Danika Alberts, Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit Accountant: Capital Asset Management Full-time Feb 2019 - Present (6 yrs 2 months)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Administrative Officer: Finances at North West University (5 Years and 5 months)
Qualifications:Master’s degree, Management Accounting
Honours degree, Management Accounting
Bcompt Financial Accounting
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: 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 Danika Alberts, an experienced accountant with over 10 years in finance, recognized for her dedication to fixed asset management and her commitment to mentoring and developing her team.
A night owl by nature, Danika begins her mornings with a cup of coffee and a moment of relaxation. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.
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?
Having a coffee and relaxing
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
Working with numbers has been a passion since childhood, the order and consistency are very soothing.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I was appointed as the accountant - Capital Asset Management at NWU in 2019. My focus has been to establish awareness of fixed asset management within the NWU structure and provide training to staff members. Seeing the fruit of our department's efforts has been rewarding.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I handle fixed asset management and bank administration.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
By ensuring that NWU's fixed asset register and related processes work smoothly and creating awareness. This enhances the accuracy and completeness of information used for decision-making.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Ensuring compliance by non-financial staff who may not understand the need for fixed asset management.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
MS Excel, Power BI, implementation of internal controls, regular asset verifications, and frequent communication regarding asset-related matters to NWU staff.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I try to get enough sleep, as difficult as it is, and make time for my family. When your soul is cared for, you have the strength for anything.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Hiking, reading, relaxing at home, and spending time with my family and friends.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I manage two other staff members in Capital Asset Management. I value career growth, empowerment, and skill development, conducting internal training regularly. I prefer teaching someone how to fish rather than giving them a fish, it's fulfilling to see staff evolve and become more efficient.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Learn to balance work and life, 8 hours of work, 8 hours of religion & family, and 8 hours of sleep. Remember that you are more than just an employee; your health and wellness matter. Ensure you know your accounting applications, policies, procedures, and company rules.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." — Maya Angelou
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Stand firm and stay strong, even if you're the only one doing the right thing.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I love playing the guitar, I'm not great at it, but I enjoy it.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Spreadsheet Sorcery, summoning the perfect Excel formula just by thinking about it, even ones that don't exist yet.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Coffee! Not a long-term solution, but it works.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I realized my director is the best mentor I could have asked for, I consider myself very lucky to work with him.
Danika's journey showcases her commitment to financial accuracy, her passion for mentoring, and her dedication to continuous learning. Connect with Danika on LinkedIn to stay updated on her impactful work in fixed asset management and finance.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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