Lucinda Swart, Accounting Manager
Accounting Manager
Current Experience:Accounting Manager at IJ Smith & Co Inc / Training Officer: June 2015 - Present (9 Years, 10 months)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Senior Bookkeeper at Gerda Olivier Homes: June 2014 - June 2015 (1 Year, 1 month)
Head of department debtors control at Hire Resolve: May 2013 - Feb 2014 (10 months)
Flight Crew at British Airways: Jan 2009 - April 2013 (4 Years, 4 months)
Qualifications:Bcom Management Accounting
National diploma, Financial Management
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 Lucinda Swart, a Client Accounting Manager and Training Officer with 9-10 years of experience. Lucinda is recognized for her dedication to financial accuracy, her commitment to mentoring aspiring accountants, and her passion for developing effective training programs.
Lucinda, a night owl, begins her mornings by preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the piano and guitar, getting creative with arts and crafts, and taking long drives to unwind.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I prepare breakfast for my family and pack lunch for the day. Once they leave for work and school, I dedicate 30 minutes to exercise, after which I plan and organize my tasks for the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I have always excelled at recognizing patterns and managing budgets in my personal life, and I wanted to apply these skills to my professional career. This led me to specialize in accounting, where I discovered a genuine passion for the field and the sense of fulfillment it provides daily.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Completing my BCom in a short period while working full-time and being found competent in the SAIPA professional evaluation this year.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I have two roles in the company:
Client Accounting Manager: Responsible for compiling and interpreting financial statements, handling taxation, auditing, budgeting, forecasting, statutory compliance, and using various accounting software like Xero and Sage One.
Training Officer: I develop and implement training programs for accounting clerks, providing hands-on training, conducting assessments, and mentoring trainees to reach their potential.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I aim to use available resources to contribute to increased revenue by setting training goals for trainees to master compiling annual financial statements and handling personal income taxes. I ensure they understand accounting principles and meet industry standards.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Managing two roles at 100% efficiency. I overcame this through effective time management skills.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Critical thinking, time management, maintaining mental and physical health, setting a positive example, and staying open to new opportunities.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Daily exercise, healthy eating, taking time for reflection, and ensuring necessary mental breaks for a clear thought process.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Playing piano and guitar, singing, long drives, braais with friends, watching sunsets, arts and crafts, and gardening.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I train and mentor new accounting clerks through structured training processes, helping them grow professionally.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Focus on critical thinking, ethics, accuracy, attention to detail, and a passion for working with diverse clients.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
“The purpose of teaching is to inspire the desire for learning and make students think, understand, and question.” — Richard P. Feynman
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
I have been guided with patience and growth opportunities by my manager, and I aim to provide the same for others.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I have a passion for astronomy.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Definitely master multi-tasking.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Taking necessary breaks, staying hydrated, and listening to music to stay engaged.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I received my BCom degree results, it symbolized the payoff of my hard work.
Lucinda’s story reflects her dedication to financial accuracy, her role as a mentor and training officer, and her passion for guiding others to their full potential. Connect with Lucinda on LinkedIn to follow her journey and achievements.
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