Ahmed Gadelkarim, Technical Audit Manager
Technical Audit Manager
Current Experience:
Technical Audit Manager at PKF Octagon Jan 2022 - Present · (3 yrs 11 mos)
Past Experiences:
SAICA Audit Trainee at PKF Octagon Jan 2019 - Dec 2021 · (3 yrs)
Qualifications:
BCompt Accounting
Certificate in theory of Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Ahmed Gadelkarim, a dedicated Technical Audit Manager at PKF Octagon, with over six years of expertise in accounting and auditing. As a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)), Ahmed thrives on delivering exceptional financial solutions and managing complex accounting matters for clients. With a career journey that took him from veterinary science to accounting, he brings a unique, multidisciplinary perspective to his role. Passionate about continuous learning and mentorship, Ahmed is committed to ensuring that every financial strategy aligns with PKF Octagon's mission of excellence and innovation.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
08:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
When I get to the office at PKF Octagon, I spend the first hour getting organised for the day. I look over my schedule, set my priorities and go through any important messages. Taking this time to plan helps me stay focused and ensures I’m ready to deliver quality work and thoughtful financial solutions for our clients.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting and finance started at a young age, driven by a curiosity about how businesses work and what helps them grow. I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers and tackling complex problems. That curiosity has stayed with me, and at PKF Octagon it motivates me to use my analytical approach to support clients with strong financial strategies and high-quality work.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A major milestone for me was moving into the technical department at PKF Octagon right after completing my articles. Growing from a trainee into a Technical Manager gave me the chance to guide our partners, staff and clients on complex accounting and auditing issues. This experience strengthened my technical skills and reinforced my commitment to delivering high-quality, client-focused work.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
As a Technical Manager at PKF Octagon, I’m responsible for maintaining strong accounting and auditing standards across the firm. I prepare technical opinions and support clients, partners and colleagues with guidance on complex matters. I also review financial statements and audit files to make sure they meet all the required standards and reflect high-quality work. Along with that, I help develop and monitor our quality management system, which supports the firm’s commitment to accuracy, consistency and trusted service.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support PKF Octagon’s financial strategy by helping ensure that our work consistently meets high-quality standards. Through detailed reviews, I strengthen client confidence and long-term relationships. My advisory role on complex accounting and auditing matters also helps the firm make informed decisions. And by contributing to our quality management system, I help drive compliance, continuous improvement and steady growth.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the bigger challenges has been getting different stakeholders to fully appreciate why strict compliance with accounting and auditing standards matters. I addressed this by focusing on clear, practical communication and showing how careful attention to detail directly strengthens financial management and long-term stability at PKF Octagon.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I use careful planning, clear priorities and open communication to keep things running smoothly at PKF Octagon. Setting goals and timelines helps us use our resources wisely and adjust quickly when needed. This approach supports our high standards and keeps us moving in the right direction toward our long-term goals.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced by planning my workload carefully and delegating where it makes sense. I set clear priorities and work closely with my team so we’re sharing the load in a way that keeps everything moving. I also take short breaks during the day, even if it’s just a quick walk, to reset and keep my energy up. It helps me stay focused and productive, even when things get busy.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy anything that lets me keep learning, especially when it comes to new technologies and tools that can make a difference in finance. I also value time with family and friends, whether we’re having a relaxed evening at home or spending time outdoors. Those moments help me reset and often spark new ideas that I bring back into my work at PKF Octagon.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Mentoring is an important part of how we work at PKF Octagon. I often guide team members through complex accounting and auditing issues and run training sessions to share practical knowledge. By encouraging open conversations and collaboration, I help junior colleagues build their skills and confidence, which strengthens the team as a whole.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For anyone looking to build a career in a company’s finance department, I’d suggest focusing on three main areas. First, develop a solid understanding of accounting and auditing standards, along with relevant laws and regulations. Second, strengthen your IT skills, including Excel, accounting software, and collaboration tools like Microsoft SharePoint. Finally, work on soft skills such as clear communication and teamwork, which are essential for success in any finance role.
“Anything worth doing is worth doing well. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.
This mantra perfectly captures my commitment to quality and continuous improvement. It resonates with the core values of PKF Octagon, reminding me that every task, no matter how small, contributes to our collective success.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A key leadership lesson I’ve learned is the value of pairing technical expertise with a human approach. At PKF Octagon, accuracy and precision are crucial, but it’s our focus on empathy, collaboration, and clear communication that really makes the difference and contributes to long-term success.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me is that I’m both a qualified veterinarian and a chartered accountant. Making the transition from veterinary science in Egypt to a career in accounting in South Africa has given me a unique, multidisciplinary perspective, which I bring into my work in finance.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I’d choose enhanced analytical abilities, the power to instantly evaluate the financial impact of economic changes. For example, being able to see how a 0.5% change in CPI affects a company’s net profit, while factoring in demand and consumer behaviour in real time. This ability would make my analyses faster, more precise, and more impactful.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I rely on careful planning and prioritisation. I divide my day into clear segments, setting priorities based on urgency, time required, and resources needed. Coupled with regular short breaks, this structured approach helps me stay focused, maintain energy, and consistently deliver quality results.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I would relive the moment I received confirmation from SAICA that I had passed my second board exam and earned my CA(SA) designation, at 16:05 on Friday, 23 April 2021. Knowing that all my hard work had led to this achievement made it the most special day in my career. The sense of accomplishment and recognition of my efforts was incredibly rewarding and marked a defining moment in my professional journey.
Ahmed's journey reflects the values of commitment, excellence, and professional growth. Whether he's advising clients, mentoring colleagues, or navigating complex financial strategies, his passion for quality and improvement drives him every day. If you're looking for insights on how to maintain high standards in the face of challenges, Ahmed’s story serves as a reminder that perseverance and a human-first approach in finance lead to true success.
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
