Anish Kooverjee, Audit Manager
Audit Manager
Current Experience:
Audit Manager at PwC South Africa Full-time Oct 2024 - Present · (1 yr 3 mos)
Past Experiences:
Senior Associate 2 at PwC South Africa Full-time Jan 2024 - Oct 2024 (10 mos)
Senior Associate at PwC South Africa Contract Jan 2023 - Dec 2023 (1 yr)
Audit Associate at PwC Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 (1 Yr)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accounting Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Science
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
“I almost gave up on becoming a CA in 2020.”
That’s the kind of honesty we don’t hear enough in the profession. Anish Kooverjee, a Manager at PwC South Africa, isn’t here to sugarcoat the journey. From failing his honours year to becoming a qualified CA(SA), he’s lived the pressure, the panic, and the purpose that drives young accountants in South Africa.
In this raw and real profile, Anish shares what it’s like navigating a high-stakes audit role, mentoring others while still finding his own feet, and learning the hard way that mindset beats marks when it comes to making it in this profession.
This isn’t a motivational poster; it’s the lived experience of someone who’s walked through fire to wear the title.
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?
I start my morning by drinking some water, checking social media, taking a shower, reflecting on the day ahead, and saying a short prayer.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting and finance grew from a desire to build a professional career. Earlier generations in my family didn’t always have the chance to pursue tertiary education, so I wanted to experience the corporate world for myself and create new opportunities.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A major milestone for me was earning my CA(SA), especially after facing setbacks in my third year and honours year. Overcoming those challenges made the achievement even more meaningful.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as an Audit Manager within the finance department.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by leading engagement teams to complete audits within the set budgets and timelines. I also assess trainees’ competencies and help determine whether they’re ready to meet the professional requirements needed to qualify and register as CAs once their articles are done.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
As someone still new to a managerial role, one of my biggest challenges has been ensuring that engagement milestones are met while balancing client expectations and supporting the team, without compromising the value our firm delivers.
I’ve learned that strong project management, staying adaptable, and maintaining high-quality service are essential in navigating these challenges. Clear and effective communication, using different channels when needed, also makes a significant difference.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on PwC’s internal digital tools, Microsoft Excel, and a daily task list to manage work efficiently.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced during busy periods by planning engagements thoroughly in advance and setting clear milestones based on a detailed project plan. I also make a point to communicate proactively with the engagement leader to ensure that ideas and strategies align with the firm’s policies and standards.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I enjoy playing golf and football, watching sports, and occasionally hitting the gym to recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
As part of my managerial role, I naturally mentor associates within the finance team. I provide ongoing guidance through on-the-job coaching, using coaching notes and offering feedback based on engagement performance and competency assessments.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Meeting deadlines is critical and non-negotiable. Consistent, proactive communication is essential, as is knowing when to seek guidance or coaching. Understanding how the corporate hierarchy and communication channels work is also important, as time is a valuable resource.
“Combat incertitude”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
I’ve learned that mindset, attitude, and effort often matter more than raw intellectual ability. The right mentality drives growth, continuous learning, and long-term development.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that in 2020, I nearly gave up on becoming a CA when I had to repeat my CTA year while balancing work and studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. That experience strengthened my mindset and determination, pushing me to put in the effort needed to succeed.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower for work, it would be the ability to duplicate myself, so I could handle all my tasks at once and finish a normal workday without needing to stay overtime.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I take coffee breaks and pause periodically to assess my progress. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly also helps, though I haven’t always been consistent with these habits.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
If I could relive one day in my career, it would be the day I received my final board exam results and had my articles officially signed off. That moment was special because it marked my registration as a CA(SA) and made me realise that my journey as an established professional was just beginning. The uncertainty of what lay ahead motivated me to set new goals and strive to improve every day.
Anish’s story is the reminder we all need: your struggle doesn’t disqualify you, it defines you.
In a world obsessed with clean LinkedIn bios and polished success stories, we need more CAs who’ll tell the truth: the late nights, the self-doubt, the small wins that mean everything. His journey proves that resilience is just as important as results.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your setbacks into stepping stones, and charge what you’re truly worth.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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