Basimane Likhi, Financial Assistant
Financial Assistant
Current Experience:
Financial Assistant at Investgold · Full-time Jul 2024 - Present · (1 yr 2 mos)
Past Experience:
Accountant (ACCA Trainee) at IECCA LTD · Contract Oct 2023 - Jul 2024 · (10 mos)
Financial Assistant at Goldfields TVET College · Contract Mar 2022 - Oct 2023 · (1 yr 8 mos)
Sales Assistant at Managed People Solutions · Contract Oct 2021 - May 2022 · (8 mos)
Financial Administrator at Gorogang Guesthouse · Part-time Apr 2017 - Sep 2021 · (4 yrs 6 mos)
Qualifications:
Higher National Diploma Financial Management
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Ever feel like no one sees the long hours, the inventory headaches, or the juggling act between compliance and chaos?
Meet Basimane Likhi, Finance Assistant, early bird, Xero whiz, and living proof that perseverance pays off. From reconciling discrepancies across borders to balancing CPD, coding, and meditation before 9am, Basimane’s story is one every overworked finance pro needs to read.
He’s not just keeping the books, he’s changing the game.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
08:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my morning with a cup of coffee, catch up on the news, and take some time to meditate.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest was sparked by Wall Street.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of the key milestones was joining an accounting firm and starting my ACCA articles.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I handle the bookkeeping for three intercompany entities as well as one based in Mauritius.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As a Finance Assistant, I support the company’s financial strategy by keeping accurate records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and preparing timely reports. This helps management make informed decisions, manage cash flow effectively, and keep operations running smoothly in line with our financial goals.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
A major challenge I faced was dealing with inventory discrepancies between physical stock and the system records. I addressed this by introducing a more thorough reconciliation process, scheduling regular audits, and working closely with the operations team to improve communication and ensure real-time, accurate tracking of stock movements.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To manage financial operations effectively, I use Xero for bookkeeping, reconciliations, and reporting. I also focus on regular financial reviews, maintaining detailed transaction records, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Working closely with other departments helps keep everything aligned and provides timely updates for financial planning and analysis.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
During busy periods, I stay balanced by prioritizing tasks with a to-do list, focusing on the most urgent and impactful ones first. I break bigger projects into smaller steps to keep them manageable and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Taking short breaks to recharge, keeping clear deadlines, and maintaining open communication with my team also help me stay organized and productive.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and exploring the natural beauty around George, which keeps me active and helps me appreciate my surroundings. I’m also passionate about learning new skills, like coding, which contributes to my personal and professional growth. These activities help me recharge and maintain a healthy balance in life.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
As the youngest member of the finance department, I support the team by fostering collaboration and sharing insights, particularly on tools like Xero or new processes I’ve learned. While I don’t formally mentor others, I assist when needed, ask questions that encourage problem-solving, and offer fresh perspectives that help promote a culture of continuous learning.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For someone aspiring to work in a finance department, I’d recommend building a solid foundation in accounting principles and financial management. Key skills include proficiency with accounting software like Xero, strong attention to detail, and good organizational abilities. It’s also important to understand financial regulations and core processes like reconciliation, reporting, and budgeting. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important for thriving in a collaborative environment.
“One of my favorite quotes from Warren Buffett is: Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. It reminds me of the importance of making thoughtful decisions and investing in long-term growth, both personally and professionally.”
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 perseverance. Staying committed, even when faced with challenges, has taught me resilience and the importance of focusing on solutions rather than obstacles. Adapting to change and continuously improving have been essential for my growth and success.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that I have a strong memory and rarely forget people. This helps me build and maintain meaningful connections, both personally and professionally, and shows that I value the interactions I have with others.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower for my job, it would be the ability to predict financial trends accurately. This would help me make better decisions, optimize budgeting, and provide valuable insights to support the company’s financial strategy and growth.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and use the Pomodoro technique, working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break to recharge. I also prioritize tasks at the start of the day to focus on the most important activities first, which helps me maintain focus and avoid burnout.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
I would relive the day I got my job in George. It was a milestone in my finance career, opening up new opportunities for growth and development. The excitement of receiving the offer and starting this new chapter made it a truly memorable day for me and my family.
Basimane reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about stepping up, speaking up, and showing up. Every. Single. Day.
If you’re tired of being overlooked in the finance world, take a page from his book.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your grind into growth, and your skills into serious income.
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