Celine Moodley, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:Financial Accountant at The Unlimited · Full-time Jan 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 6 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Junior Accountant at PKF South Africa Full-time Aug 2022 - Dec 2022 · (5 mos)
SAIPA Trainee Accountant at PKF South Africa Aug 2019 - Jul 2022 (3 yrs)
Qualifications:BCom Accounting and Finance
Higher Certificate in Business Principles and practice
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Meet Celine Gabrielle Moodley, a Financial Accountant at The Unlimited Group, Investments Division, whose precision with numbers is matched only by her passion for people. From early mornings spent in meditation to managing high-volume reporting cycles, Celine blends calm discipline with sharp financial insight. Raised among accountants, she found her path early and has been blazing trails ever since.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start my mornings with a quiet moment of prayer and meditation to ground myself for the day. Then I have a cup of green tea while going over my schedule.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting began early on, growing up around family members who worked in the field. That exposure gave me a unique insight into the profession. During high school and university, I found that I genuinely enjoyed working with numbers and analyzing data. The combination of my analytical mindset and the influence of my family helped confirm that accounting was the right path for me.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
There have been several key milestones that have shaped my career as a Financial Accountant. Earning my Bachelor’s degree laid the groundwork for my professional journey. Completing my SAIPA articles at PKF Durban was a turning point, offering practical experience and fostering significant growth. Becoming a Professional Accountant (SA) was a proud moment that reinforced my dedication to the profession.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as a Financial Accountant at The Unlimited Group, managing a diverse portfolio of clients with a focus on Investments and Family Office. My role covers a wide range of financial accounting duties and involves close collaboration with different departments. I’m responsible for in-depth financial analysis, preparing detailed reports, and drafting accurate financial statements.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute to the business’s financial strategy by collaborating closely with both clients and internal teams to ensure accuracy in reporting and analysis. The financial reports I prepare are timely and precise, offering key insights that help guide strategic planning and give a clear view of the company’s financial position.
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 was managing a high volume of financial data and tight deadlines during a busy reporting cycle, all while navigating different personalities and a fast-paced environment. I tackled this by staying organized, using technology effectively, encouraging teamwork, and strengthening communication. This helped me handle the workload efficiently and deliver accurate reports on time.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To manage financial operations effectively, I rely on accounting software like XERO to simplify processes and ensure accurate reporting. I also make use of automation tools to boost efficiency and reduce time spent on routine tasks, which allows me to focus on more strategic and high-priority work.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
During busy periods, I stay balanced by prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance, and setting clear deadlines to stay focused. I also make a point to take regular breaks during the day, which helps me recharge and maintain both productivity and mental well-being.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy trying out new recipes in the kitchen, it’s a fun and creative way for me to explore different cuisines. I also really value spending time with family and friends, as it brings a sense of joy and balance to my life.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice would be to stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and new technologies. Continuous learning, through webinars, courses, or reading, is key to staying current. Strong communication skills and sharp attention to detail are also vital for thriving in a finance role.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." – Theodore Roosevelt
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
One important leadership lesson I’ve learned is to embrace failure as a chance to grow. Viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn not only helps us improve personally but also fosters a team culture focused on continuous development, innovation, and progress.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something you might not know about me is that I love traveling and discovering different cultures. Exploring new places and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds is something I find really exciting.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
The ability to pause time.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I tackle the most important or difficult tasks first, while my energy is at its peak. I break my workload into smaller, manageable parts to maintain focus and monitor progress. Regular breaks also help me stay refreshed and avoid burnout.
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 day I received my SAIPA board exam results and learned that I had passed. That moment was unforgettable, seeing my hard work pay off and reaching such an important milestone brought me great pride and joy. It reinforced the value of perseverance and staying focused on my goals.
Celine’s story is a reminder that balance, curiosity, and resilience fuel growth, in finance and in life. Whether it’s through automation, strategic reporting, or nurturing her love for cooking and travel, she leads with heart and excellence. Join CIBA and meet more professionals like Celine, building a stronger, smarter financial future for South Africa.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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