Profile: Refilwe Kgwakgwa, Debtors Specialist
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 Refilwe Kgwakgwa, a Debtors Specialist at ICASA with over 10 years of experience, who is dedicated to enhancing cash flow and managing accounts receivable with precision.
Refilwe, a night owl, starts his day early at 6:00 AM with a quiet routine of checking current affairs and social media. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring nature and spending quality time with family and friends.
Refilwe Kgwakgwa
Debtors Specialist – ICASA
Past Experiences:
Founder at RKonnect (Self-employed): Aug 2022 - Present (2 years, 4 months)
Accountant at Rustenburg Municipality (Full-time): Jul 2015 - Present (9 years, 5 months)
Assistant Accountant at Land Bank: Sep 2008 - Jun 2015 (6 years, 10 months)
Debt Collection and Finance Intern at Land Bank: Jan 2007 - Sep 2008 (1 year, 9 months)
Qualifications:
BCom Accounting, Project Management, Company Secretarial and Governance Practice
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Refilwe on LinkedIn
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
The first hour of my morning is my time to set the tone for the day. I start by checking in on the latest trends to stay current with what’s happening in the world.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest started when I became curious about how businesses operate behind the scenes. I realized that numbers tell a story and influence decisions that drive growth.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Completing my BCom in Accounting was foundational. Additionally, earning a Diploma in Telecommunications Management has allowed me to connect finance with the telecom sector in meaningful ways.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I manage and oversee accounts receivable, ensuring timely collections and analyzing payment patterns to enhance cash flow.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I help achieve collection targets and manage funds between regulatory compliance and the National Revenue Fund to maintain healthy liquidity.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
I faced a significant increase in overdue accounts. I tackled this by opening lines of communication with clients, offering flexible solutions, and implementing a structured follow-up process.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I use accounting software for accuracy, conduct regular reconciliations, and collaborate with departments to align financial strategies with our goals.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I prioritize tasks, manage time with calendars, and take regular breaks. Self-care activities like exercise and reading help me stay centred.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Exploring nature and spending time with family and friends.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I actively support my team, sharing knowledge through one-on-one sessions and guiding them on complex tasks.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Develop strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and be proficient with financial software. Stay committed to continuous learning.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Lead by example. Integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic inspire similar values in others.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I enjoy trying new recipes and experimenting with unique food combinations.
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.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I incorporate short stretching exercises and quick walks to relieve tension, boost circulation, and refresh my mind.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I successfully led a financial audit. It was the culmination of months of hard work, and the positive feedback reinforced our commitment to accuracy and transparency.
Refilwe’s story reflects his dedication to financial integrity, his proactive approach to managing accounts, and his passion for continuous learning. Connect with Refilwe on LinkedIn to follow his 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.