Profile: Ruan Bouwer, 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 Ruan Bouwer, a Professional Accountant and Tax Practitioner, with over 4 years of experience in management accounting and financial consulting.
Ruan, a night owl, begins his weekdays with a cup of coffee and a focus on organisation, setting up for a productive day ahead. On weekends, he enjoys spending time with family over breakfast and coffee, recharging from a busy week of work and studies. His love for the bush and fishing provides the perfect escape from city life.
Ruan Bouwer
Financial and Management Accountant
Past Experience:
Accountant at ACT Forensic Audit and Secretarial Services (Pty) Ltd (Full-time): Sep 2024 - Present (3 months)
Senior Accounting Clerk at ACT Forensic Audit and Secretarial Services (Pty) Ltd (Full-time): Jun 2024 - Aug 2024 (3 months)
Accounting Clerk at ACT Solutions Pretoria Inc. (Full-time): Mar 2021 - May 2024 (3 years, 3 months)
Qualifications:
Professional Accountant (SA), Professional Tax Practitioner (SA), BCom in Management Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Ruan on LinkedIn
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
During the week, I start with coffee, emails, and admin to set a productive tone. On weekends, I relax with family over coffee and breakfast, reflecting on the week.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My family founded an accounting firm in the late 1980s, and I grew up immersed in the business. My passion for accounting was further solidified by inspiring high school teachers and the exciting opportunities in the field.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Passing my Professional Evaluation exam was a major milestone, but I’m also proud of turning a R200 million+ turnover client from loss to profitability. Developing innovative templates, training junior personnel, and leading tax sessions have also been highlights.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I focus on management and financial accounting, using technology to optimize processes and provide innovative solutions that enhance client services.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I help implement new technologies to reduce human error and improve efficiency. I also focus on leveraging AI, automation, and management accounting to provide better insights and strategies for clients.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Time constraints and inefficiency are ongoing challenges. By developing and refining tools and processes, I’ve helped reduce bottlenecks and improved overall team productivity.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I explore innovative resources, refine templates, and utilize management accounting techniques to better understand clients' operations and financial positions.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Optimizing processes and training junior personnel helps reduce stress. Taking regular breaks and spending weekends outdoors allows me to recharge.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I’m happiest in the bush, enjoying game drives and fishing. Outdoor adventures help me escape the hustle of city life.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I train junior personnel, focusing on tailored methods based on their abilities and personalities. My approach emphasizes emotional intelligence and fostering innovation.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Focus on core accounting principles, business dynamics, and people skills. Stay adaptable, learn new technologies, and commit to continuous learning.
What’s your favorite quote or mantra that motivates you?
‘A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it.’ – Alistair Cooke
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
The difference between a boss and a leader: a boss rules from the throne, while a leader rides into battle with their team. Participative leadership fosters collaboration and trust.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I’m passionate about flying helicopters and have started lessons to obtain my private pilot license.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
To instantly transfer knowledge and skills to team members, creating an unstoppable and efficient team.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I write down daily tasks, avoid multitasking, and take breaks to refresh my mind. Socializing with colleagues and limiting caffeine also helps.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day my final logbook competency was signed off. It marked a culmination of hard work and a significant milestone in my journey.
Ruan’s story is a testament to his passion for accounting, innovation, and teamwork. Connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his journey and learn from his 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.