At just 1–2 years into her accounting career, Phumudzo Bvumbi is already handling high-stakes accounts payable at Coface. From vendor stalls to financial statements, her story is a masterclass in grit, growth, and proving yourself early.

“I didn’t choose accounting to crunch numbers. I chose it to protect people.”

Mbali Mnguni wakes at 6am, prays, reads, and gets to work, not just for her clients, but for every small business owner who’s ever felt overlooked. From a village in KZN to an accounting firm that trusts her with full financial function, she’s proof that purpose, not prestige, builds real credibility.

“I didn’t have a degree. I had a Senior Certificate and a fire that wouldn’t quit.”

Noleen Natasha Jacobs didn’t follow the traditional path, but that didn’t stop her from becoming a Financial Accountant at a JSE-listed company, mentoring others, and shaping financial strategy at the top. Her journey is raw, real, and relatable, especially if you’ve ever been underestimated in this profession.

At 22, she’s already a Financial Manager.

No handouts. No shortcuts. Just hard work, early mornings, and the courage to lead before most even start.

El-Marie Wilken is proof that age doesn’t limit leadership, mindset does. Read how she’s reshaping finance, mentoring others, and managing millions with discipline and heart.

Jeanre Bosch isn’t just counting costs, he’s cutting through chaos. From forcing change in stubborn systems to mentoring the next generation of finance leaders, this Ironman triathlete brings discipline, precision, and heart to everything he touches.

Whether he’s time-boxing deep work or racing toward Kona, Jeanre proves that real impact starts before 6am.

Meet the accountant who’s redefining cost control, with strategy, and grit

“I don’t have all the answers. But I show up, early, focused, and ready to figure it out.”

At just 2 years in, Marilee-Martline Du Plooy is already carrying the weight of financial strategy, compliance pressure, and client trust. She doesn’t complain, she creates systems, sets boundaries, and keeps learning. Her story isn’t polished. It’s real. And it’s exactly what the profession needs more of.

“Deadlines. Audits. SARS drama. I still show up, lead my team, and fight for my clients’ money.”

Sinegugu Malunga doesn’t just survive year-end chaos, she owns it. From church halls to boardrooms, she’s the kind of accountant who knows when to delegate, when to dig in, and when to demand better. And yes, she once won a R3 million VAT refund with checklists and grit.

Gerald Vutlhari Mabasa isn’t just managing accounts, he’s managing trust. As the first point of contact for cash and client queries, he knows that one email error can cost a company. That’s why he trained hard, upskilled fast, and earned two promotions in just three years. Now he’s mentoring others, balancing global accounts, and chasing a CIMA, all while keeping his weekends active and his mindset sharp.

Abbegail van Rensburg’s journey isn’t just about credentials, it’s about grit. She worked and studied at the same time, finished articles early, and racked up three designations before most of us stop questioning ourselves.

Now she leads portfolios, mentors rising accountants, and still makes time to paint, travel, and dance.

Her superpower? Mind-reading. Her actual secret? Boundaries, clear communication, and believing she’s “a dynamic life transformer.”

Tanya van der Westhuizen is the Group Financial Manager at Willie Burger Group, overseeing the full financial operations of nine companies. With over a decade in the industry, she’s built her career from the ground up through grit, continuous learning, and strong leadership. Tanya bridges the gap between finance and operations, mentors her team, and believes that adaptability, accuracy, and trust are key to success. Her story is a powerful example of how business accountants can lead with both numbers and heart.

Annebe Kruger didn’t follow the “textbook” path. No high school accounting. No shortcuts. Just grit, faith, and 4:15am wakeups.

Now she’s a financial manager, lecturer, ex-athlete, and proof that discipline beats background.

“My superpower? Planning. I write down every mistake so I never repeat it.”

“I failed more than once, but I never stopped.”

When Chelsee-Leigh Fortuin couldn’t find a job for nearly a year after COVID, she didn’t give up. When university knocked her down, she got back up. Today, she’s mentoring others, mastering multiple platforms, and delivering financials that drive real decisions.

Meet Wisani Yingwani, Treasury Accountant at Impuma Group with nearly a decade in finance. A self-declared night owl and sports enthusiast, Wisani starts his day with purpose, planning, reflecting, and sticking to a structure that keeps him focused even when pressure mounts.

His journey into accounting started in high school with a love for numbers, but it’s been far from easy. After overcoming personal challenges to earn his BCom and become a Professional Accountant (SA), he’s built a career rooted in ethics and efficiency.

“From Top 30 SAIPA grad to reversing R1 million in SARS assessments, Muhammed Khan Dookhee doesn’t just do accounting, he defends it.”

In a role that straddles financial control and mentorship, Muhammed is proof that small-team accountants can lead with both skill and strategy. His mantra? Honesty is the best policy, and professional ethics doesn’t take a day off.

Roberta Mabasa is more than a CA(SA), she’s proof that purpose and profession can coexist. After qualifying through years of grit and determination, she ran high-stakes audits in London before taking up a strategic reinsurance role at Auto & General. Beyond the numbers, Roberta is a self-taught makeup artist and founder of R50 for Change, a non-profit that delivers groceries to families in need. Grounded by faith and driven by impact, she’s building a career that balances spreadsheets with service, and inspiring others to do the same.

Siboniso Hleza didn’t choose finance out of passion, he chose it because a bursary opened the door. Now he’s running regional numbers, spotting waste, and mentoring the next generation. This is what it looks like when hustle meets purpose.

“From cashier to financial controller, Mhlengi Moyo didn’t climb the ladder, he rebuilt it.”

With over a decade in property finance, Mhlengi has mastered more than numbers. He’s reshaped strategy, pushed back on resistance, and turned Excel and Power BI into business weapons. If you’ve ever felt underestimated in your role, this is the story you forward to your team.

Kaelin Korb doesn’t sugarcoat the grind. From rebuilding confidence after a steep UK tax learning curve to mentoring his team as Training Officer at CFO360 UK, he’s proof that real leadership comes from resilience, not rank.

Nicholas Wright’s journey to CA(SA) wasn’t smooth, it was brutal. But he didn’t quit. Today, he’s running financial strategy, leading teams, and proving age doesn’t define impact.

His secret? Clean data, clear goals, and a killer mantra:

“It’s not how you start, but how you finish.”

Read his story and get inspired to lead from the front, no matter where you’re starting.

“I don’t just report the numbers, I explain what they mean and how we can do better.”

As a management accountant, Alice Mutero blends technical excellence with real business insight. From tight month-end deadlines to process improvements and mentoring her team, Alice brings a calm, analytical edge that helps her business make smarter, faster decisions.