Profile: Priscilla Swanepoel, Accountant
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 Priscilla Swanepoel, a self-employed accountant with over 10 years of experience, known for her dedication to quality work and maintaining a balanced approach to life and career.
Priscilla, an early riser, starts her mornings at the gym before diving into her workday. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and is currently studying towards an Interior Design diploma.
Priscilla Swanepoel
Self-Employed Accountant
Past Experience:
Independent Professional Accountant (Self-employed): Jun 2024 - Present (6 months)
Financial Reporting Advisory Senior at Johnston Carmichael Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers: Nov 2022 - May 2024 (1 year, 7 months)
Mazars: Mar 2022 - Oct 2022 (8 months) & Jul 2020 - Mar 2022 (1 year, 9 months)
·Franchise Owner at Business Accounting Network: Jan 2018 - May 2020 (2 years, 5 months)
Manager in Financial Statement Division at The DLR Group: Jul 2017 - Aug 2017 (2 months)
Audit Clerk at The DLR Group: Mar 2017 - Jul 2017 (5 months)Accountant at Western National Insurance: Sep 2015 - Feb 2017 (1 year, 6 months)
Nexia Cape Town: Jan 2012 - Aug 2015 (3 years, 8 months)
Qualifications:
AGA (SA)
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Connect with Priscilla on LinkedIn
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Usually in the gym.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I sort of fell into it. My sister-in-law suggested I try it, and here I am.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
For me, the highlight is the period of my life I am in now, having the flexibility to work when I want, take on what I want, and still enjoy life.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I am a firm believer in excellent communication and doing what I say I will. If I have said I will meet a deadline, I do so.
What are some future goals for your firm?
As I work for myself, my goal is to do more financial statement preparation, as I truly enjoy that.
What’s next on your professional journey?
I am just enjoying where I am at right now.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
Money is not the be-all and end-all of life. I say no when I have too much on my plate and ensure I work efficiently. I do not work in my personal time.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy a good book and am studying towards an Interior Design diploma.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
Currently, not much, but when I was employed by accounting firms, I ensured I taught what I had learned to those more junior than me.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
Be assertive, yet professional and friendly. Don’t take on more than you can handle, keep communication open, and set clear boundaries for business hours.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Not everyone will like you, and that’s okay. Be professional and live with integrity, and everything else will be easier.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I love ballroom dancing.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Lie detection would be useful.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I go to the gym before work. During busy times, I focus on one task at a time, finishing it before moving to the next.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I heard I passed my degree. Studying while doing my articles was challenging, and that day was incredibly rewarding.
Priscilla’s story reflects her dedication to work-life balance, commitment to her clients, and passion for continuous learning. Connect with Priscilla on LinkedIn to follow her journey and achievements.
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.
