Profile: Khanya Matshaya, Financial Accountant
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 Khanya Matshaya, a seasoned Financial Accountant with over 10 years of experience, whose passion for finance is matched by her dedication to fostering efficiency and growth within her team.
Khanya starts her mornings early with a neighbourhood walk or an intense boxing session at the gym, giving her the energy to face the day ahead. She values solo coffee dates and hiking, which provide her with clarity and balance outside of her demanding role.
Khanya Matshaya
Financial Accountant at The Scientific Group
Past Experience:
Financial Accountant at The Scientific Group (Full-time): Apr 2021 – Present (3 years 9 months)
Senior Accountant at SoluGrowth Pty Ltd (Full-time): Apr 2018 – Apr 2021 (3 years 1 month)
Senior Financial Accountant at Deloitte (Full-time): Nov 2015 – Apr 2018 (2 years 6 months)
Accountant at The BANKSETA (Full-time): Feb 2015 – Nov 2015 (10 months)
Accountant at Deloitte South Africa (Full-time): Oct 2013 – Jan 2015 (1 year 4 months)
Accountant at Mustek Limited (Full-time): Mar 2013 – Oct 2013 (8 months)
Accountant at ADvTECH Group (Full-time): Feb 2012 – Feb 2013 (1 year 1 month)
Project Accountant at BTKM (Contract): Jul 2008 – Dec 2011 (3 years 6 months)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accountancy
Middle Management Development Programme
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Khanya on LinkedIn
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
5:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Morning walks around my neighbourhood, this is time for myself which is very important before the day starts. I alternate with gym, as I enjoy the intensity of boxing.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My dad was in the auditing profession, and later in life, I developed a love for numbers. This helped me excel in mathematics and accounting, making it an organic choice for me.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
In 2023, I was a candidate of the IWFSA-FASSET and DukeCE MMDP. I learned valuable lessons and became part of a network of phenomenal women. I was also afforded the opportunity to travel to Kenya on a global immersion, where I met inspiring women leaders moving the needle to uplift others for the greater good of our continent.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I am a finance professional, supporting the Managing Director with all matters related to finance, including advisory on complex business problems. I lead the team in reporting, taxation, day-to-day tasks, and overall business support.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I advocate for lean and efficient processes, focusing on the insights that numbers provide rather than just the number-crunching. I push my team to think beyond accounting and adopt a broader finance perspective, encouraging them to think outside the box and embrace new challenges.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
The business has been under financial strain over the past two years. Balancing customer receipts, vendor payments, and staff-related expenses has been a huge challenge. While I haven’t fully overcome it, I proactively manage it by forecasting, executing, and communicating transparently with all stakeholders.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage financial operations effectively?
I am highly organised, avoiding last-minute work and unnecessary pressure. I ensure the team knows our direction, empowering them to take the lead when opportunities arise.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Exercise, gratitude journaling, and prioritising rest are key. I also enjoy hiking and quarterly family breaks to the bush, which help me connect with my surroundings and loved ones.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I invest in their professional and personal development through upskilling, knowledge sharing, and setting goals. I take a holistic approach, checking in regularly to ensure I remain within reach.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department within a company?
Be teachable and willing to get your hands dirty. Doing the granular tasks leads to a better understanding of the bigger picture. It’s not necessary to know everything, but one must be willing to learn.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Begin with the end in mind" – Franklin Covey.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
If you don't see yourself as a winner, then you cannot perform as a winner.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I recycle to keep plastic out of our environment and have a huge recycling bin in my lounge.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
To read minds, so I can see if we are truly on the same page or not.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
A to-do list to tick items off. I start with the difficult or time-consuming tasks while my brain is fresh in the mornings.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
In February 2024, I delivered a speech on our last night in Kenya. Speaking about the impact of the International Women's Forum of SA, FASSET, and DUKE CE initiative on my personal journey as a woman in leadership was empowering and deeply fulfilling.
Khanya’s journey exemplifies leadership, resilience, and a passion for mentorship. Connect with Khanya on LinkedIn to learn more about her inspiring career 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.
