Profile: Pheello Kuleile, COO at GAS Accounting
In our mission to build a strong accounting community in South Africa, Accounting Weekly highlights the journeys of finance professionals making an impact in their fields. This edition features Pheello Kuleile, COO at GAS Accounting, who brings over 10 years of experience to his leadership role. Pheello's story is one of strategic thinking, continuous learning, and fostering innovation.
An early riser, Pheello begins his mornings by reading emails and prioritizing tasks for the day. Outside of work, he enjoys quality time with family and friends, as well as pursuing his challenging new hobby of golf.
Pheello Kuleile
COO at GAS Accounting
Past Experience:
Chief Operating Officer at GAS Accounting (Full-time): Mar 2024 – Present (10 months)
Head of Accounting at GAS Accounting (Full-time): Sep 2021 – Present (3 years, 4 months)
Co-Founder at Arian Finance (Full-time): Jul 2022 – Present (2 years, 6 months)
Director at Caledon Advisory Services (Full-time): Apr 2021 – Sep 2022 (1 year, 6 months)
Manager at MMS Chartered Accountants (Full-time): Mar 2020 – Sep 2021 (1 year, 7 months)
Senior Accountant at MMS Chartered Accountants (Full-time): Jun 2019 – Mar 2020 (10 months)
Accountant at MMS Chartered Accountants (Full-time): 2016 – Mar 2020 (4 years, 3 months)
Accounting Tutor at Monash South Africa (Part-time): 2013 – 2015 (2 years)
Qualifications:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration and Management
Bachelor of Business Science in Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Pheello on LinkedIn
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Reading through emails.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting and finance comes from a desire to bring structure and clarity to the chaos that often surrounds business operations. I’ve always seen the potential in using numbers to tell a story and help a business make smarter, more strategic decisions. It’s rewarding to know that, through accounting, I can support not only the technical side of things—like compliance and reporting—but also foster stronger relationships with clients. Seeing how clear, well-managed finances can make a real difference for a business and the people behind it is fulfilling.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I’ve been instrumental in scaling GAS Accounting, doubling its size while streamlining operations for greater efficiency. I completed my MBA and have also authored a book for aspiring entrepreneurs, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2025.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I contribute by making sure our financial goals stay aligned with the company’s vision and purpose. It’s about making decisions that not only support our growth but also keep things running efficiently day-to-day. I focus on optimizing resources and choosing strategies that help us grow sustainably while keeping our clients happy.
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 is managing the people side of the business—finding ways to inspire, motivate, and attract top talent. In a people-focused industry, getting the right outcomes can be tricky. But I’ve found that with the right culture and strong, supportive leadership, it’s possible to create an environment where people feel valued and driven to excel. Building a team that aligns with our values has been key to overcoming these challenges and driving our success.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Staying balanced during busy times comes down to setting clear priorities, maintaining routines, and knowing when to take a break. I focus on organizing tasks by impact, so I’m always clear on what needs my attention most. I also stick to a regular routine to create some stability, like carving out time in the morning for planning and in the evening to unwind. And when things get really intense, I make sure to step away—even if just for a quick break—to recharge and come back focused. Staying connected with the team also helps keep things grounded and manageable.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family—it’s the best way for me to recharge. I’ve been trying to get into golf, though it’s definitely a challenge! I’m also a Manchester United supporter, which, as any fan knows, has its own ups and downs.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
I mentor everyone in my team. Mentorship is important and necessary for cultivating the next generation of leaders. The biggest lesson that’s relevant today is: ‘Understand market conditions, trends, and learn to identify gaps. Every industry is being disrupted currently; however, disruption often leads to opportunity.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
‘Nothing worth having comes easy.’
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
I’ve learned that management and leadership are different. People listen to managers because they have to, but follow leaders because they want to.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I love sports cars…BMW.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Reading people! If I could get in people’s heads and understand what drives them…that would be a great superpower.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Coffee, breaking down tasks into small actionable items, and writing a list so I can get the satisfaction of striking things off!
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
Not one day, but a few moments have been special: witnessing a staff member complete their studies, receiving their promotion letter, and just witnessing the growth and progression of my team.
Pheello’s journey reflects his dedication to fostering growth, both within his organization and among his team members. Connect with Pheello on LinkedIn to follow his inspiring professional journey.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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