Kholosa Tshemese, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:Financial Accountant
Qualifications:PGDA Accounting
PGDA Business/commerce, general
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 Kholosa Tshemese, a financial accountant with 2 years of experience, known for her commitment to excellence in financial preparation and mentoring the next generation of accountants.
Kholosa, an early riser, starts her mornings getting ready to tackle on the day. Outside of work, she enjoys watching K-drama’s, car rides with her husband and going to church to set the week on the right tone.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
5:00 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 spent getting ready for the day, and making my way to the office.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
In my school years, I took accounting as one of my subjects, and we started doing bank reconciliations and analyzing transactions. That’s when I realized I liked working with numbers. It was fascinating to me that I could use numbers to analyze how well a business was doing. It made me want to pursue a career where I can analyze numbers, trends, and the overall business landscape, which led me to choose accounting. I then did a CA(SA) degree because of the challenge it presented, which made it even more exciting for me.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I had the opportunity to work with major companies in both the mining industry and the manufacturing industry during my time at EY.
I became a Financial Accountant after completing my articles at EY, and I currently compile financial statements for various stakeholders.
I assist in cost control by monitoring variances in relation to budgets and also help in improving processes within the business.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I am the financial accountant. I compile financial statements for various stakeholders. I assist in cost control by monitoring variances in relation to budgets and also assist in improving processes in the business.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As a financial accountant, I contribute by ensuring accurate financial statements for various stakeholders. I assist in cost control by monitoring variances in relation to budgets and also assist in improving processes in the business. I also help strengthen the company’s financial position by supporting informed decision-making. By ensuring accurate financial reporting, budgeting effectively, and recommending process improvements, I contribute to the company’s financial stability and overall efficiency.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
It has to be losing individuals in the company. That change should not change the timing of when deliverables are produced; thus, this required me to understand the role of another individual in order to do their tasks if necessary. I also had to quickly learn how to navigate those responsibilities to ensure nothing was delayed.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
It has to be keeping a list. It reduces anxiety and also gives a sense of accomplishment when you tick off an item. It is also important to discuss your to-do list with management so that there is clear alignment.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Dates with myself and taking long walks. The gym has also become a place of peace for me, helping me to reset and stay focused.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy watching Korean drama, car rides with my husband, dates with friends and church as it sets the tone for the week.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes I do. I bring them into conversations that they might not be privy to. This helps in making them curious and more investigative. I enjoy questions and also working alongside someone like that because they become confident and are more willing to raise their hand to a new task.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice to others is that they should always have a mindset of adding value. There is a temptation to do things the way a previous individual did, but it’s important to remember that you were hired because your experience can bring something new to the company.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
”And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” Colossians 3:23.
I have this printed at my desk"
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Work is about people, we all need each other, no function is greater than the other.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I am passionate about mentoring. I have had great mentors such as Rethabile Mofokeng CA(SA) and Sinethemba Nxumalo. Thus, I have two mentees whom I strive to support by guiding and helping them develop their skills.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Predicting the value of the rand to other currencies would help reduce the admin for us.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Making a list of what I should do for the day and listing to music to keep my mind calm and focused.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
It has to be when I announced I had passed my CA(SA) exams. My manager, Mbofho Ravhanga(CA(SA), she believed in me even before I believed in myself. When I passed, she got me flowers and balloons, and that day will always be special to me.
Kholosa’s story reflects her dedication to financial integrity, her role as a mentor, and her passion for balance and personal growth. Connect with Kholosa on LinkedIn to follow her journey and achievements.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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