Refilwe Maseng, Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:Accountant at Kenworth Group · Full-time Feb 2024 - Present · (1 yr 2 mos)
Part-Time Radio Bloem Presenter Part-time May 2024 - Present · (11 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:SAICA TRAINEE A2A Kopano Advisory Services Mar 2019 - Feb 2024 · (5 yrs)
SAIPA Trainee at Northern Cape Provincial Treasury
Jul 2018 - Feb 2019 · (8 mos)
Qualifications:Advanced diploma in Accounting Science, Accounting and Finance
Bcom Financial Accounting
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 Refilwe Boitumelo Maseng, an accountant with 4-5 years of experience, recognized for her dedication to financial accuracy, strategic planning, and mentoring others in the profession.
Refilwe, a night owl, begins her mornings with prayer and reading the Bible. Outside of work, she stays active by going to the gym, running side hustles, and serving in her local church.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
5:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
As a Christian, I start my day by reading the Bible and praying before anything else.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
Numbers always tell the truth. I have a deep passion for accounting, and the drive to ensure my figures balance fuels that passion even more. My goal is to consistently deliver accurate reports and produce high-quality financial statements.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Earning my degree in Accounting was a significant achievement, completing my undergraduate qualification laid the foundation for my career. I am now pursuing my postgraduate qualification, which I believe is a crucial step in my professional growth.
Completing my SAICA articles was a pivotal experience. I gained valuable exposure to auditing, taxation, and accounting, allowing me to explore different fields and discover my true passion.
Securing my first full-time accounting role was a major milestone. Starting as a junior accountant, particularly in the retail and entertainment industry, was an exciting and defining moment in my professional journey.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I'm a junior accountant
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
Financial Planning: I oversee the efficient allocation of financial resources and develop a strategic roadmap to help the company achieve its financial targets and objectives.
Financial Reporting: I prepare comprehensive financial reports that provide a clear overview of the company’s overall performance, supporting management in making informed financial decisions.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Accounting is a deadline-driven profession, making time management crucial especially for detail-oriented individuals like myself. It's easy to get caught up in perfecting every detail without realizing that time is money. To balance accuracy with efficiency, I’ve learned to dedicate an extra hour or two (unbilled) to ensure that my work is both timely and precise. Due to financial constraints and work demands, I had to postpone my studies by a year. However, this journey has taught me to embrace challenges and adapt to circumstances as they come.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Implement and adhere to approved workflows for managing expenses and purchases.
Conduct regular balance reconciliations to prevent cash fraud and maintain strict financial compliance.
Prioritize monthly or quarterly reviews of financial statements and reports.
Engage key management in discussions about the company's financial health to support informed decision-making.
Consistently train the financial team to enhance compliance, improve efficiency, and ensure best practices within the department.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Make the most of my lunch break and step away from my workstation and go for a walk to recharge.
Participate in activities after work to refresh my mind and reset.
Maintain positive, healthy relationships outside of work: laughter and good energy lead to better outcomes.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Read books, run a few side hustles, service in my local church and going to the gym.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, we work closely together. If I’m working on something valuable that can help develop their skills, I involve them in the process. Additionally, we conduct monthly team training sessions to enhance overall growth and efficiency.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Develop the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Master both accounting and auditing skills simultaneously.
Stay current with updated accounting standards, as the profession is constantly evolving.
Be clear on your purpose at work, stay focused and avoid distractions.
In the retail industry, where daily transactions are the norm, maintaining a sharp, focused mindset is essential.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. “
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
We all have 24 hours in a day, and everyone is given the same opportunities. Just because you don’t feel like taking action doesn’t mean someone else won’t step up and do it.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I love and enjoy public speaking.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose a superpower to excel in accounting, it would be "real-time financial foresight." This ability would allow me to instantly and accurately predict future market trends, financial movements, and the outcomes of business decisions.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Honestly, just putting on my earbuds and listening to music helps me stay completely focused and free from distractions.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
Every year on the 26th of June, as it's my birthday.
Refilwe’s story showcases her commitment to financial accuracy, strategic planning, and professional growth. Beyond numbers, Refilwe values mentorship, continuous learning, and maintaining a balanced life through reading, fitness, and service to her community. Connect with Refilwe on LinkedIn to follow her journey and achievements.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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