Jani-Luayne Schlebusch, Technical Manager
Technical Manager
Current Experience:Technical Manager at Iridium Business Solutions (Full-time, Hybrid): Sep 2024 – Present (5 months)
past Experience:Finance Manager at La Frontiere Group (Full-time, On-site): Apr 2022 – Aug 2024 (2 years, 5 months)
Group Financial Accountant at De Wit Group (Full-time, On-site): Jan 2021 – Mar 2022 (1 year, 3 months)
Accounting Trainee at Moore South Africa (Full-time, On-site): Jan 2019 – Dec 2020 (2 years)
Qualifications:BCom Financial Accounting
Professional Accountant (SA)
Professional Tax Practitioner (SA)
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: In our mission to highlight exceptional finance professionals, Accounting Weekly presents Jani-Luayne Schlebusch, a highly skilled Technical Manager with 7-8 years of experience in finance and accounting. With a passion for tax, financial planning, and continuous learning, Jani-Luayne plays a critical role in ensuring compliance and efficiency for her clients.
Jani-Luayne starts her day at 8:00 AM, easing into the morning with a cup of coffee—an essential part of her daily routine.
What time do you usually wake up on the weekend?
I wake up at 8:00 AM.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
I’m an early bird.
How do you spend the first hour of your morning?
Taking it easy, waking up (which is a process, haha), and drinking coffee. I can't start my day without a good cup of coffee!
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My dad. He worked in finance and accounting before his retirement. I am proud to say that I followed in his footsteps.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Passing my board exam was a big milestone for me!
A defining moment was making the switch to private practice and getting to see what happens "behind the scenes." It was very eye-opening and different, and it taught me a lot. I took that knowledge and made the switch back to practice, and here I am!
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I am the Technical Manager, so I handle all things tax and AFS related.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by helping our clients with all their tax-related queries, as well as financial planning. I make sure all tax deadlines are met (provisional, personal, company). I also review financial statements, which opens up time for the directors to focus on other key aspects of the business.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
This one is quite difficult to answer. I think for me, the main challenges have been time management and imposter syndrome.
Time-management challenges I overcame by writing things down, prioritising, and planning. Lists for the win!
Imposter syndrome is a bigger challenge to deal with. That takes more conscious effort, time, confidence, and self-belief. I overcame this by not being afraid to learn, adjust, and be open to criticism, as well as believing in myself. Baby steps!
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Checklists!
Make lists and have a clear and planned goal in mind. I also try to implement the GTD (Getting Things Done) principles into my day. I have a weekly review to go over what I accomplished and what will need to be carried over to the following week.
How do you stay balanced during busy periods?
Know yourself! If you are tired, rest/take a break. Make sure to take and make time for yourself to recharge. Take care of your health—mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I love boxing, walking, hiking, and exploring new places. I also enjoy reading and watching series/movies.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes! I try to provide a safe space where they can come and ask questions. I haven’t been at my current firm long, but I do plan on providing tax and AFS training next year.
I think it is important for team members to feel heard. It is also important to provide a space where everyone feels comfortable with learning and growing.
What advice would you give to aspiring finance professionals?
Never stop learning!
Be open to new challenges, adapting to new and different environments, and pushing yourself. Be detail- and goal-oriented. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Siempre Adelante"—It means "Always Forward."Just keep moving forward, even if it is one small step at a time.
Share a leadership lesson or piece of advice that’s been valuable in your career.
"Success is not final, and failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts."
This slots in with my mantra above. Just keep moving forward. You will reach your goal or destination eventually.
Another one that I cherish is:
"Comparison is the thief of joy."
We are all at different stages and times in our lives. Do things at your own pace. This isn’t a race. You are exactly where you are meant to be, for you.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Besides being a badass boxer? I am a hard rocker and metalhead.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Snapping my fingers and coffee appears! Does that count?
Otherwise, having the entire tax act memorised!
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Taking regular breaks and drinking enough water!
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I found out I passed my board exam! Articles and studying all led to one goal, and I was so excited when I found out!
Jani-Luayne’s story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for lifelong learning. Her journey through different areas of finance and her commitment to mentorship make her an invaluable asset to the profession.
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