Profile: Denise Belinda Gengan, Audit Executive
In our mission to build a strong accounting community in South Africa, Accounting Weekly highlights the journeys of finance professionals who make a significant impact in their fields. This edition features Denise Belinda Gengan, an Audit Executive with over 7 years of experience, who exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and leadership in her field.
Denise begins her mornings early, setting the tone for a productive day with a focused routine that includes quiet reflection, task prioritisation, and, of course, a good cup of coffee. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her daughter, enjoys exercising, and occasionally dives into true crime stories.
Denise Belinda Gengan
Audit Executive
Past Experience:
Auditor at Gold City Offshoring (Full-time): Oct 2023 - Present (1 year, 2 months)
Senior Auditor (Independent Contractor) at Metz & Associates PLLC: Jan 2023 - Sep 2023 (9 months)
Audit Executive at Gold City Offshoring: Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 (4 months)
Chartered Accountant at Colenbrander: Jun 2019 - Sep 2022 (3 years, 4 months)
Audit Portfolio Manager at Colenbrander: Jan 2018 - May 2019 (1 year, 5 months)
Accounting Trainee at Colenbrander: Feb 2016 - Dec 2017 (1 year, 11 months)
Qualifications:
Chartered Accountant (SA)
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Denise on LinkedIn
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?
I like to start my mornings with a focused routine that sets a positive tone for the day. I usually begin with some quiet time to review my priorities and align on key tasks or meetings ahead. Then, I check emails and review any urgent updates to ensure I'm ready for the day’s most pressing items. Oh, and coffee.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I was drawn to accounting because it felt like a foundation for countless opportunities. I saw it as a field where I could develop analytical skills, work across various industries, and make a real impact on business decisions. The chance to work with numbers and problem-solve for clients, while also having the flexibility to grow in multiple directions, made it the ideal path for me.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Working for companies in the United States and the United Kingdom has been a defining experience. My qualifications have allowed me to adapt to global standards, embrace diverse work environments, and establish meaningful connections across borders.
Through my current employer, I’ve been privileged to participate in a tutoring programme, sharing insights and empowering young minds to shape the future of the profession.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
As an Audit Executive, I ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial information. My contributions include risk mitigation, insight-driven recommendations, and ensuring financial accuracy and reliability. My role helps the business make informed decisions grounded in compliance and optimised performance.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was adapting to remote work and collaborating with international teams. Working across time zones and cultures required a new level of flexibility and communication.
I overcame this by creating a structured routine to maximise productivity and learning to leverage digital tools for effective collaboration. Proactive communication ensured alignment with colleagues across time zones and kept projects on track. This experience strengthened my adaptability and broadened my perspective.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage financial operations effectively?
I use digital tools to ensure efficiency and prioritise clear communication and reporting to keep everyone aligned.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Prioritising tasks helps me see things more clearly. I set boundaries around work hours to allow myself time to recharge and prevent burnout.
At the end of each day, I reflect on what went well and adjust plans for the next day. This approach helps me manage both workload and stress effectively.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I value quality time with my daughter and enjoy staying active through exercise. Whether exploring new places or reading, these activities help me recharge and maintain a sense of balance.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I actively mentor and support others, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and learning.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Focus on a mix of technical and soft skills. Develop proficiency with financial tools, stay up-to-date on industry changes, and hone your ability to interpret and communicate data effectively. A career in finance is both rewarding and challenging—embrace continuous learning and stay adaptable.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
“What's meant for you will always find its way to you.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
The only person you should compete with is the person you were yesterday. Everyone's journey is unique, so just focus on being the best version of yourself.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I'm a sucker for true crime stories!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Eidetic memory.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Prioritising work and taking short, frequent breaks to clear my mind keeps me focused and productive.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I received my board 2 results and realised I had finally crossed the last hurdle. That day marked the culmination of years of hard work and determination.
Denise’s journey exemplifies adaptability, leadership, and dedication to excellence in auditing and finance. Connect with Denise on LinkedIn to follow her inspiring professional path.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
Not yet a professional designated accountant? CIBA is the professional body for all accountants. We offer designations for each stage of your finance career: BookkeeperFinancial AdministratorFinancial AccountantFinancial ManagerChief Financial OfficerAccountant-In-Practice.
