Cameron Naidoo, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:
Financial Accountant at JCDecaux Jun 2024 - Present · (1 yr 3 mos)
Past Experience:
Audit Senior at Crowe Full-time Jan 2022 - Jun 2024 · (2 yrs 6 mos)
Auditor at Crowe Feb 2020 - Jun 2024 (4 yrs 5 mos)
Homeloan Specialist at Nedbank Feb 2013 - Dec 2019 · (6 yrs 11 mos)
Staff Banker Onboarding National Level at Nedbank Aug 2012 - Feb 2013 (7 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in internal auditing
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Raised by his grandparents in a home where financial stability was a fantasy, Cameron didn’t stumble into accounting, he fought for it. At 32, while others were climbing the ladder, he was starting at the bottom… again. And yet, through grit, growth, and a refusal to be boxed in, he emerged as a Chartered Global Management Accountant driving strategic finance at JCDecaux South Africa.
This isn’t a feel-good story. It’s a power move. And it’s one every finance professional under pressure should read.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
07:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my morning by going over what I need to get done for the day and spending some time reading.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
Growing up with very little and being raised by my grandparents taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and the need for stability. Early on, I knew I wanted a career that could offer both security and flexibility, something that would help me build a solid future and also support others in doing the same.
What drew me to accounting and finance is how essential they are to every organization. They sit at the core of decision-making and growth. I’ve always been interested in how businesses succeed, and I see finance as the link between potential and progress.
My background has fueled my drive to succeed in a field that not only offers personal stability but also gives me the chance to make a real difference for the people and companies I work with.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A few key moments really stand out in my career:
Attending my first graduation, it was a proud and emotional milestone.
Leaving Nedbank after 13 years to start my articles at 32. I was the oldest first-year trainee at my firm, while the youngest was just turning 21.
Being named Employee of the Year by the audit partners at Crowe, a firm that taught me so much and shaped my work ethic.
Qualifying as a CGMA and receiving those membership certificates, which meant a lot after years of hard work.
Making the move from audit to corporate. It was a difficult decision, but I’m incredibly grateful for the supportive leaders I’ve had along the way, and especially for the one I currently work with, who’s truly the best person to work for.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
As a financial accountant, my main responsibilities include financial reporting, preparing annual financial statements, and acting as the point of contact for both internal and external auditors. That said, the role often goes beyond these key areas. I’m also involved in stock takes, liaising with debtors, handling tax-related queries, doing revenue analysis, performing reconciliations, and stepping in wherever needed to support the finance team and contribute to the overall success of the organisation.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As a financial accountant, I support the business’s financial strategy through both my core responsibilities and broader involvement across the finance function. My main focus is on financial reporting and preparing accurate, compliant annual financial statements, which help give leadership a clear view of the company’s financial position. I also manage communication with internal and external auditors to maintain transparency and ensure the integrity of our financial processes.
In addition to that, I contribute by getting involved in various areas when needed, helping with stock takes to keep inventory accurate, working with debtors to improve cash flow, resolving tax queries, and analysing revenue to highlight growth opportunities. I also handle reconciliations and offer support across the team to help everything run smoothly.
By combining technical skills with a practical, team-oriented approach, I help make sure the finance function stays aligned with the business’s bigger picture and strategic goals.
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 as a financial accountant was balancing the demands of being the main point of contact for both internal and external auditors while keeping day-to-day financial operations on track. Managing audit requests alongside regular responsibilities like reconciliations, stock takes, and tax queries required strong time management and clear priorities.
To manage it all, I took a structured approach. I built out detailed timelines and checklists to stay on top of audit deliverables and delegated routine tasks to the team where possible to keep things moving. I also made sure communication with auditors was open and proactive, which helped resolve issues quickly and avoid delays.
This experience highlighted the importance of staying flexible, working closely with the team, and always keeping the bigger picture in mind. With solid planning and support, I was able to meet deadlines and keep both the audit process and regular operations running smoothly.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To manage the company’s financial operations effectively, I use a mix of tools, processes, and practical strategies. Financial software plays a key role in supporting accurate reporting, reconciliations, and data analysis. These systems help keep financial information current and reliable, which is critical for both compliance and informed decision-making.
On the strategic side, I focus on staying organised and planning ahead. I build out timelines for major deliverables like financial reports and audits, making sure deadlines are met without sacrificing quality. I also use checklists and workflows to keep track of progress and catch any issues early on.
Collaboration is just as important. I work closely with auditors, the finance team, and other departments to keep processes running smoothly and address any challenges quickly. Keeping communication open helps ensure everyone’s aligned and working toward the same goals.
In the end, it’s about combining technical know-how with efficient systems and strong teamwork to keep the financial function running smoothly and in line with the company’s overall direction.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Whenever I get the chance, I try to unwind with my amazing wife, whether it’s going out for a nice meal or catching a movie together. I also try to make time for the gym when I can.
One of the things I’m most grateful for is having worked with incredible leaders at Nedbank, Crowe, and now JCDecaux. During stressful periods, they’ve always been supportive and understanding. I’ve been able to have open, honest conversations whenever I’ve felt overwhelmed, and the people around me have consistently reminded me to prioritise my wellbeing.
Their support has made it easier to step back when needed and remember that my health and balance come first, even during the busiest times.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I really enjoy spending time with my wife and family, just getting out together, whether it’s for a meal or a day out. I’m a big fan of movies, and I also enjoy swimming and heading to the driving range to hit a few golf balls. Whenever I get the chance, I like to spend time in nature too, it’s a great way to recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
While I don’t have a formal mentorship role, I actively support my colleagues in the finance team and encourage their professional growth. I’m always available to listen, offer guidance, and share what I’ve learned along the way. For instance, I’ve encouraged teammates to pursue further studies and given advice on how to juggle work and academics effectively.
I also lead by example in my day-to-day work, whether it's through handling reconciliations, preparing reports, or working with auditors. I make an effort to explain complex tasks, help out when someone’s stuck, and create a space where people feel comfortable asking questions.
I believe a strong team is built through knowledge-sharing and support, and I take pride in helping others grow and succeed in their roles.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Believe in yourself, confidence is key to overcoming challenges. I’ve faced plenty of doubters, but staying focused and trusting in my abilities helped me push through. Don’t be afraid to take risks, and don’t let comparisons to friends or colleagues hold you back or make you your own worst critic.
As for skills, it might sound obvious, but mastering Excel is essential. There are plenty of resources available, so take the time to really get comfortable with it.
When it comes to knowledge, keep learning constantly. People often say knowledge is power, and that’s true, develop a genuine interest in accounting, stay curious, and soak up as much information as you can. That mindset will take you far.
“In the words of the great Nelson Mandela; he said, Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
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Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your caree
A leadership lesson that’s stuck with me is to always put yourself first by trusting yourself and your instincts. And remember, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help when you need it.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
When you first meet me, I can come across as quiet and a bit awkward, but once we get to know each other, I’m actually quite talkative.
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 with complete accuracy. Being able to anticipate market changes, revenue shifts, and economic developments would let me offer strategic advice that helps the business stay ahead and avoid risks before they happen.
While we rely on tools and analysis to make informed decisions, having this kind of insight would take financial planning to a whole new level. It would let me add even more value and make a real difference in the company’s success.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
In finance, long workdays are pretty much the norm. Besides the usual coffee boost, which sometimes feels more like a coping mechanism, I’ve found listening to binaural beats on YouTube really helps me stay focused and motivated throughout the day.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the last day of my articles induction. It wasn’t in my current role, but that day stands out because I was about to start an exciting journey alongside a diverse group of new friends. I felt a mix of excitement and nerves, and I knew that feeling meant I was about to begin something meaningful and important.
Cameron’s story reminds us: titles don’t define you, your tenacity does.
Whether you’re juggling audits or chasing recognition, you’re not alone, and you're not done.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn resilience into recognition, and pressure into power.
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