Nadia Ntlailane, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:Financial Accountant at Agile Capital (Pty) Ltd · Full-time Jan 2022 - Present · (3 yrs 3 months)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Consolidation Analyst at The South African Breweries · Full-time Nov 2019 - Apr 2021 · (1 yr 6 months)
Accountant at Makro (8 years 9 months)
Group Financial Accountant at Invest in Africa Holdings Jan 2019 - Oct 2019 · (10 months)
Qualifications:Bcom Business Management, Marketing and Related Support Services
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 Nadia Ntlailane, a financial accountant with 8-9 years of experience, known for her commitment and a strong foundation in compliance and automation, Nadia is committed to optimizing processes and supporting informed decision-making.
Nadia, an early riser, starts her mornings with preparing for the day ahead. Outside of work, she enjoys gym sessions, running and hiking on the weekends, as well as listening to podcasts.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Planning the day ahead
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I never imagined myself pursuing a career in finance or accounting. My interests were always rooted in business studies and entrepreneurship. However, while completing my degree and participating in an apprenticeship with one of South Africa's largest retailers, I gained a new perspective. I discovered how finance and accounting tell the story of a business and play a crucial role in guiding management's decision-making process. After graduating, I was presented with an opportunity to join a finance team, and I embraced it wholeheartedly.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Early in my career, I managed an accounts department, overseeing staff who were older and more experienced. This role fast-tracked my personal and professional growth as I learned to balance business goals with interpersonal and leadership skills. I worked on a project transitioning a finance department from one accounting software to an ERP system. I successfully introduced automation into a finance department, streamlining processes for journals, invoices, and statements.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
As a Financial Accountant, I play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial integrity and compliance of the organization. My responsibilities include managing invoicing processes, performing accurate bank reconciliations, and preparing management accounts. I also handle secretarial duties, support audits, and oversee compliance processes such as B-BBEE verification certificate renewals and affidavits.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business by ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, and efficient processes that support informed decision-making. I ensure that the business meets regulatory requirements and aligns with empowerment objectives, supporting broader strategic priorities. I also ultimately support the business's ability to adapt, grow, and maintain a strong financial foundation.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
A challenge in my current role is managing the renewal process for B-BBEE ownership verification certificates and affidavits while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. I stay updated on the latest regulations, maintain organized records, and proactively communicate with stakeholders to streamline the process.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
- Accounting Software with Automation
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Regular Reconciliations and Compliance Monitoring
- LinkedIn Communities & Industry Networking
- Continuous Learnings.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Planning, Consistent communication, creating reusable templates and resources streamlines work and post-busy periods, I assess what worked well and refine my strategies.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I stay active with gym sessions, running, and hiking. Reading and listening to podcasts help me relax and learn, while knitting and content creation provide a creative outlet.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
In my current role, I am the sole finance team member, so I don’t have the opportunity to mentor others directly. However, if I were mentoring someone, I would focus on understanding their goals and providing guidance on courses and networking opportunities that could accelerate their growth.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Explore the different finance roles available and specialize in what excites you. Be patient with your career journey and continuously seek learning opportunities to enhance your expertise.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
If you do not like where you are, move, you are not a tree." – Jim Rohn
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I can speak Portuguese, my dad is Mozambican
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Predicting financial trends.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Completing the most important tasks first and delegating work to AI.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
Graduation day stands out as one of my proudest moments. I was part of a work-study program that shaped my career trajectory.
Nadia Ntlailane's journey in finance showcases her expertise in financial integrity, her adaptability in navigating complex challenges, and her drive for continuous growth. With a strong foundation in compliance and automation, Nadia is committed to optimizing processes and supporting informed decision-making. Connect with Nadia on LinkedIn to learn more about her career and insights.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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