Althea Goezaar, Finance Manager
Finance Manager
Current Experience:
Finance Manager at Sovereign Foods (Pty) Ltd Oct 2022 - Present · (3 yrs 6 mos)
Financial Accountant at Sovereign Foods (Pty) Ltd Jan 2015 - Present · (11 yrs 3 mos)
Past Experience:
Accounting Clerk at Moore Stephens WK Inc Jan 2012 - Dec 2014 · (3 yrs)
Education:
BCom Accounting and Finance
Postgraduate Diploma Professional Accountant in practice
Postgraduate Degree Internal Auditing
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
For many finance professionals, success is built on discipline, persistence, and a genuine passion for numbers. Althea Miles, Financial Manager at Sovereign Foods, embodies all three. With more than a decade of experience in accounting and finance, Althea’s journey reflects a commitment to growth that began as early as her article years, where determination and hard work earned her the title of Accounting Clerk of the Year. Today, she continues to apply that same dedication in leading financial operations, ensuring compliance, and driving cost-saving strategies within her organisation.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I spend the first hour of my morning in prayer.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting began in high school, where I discovered that I enjoyed working with numbers and analysing figures.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of my key career milestones was during my articles, when I set a personal goal to become Accounting Clerk of the Year. It required a great deal of hard work and dedication, and in my final year of articles I achieved that goal and received the trophy. More recently, another defining moment was graduating and being promoted to Finance Manager
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I serve as the Finance Manager.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute to the organisation’s financial strategy in several ways, particularly by supporting cost-saving efforts and ensuring that the company remains compliant with all tax regulations.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing difficult situations where alignment is needed. I’ve found that clear communication and mutual understanding are essential when overcoming challenges. Working together as a team and focusing on our shared goal of doing our best and achieving the desired outcomes helps move things forward successfully.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on strong attention to detail to ensure all processing is completed accurately. I also hold weekly Monday morning team meetings to communicate our priorities, set daily goals, and plan the work for the week ahead to help keep financial operations running smoothly.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I make it a priority to stay balanced by spending time at the gym and focusing on my well-being. During busy periods, it’s especially important to set aside time for yourself so you don’t lose your sense of balance while managing work demands.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym, cooking for my husband, spending time catching up with friends, and simply relaxing at home to recharge and unwind.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I support and mentor members of the finance team. I believe development comes from learning through experience, so I encourage team members to review their mistakes, correct them, and redo tasks themselves rather than simply doing the work on their behalf.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I would advise anyone aspiring to work in a finance department to complete their studies and seek opportunities to learn in a supportive work environment, especially under a manager who encourages growth and development. No matter where you are in your career, it’s important to make the most of every learning opportunity.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
A valuable leadership lesson in my career has been to always offer help and support wherever I am able to.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I stay productive during long workdays by listening to music.
Althea’s story highlights the power of perseverance, teamwork, and faith in building a meaningful career in finance. From mentoring her team to maintaining balance through discipline and personal time, she believes success comes from making the most of every opportunity and supporting those around you.
Her journey serves as inspiration for aspiring finance professionals who are committed to learning, growing, and making a difference within their organisations.
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