Bronwyn Cramer, Senior Finance Manager
Senior Finance Manager
Current Experience:
Group Finance Manager at Raid Risk Management · Full-time Sep 2024 - Present · (1 yr 4 mos)
Past Experiences:
Senior Manager Finance at Toyota Connected Africa · Full-time Jul 2025 - Present · (6 mos)
Finance Manager at Michaelhouse · Full-time Nov 2020 - Jun 2025 · (4 yrs 8 mos)
Financial Manager at Durban Country Club Oct 2018 - Nov 2020 · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Finance and Admin Manager at Toyoda Gosei South Africa (Pty) Ltd Dec 2016 - Oct 2018 · (1 yr 11 mos)
Financial Manager at Frey's Food Brands Sep 2013 - Nov 2016 · (3 yrs 3 mos)
Tax Consultant at The Tax Haven 2011 - 2013 · (2 yrs)
Auditor at Buhr, Parry and Company Mar 2002 - Feb 2007 · (5 yrs)
Qualifications:
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
Bachelor of Accounting Science, Auditing and Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Bronwyn Cramer, proof that it’s never too late to bet on yourself.
She didn’t follow the typical path to becoming a Chartered Accountant. In fact, she only pursued her CA(SA) in her late 30s. But that didn’t stop her from reshaping her finance team, slashing audit delays, and leading with both clarity and compassion.
Bronwyn isn’t just ticking compliance boxes — she’s redefining what effective finance leadership looks like in the real world.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:00 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 by getting some exercise in, planning out my day, and playing a bit of chess.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, and I was drawn to how accounting helps a business clearly understand and assess its performance.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of the biggest turning points for me was choosing to pursue my CA(SA) in my late thirties. Committing to it at that stage of my life felt bold, but I ended up enjoying the journey far more than I expected, and it became a genuinely rewarding chapter in my career.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I oversee the finance function in my role as Finance Manager.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support the business by delivering clear, accurate financial reports that help guide sound decision-making.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
When I stepped into the role, there was no structured month-end close, and the audit dragged on for more than six months before the AFS were signed off. I tackled it by clarifying each team member’s responsibilities, setting clear expectations, and putting firm monthly deadlines in place.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on strong systems rather than individual habits to keep the finance function running smoothly. I also keep an open-door approach so the team can raise issues early, which helps us resolve problems quickly.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I make sure to take short breaks during the day and focus on what needs attention first. It keeps me grounded, 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 yoga, running, walking, reading, playing chess, scuba diving, and travelling.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I lead a team of six and hold regular one-on-one check-ins with each member to understand any challenges they’re facing and work together on solutions.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I would advise aspiring finance professionals to develop both technical and soft skills, as both are essential. Stay curious, ask questions, and maintain a growth mindset.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done - Nelson Mandela”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
One valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is to listen actively and genuinely, taking the time to understand each team member’s strengths and motivations to lead them effectively.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me that isn’t in my professional bio is that I enjoy scuba diving with sharks.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose a superpower for my work, it would be the ability to predict financial trends.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I take short breaks, practice mindfulness, and maintain healthy eating and regular exercise.
Bronwyn’s story reminds us that titles don’t define talent, persistence does.
She’s the kind of finance leader who lifts others, mentors actively, and makes time for scuba diving with sharks (yes, really). Whether she’s optimising month-end or teaching her team to think strategically, Bronwyn proves that excellence is a daily decision.
Want to lead like Bronwyn? Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your experience into authority — and your authority into income.
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