Seshnee Naidoo, Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Current Experience:Senior Accountant at Wingman Accounting (Pty) Ltd · Full-time: Jun 2018 - Present · (6 yrs 10 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Accountant at Akzo Noble Oct 2016 - 2018 · (1 yr 4 mos)
Creditors Clerk at Ster-Kinekor Theatres
Jan 2014 - Oct 2016 · (2 yrs 10 mos)
Junior Accountant at True North Franchising Jul 2012 - Dec 2013 · (1 yr 6 mos)
GL Exec Tafta
Sep 2010 - Jun 2012 · (1 yr 10 mos)
Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree - Accounting Sciences
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 are making a difference in their field. This edition features Seshnee, a seasoned accountant with extensive experience in financial strategy and advisory. Known for her expertise in optimizing financial structures and mentoring future finance professionals, she is dedicated to helping businesses grow while shaping the next generation of accountants.
Seshnee, an early riser, begins her mornings with prayer, planning and a moment of reflection to set a positive tone for the day. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, exploring new cuisines, and unwinding with a good book.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start my day with prayer and planning.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My passion for numbers and problem-solving! From an early age, I enjoyed working with figures and analyzing data, which led me to finance and accounting. I realized how crucial financial management is for business success, and I love helping companies make informed decisions, maintain compliance, and achieve financial stability.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Managing 46 clients with a combined revenue of over R350 million, which requires technical expertise, client management, and strategic oversight.
Transitioning to cloud-based accounting solutions, revolutionizing how I work and allowing for real-time financial management.
Overseeing the CIMA graduate program, which involves mentoring, structuring orientation programs, and guiding young professionals, strengthening my leadership skills.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I function as a full-house accountant, managing all financial operations for 46 clients. This includes cashbook management, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with South Africa’s regulatory bodies. I also integrate cloud-based accounting solutions and oversee the CIMA graduate program, helping train the next generation of finance professionals.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As a full-house accountant, I go beyond compliance and reporting to actively shape financial strategies for our firm and clients. I provide advisory services across industries, optimizing financial structures, improving cash flow, and implementing tax-efficient strategies. By analyzing financial data and industry trends, I help clients make informed decisions that drive growth and sustainability.
I also leverage cloud-based technology to deliver real-time financial insights, ensuring businesses stay agile in changing economic conditions. Additionally, I play a key role in the CIMA graduate program, embedding strategic thinking and advisory skills into our team’s approach to accounting.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Managing 46 clients while ensuring each receives personalized financial insight has been a challenge. I overcame this by:
Implementing cloud-based tools for real-time collaboration.
Automating routine tasks to focus on high-value financial strategy.
Establishing clear communication channels to provide timely and personalized advice.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Cloud-based accounting software (Xero, Dext, Karbon) for efficient financial reporting.
Regular financial reviews and analysis to track trends and provide proactive recommendations.
Project management tools like Karbon to stay organized and ensure deadlines are met.
Staying up-to-date with tax laws and financial regulations to keep clients compliant.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I manage my time effectively using tools like Karbon, breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps while prioritizing them based on urgency and importance. By delegating routine tasks, I can focus on strategic financial work that adds greater value. I also make it a priority to set aside time for exercise, relaxation, and family, ensuring a balanced approach to both professional and personal well-being.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Reading thrillers, suspense, and supernatural books, spending quality time with family over a good meal and recently, I’ve started exercising, which has been great for reducing stress.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes! I actively mentor team members and oversee the CIMA graduate program. I guide graduates through professional development, arrange interviews, and provide day-to-day support. I also mentor junior team members in financial analysis, problem-solving, and client management to help them excel in their roles.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Master technical skills like budgeting, financial analysis, and compliance. Develop soft skills like communication and empathy to build trust with clients. Be adaptable, finance is always evolving, so stay updated on regulations, technology, and trends. Learn to translate financial data into actionable insights that help businesses grow.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"You become what you believe." - Oprah Winfrey
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Vusi Thembekwayo once said, “Leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders.” This quote perfectly captures what leadership means to me. It’s not about holding a position of authority or having all the answers, it’s about empowering others to realize their potential and lead with confidence.
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that true leadership involves creating an environment where team members feel encouraged to take initiative, make decisions, and drive projects forward.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I absolutely love Zumba, even though my dance skills leave a lot to be desired!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower to enhance my job, it would be the ability to instantly absorb and master vast amounts of knowledge. With this power, I’d stay ahead of regulatory changes, accounting trends, and emerging technologies effortlessly
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. I begin by listing everything that needs to be done, then categorize them into “must-do” and “nice-to-do” tasks. This ensures that the most critical and time-sensitive work is tackled first, keeping high-priority tasks at the forefront.
To stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed, I break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This approach helps me maintain momentum and see continuous progress throughout the day. I also regularly reassess my priorities to stay aligned with my goals, ensuring that I remain on track even during demanding workdays.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive one day in my career, it would be the day I successfully managed the Xero migration, implementation, and training for 12 entities, all while juggling 46 clients. That day was a true test of my skills, and looking back, it felt like a huge achievement. The sheer intensity of handling such a high workload was exhilarating! But it wasn’t just about getting things done, it was about problem-solving, collaborating with teams, and ensuring a seamless experience for every client.
Seshnee’s story reflects her commitment to financial excellence, her role as a mentor, and her passion for continuous learning and growth. Connect with Seshnee on LinkedIn to follow her journey and accomplishments.
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:
➥ Bookkeeper
➥ Financial Administrator
➥ Financial Accountant
➥ Financial Manager
➥ Chief Financial Officer
➥ Accountant-In-Practice
Become a CIBA Member
Your first step towards a professional designation
