Thembelani Mkhize, Senior Finance Manager
Senior Finance Manager
Current Experience:Entrepreneur - Basembo Capital
PAST EXPERIENCES:Senior Finance Manager at Hollard Investments · Full-time Jun 2021 - Jul 2024 · 3 yrs 2 months
Finance Business Partner at Hollard Insurance · Full-time Oct 2019 - May 2021 (1 yr 8 mos)
Co-Founder at Ikhono Capital Mar 2015 - Jun 2020 ( 5 yrs 4 mos)
Financial Analyst at Nutun
Jun 2018 - Oct 2019 (1 yr 5 mos)
EY Senior (3 yrs 3 mos)
Qualifications:Bcom Accounting
Higher diploma in accountancy
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: In our mission to build a strong accounting community in South Africa, Accounting Weekly showcases the stories of finance professionals making a difference. This edition features Thembelani Mkhize, an entrepreneur with 9-10 years of experience, known for his resilience in transitioning from corporate finance to building his own business.
Thembelani is an early bird who starts his mornings with a cup of coffee while reflecting on his day's plans. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, running, and exploring the outdoors, his recent 4x4 trip to Lesotho left him energized and ready for new challenges.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start every day with a cup of coffee. I sit outside while I think about my plans for the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting stems from my early fascination with business. I recognized that accounting is the fundamental language of business as it tells the story of an organisation's health and future through numbers. Once I realised that, I knew that’s what I wanted to study.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A key milestone in my career has been stepping away from corporate life to focus on being an entrepreneur. It’s been a challenging journey, and while I’m not yet where I want to be, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made so far. Building something from the ground up has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of incremental growth.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I am responsible for all finance operations, including budgeting, forecasting, managing cash flow, and financial reporting. I also take care of pricing strategies, analyzing profitability, and evaluating growth opportunities to build partnerships. My role involves balancing costs and revenue streams while ensuring smooth invoicing and collections to maintain cash flow stability.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
My role in the business includes building a strong foundation that supports both our day-to-day operations and long-term growth. I create detailed budgets to plan effectively with limited resources, optimize pricing to remain competitive while ensuring profitability, and identify cost-saving opportunities to maximize efficiency. By aligning finance with the business’s goals, I help drive sustainable growth and position the business for future success.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was moving the business from zero to one, essentially taking an idea and turning it into a functioning, operational business. This involved setting up financial systems, managing limited resources, and ensuring cash flow stability in the early stages. I learned to embrace unpredictability and adapt quickly.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
In a small business, I rely on a mix of practical tools, including accounting software, spreadsheets, and AI for automated data entry and analysis.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I prioritize planning and structure, relying on detailed scheduling to allocate time for work, exercise, and personal activities.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy staying active, reading, and focusing on personal growth. Running and going to the gym help me recharge, and I’m currently working on improving my 5 km running time. I also love reading books that offer fresh insights and new perspectives.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Mentoring team members has always been a key part of my career. I focus on providing constructive feedback, honest discussions, and motivating others to step out of their comfort zones. It’s rewarding to see people progress and take the next step in their careers.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Focus on continuous learning, stay adaptable, and embrace emerging technologies like AI. Develop a solid understanding of risk management and build strong relationships across all areas of the business.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Never be afraid to try something new because life gets boring when you stay in the limits of what you already know."
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Lead by example. Leaders should embody the discipline, values, and work ethic they expect from their teams, setting a standard through their actions.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I’m a classic rock aficionado. I enjoy diving into the history of iconic bands and albums, and I’m always on the lookout for timeless tracks to add to my playlist.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
An AI-like brain, to access limitless knowledge, make quick connections, complete tasks, and spot opportunities instantly while focusing on strategic thinking.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I eat well, stay hydrated, and take coffee breaks in between.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
My first day as a trainee accountant, I was full of excitement, eager to learn, make new connections, and start earning my own money. It marked the beginning of my career journey.
Thembelani's story is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and commitment to sustainable growth. As someone who transitioned from corporate life to building his own business, he has embraced challenges and thrived in navigating financial strategy. Connect with Thembelani on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey and insights.
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