, her role as a mentor, and her passion for balance and personal growth. Connect with Nokwazi on LinkedIn to follow her journey and achievements.

Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants

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