Marco Coetzer doesn’t need a spotlight. He’s the early riser, the numbers guy, the quiet engine behind a group company’s financial health. From self-funded studies to Assistant FM, his story is proof that resilience beats prestige. He mentors through action, manages risk with precision, and still finds time to build wooden mechanical toys.

His mantra? “If today was your last day, what would you learn, improve, and leave behind?”

Ashton Adams built his leadership the hard way, starting as a one-man Internal Audit unit and growing it into a structured team that could stand on its own. Now stepping into a UK-based accounting role, he’s mastering new tax systems and proving that adaptability is a professional advantage. Grounded in discipline, continuous learning, and humility, Ashton represents the kind of accountant who doesn’t just do the work, he evolves with it.

Tshimangadzo Lusunzi isn’t your average accountant. She leads finance at Ivanplats Mine, mentors’ junior staff, chairs Women in Mining, and still finds time to jump off cliffs (literally).

Her story is a reminder:

You don’t need a CA(SA) to be a powerhouse in finance.

You need grit, growth, and guts.

Read how she built her leadership from prayer, policies, and purpose.

Nazmeera Mayet didn’t end up in a hospital, she ended up saving businesses instead. A Senior Accountant with 10+ years of experience, she’s walked the talk: from banking risk to audit trails to mentoring the next gen. Her days start with prayer, end with purpose, and somewhere in between, you might catch her baking a cake with the same precision she brings to financials.

Her mantra? “Nothing is worth your mental health, there’s always a solution.”

“I built the finance department from scratch, and watched it thrive.”

Thapelo Monyemohonoe isn’t just balancing books, she’s balancing budgets, boardrooms, and being a present mom. Her journey from childhood cash counts to Senior Accountant success is filled with strategy, growth, and grace.

This is what it looks like when leadership is lived, not just learned.

“I had to cancel my article contract, not because I gave up, but because I was breaking.”

When depression hit, Bhekikhaya didn’t fake fine. He paused, recalibrated, and came back clearer. Now a Brand Accountant, he’s blending technical skill with emotional intelligence, mentoring others while staying rooted in his truth.

This is what accounting looks like when you're brave enough to be real.

"No one is coming to save me. I am my own backup."

Marianne Snyders doesn’t just manage silos, she manages chaos, deadlines, burnout, and ambition with brutal honesty. From late-night journals to early gym sessions, her journey is proof that accounting isn’t just technical, it’s deeply personal.

This isn’t just a career story. It’s a survival strategy.

Nomthandazo Mkhonza is more than a forensic accountant. She’s a watchdog for the fiscus, a mentor in the trenches, and a proud soccer mom who lives by one rule: work hard, then switch off.

From almost studying IT to becoming a Certified Fraud Examiner, her story is one of redirection, resilience, and real impact, the kind that helps SARS recover what corruption tried to steal.

She didn’t choose accounting. It chose her. And South Africa’s better for it.

Read her full story. Be inspired. Then go make your impact.

"I don’t push things to tomorrow — I work ahead, stay focused, and keep my energy high through discipline and movement."

Noluvuyolwetu Ginyigazi (née Qokweni), a Management Accountant at SABC, leads with clarity and calm in the high-stakes world of public broadcasting finance. Whether managing millions, mentoring teammates, or holding the line on compliance, her story proves that consistency beats chaos, and that accountants can be culture-shapers too.

“I thought finance professionals like me stayed in the background, until they handed me an award.”

Rumbidzai Hove went from loving accounting in primary school to managing FP&A across borders at a fintech giant. She’s proof that real impact doesn’t need a spotlight but deserves one.

This is a story about leadership, visibility, and redefining what it means to be a modern finance professional. Read how Rumbidzai’s strategy, mentorship, and multitasking magic power digital finance across Africa.

“I can. I will.”

Sumina Chetty’s finance journey started beside her father’s calculator and never lost momentum.

Today, she’s the strategic force behind the numbers at LDM Quantity Surveyors, managing tight cash flows, mentoring her team, and proving that personal setbacks don’t stop professional breakthroughs. With over a decade in the game and a BCom degree earned through grit, Sumina is balancing more than books, she’s building a legacy.

“Whatever you start, make sure you finish it.”

Sheadean Jacobs lives this advice every day, from completing SAICA articles to managing complex reconciliations and inventory under tight deadlines. Driven by self-motivation, prioritisation, and a love for problem-solving, Sheadean proves that excellence in finance isn’t about titles, it’s about tenacity.

“If in doubt whether to do the right thing or the good thing, choose the good.”

Princesley Mbanga is redefining what it means to be a young accountant in South Africa.

With just a few years under his belt, he’s already leading teams, managing cash flow, and reconciling chaos with calm, all while staying grounded in lifelong learning and open-door mentorship.

This isn’t your typical finance journey. It’s personal, principled, and powerful.

“If you’re not drawing, you’re dying.”

Pakamisa Feleni lives by this mantra, and it shows.

A 5am starter with 10+ years in finance, he’s tackling compliance failures, mentoring future finance pros, and studying data science, all while holding the line on internal controls in the public sector.

This isn’t just accounting. It’s purpose-driven leadership.

From C-student to 94% in Matric.

From new mom to financial mentor.

Kimberleigh Naomi Naidoo is proof that passion can be learned, and leadership is earned. As a financial accountant juggling reports, clients, and nappy changes, she’s not just keeping the books in order, she’s shaping the financial backbone of her company.

Kimberleigh doesn’t just balance spreadsheets. She balances it all.

As a Financial Accountant at BASF Catalysts South Africa, Nosisa blends sharp financial strategy with deep emotional intelligence. From mastering Afrikaans through sheer determination to guiding one of the top-performing finance departments globally, her career is a testament to grit, grace, and grounded leadership.

She doesn’t just manage cash flows and compliance, she protects her team, speaks truth to power, and makes room for mental wellness in high-pressure environments.

“I got judged for being too young to lead. So I led anyway.”

Jerine Chetty didn’t wait for permission — she proved her worth in one of SA’s largest retail groups. From 5:30am starts to mentoring clerks, she’s rewriting what young leadership in finance looks like.

“I failed every prep test and still passed APC first time.”

Alzaan Patrick, Audit Senior at AGSA, knows what it means to fight through doubt. Her journey from failure to first-time APC success isn’t just inspiring, it’s a masterclass in grit. Today, she leads complex audits, mentors trainees, and proves that calm confidence is a leadership superpower.

“Tenacity and emotional intelligence, that’s how you win in this game.”

Phano Khalema AGA(SA) isn’t just running audits, he’s rethinking how small firms stay solvent, compliant, and confident. From adjusting billing models to mentoring teammates on professional English and mindset, he’s proof that soft skills can drive hard results.

“There’s money to be made, if you’re agile, ethical, and tech-savvy.”

When most of us are hitting snooze, Thumeka is already praying, not just for strength, but for strategy. As a Financial Advisor at Old Mutual, she turns client skepticism into trust, one honest conversation at a time. Her journey isn’t about titles, it’s about transformation.

From guiding new team members to standing firm during tough client calls, Thumeka brings both heart and hustle to her role.