Chantelle Van der Meulen, Professional Accountant
Professional Accountant
Current Experience:
Accountant at Middel & Partners · Full-time Aug 2019 - Present · 6 yrs
Qualifications:
Postgrad Diploma in Taxation
Postgrad Certificate in Education
Bcom Economics and Business Management
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Chantelle Van der Meulen didn’t set out to become an accountant, she followed her sister’s path and found her purpose along the way.
Today, she helps startups evolve into thriving family-run businesses, proving that smart financial guidance can fuel job creation and long-term success.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start the day with meditation to clear my mind and set a calm, focused tone for the rest of the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest began when my older sister started her articles, I was inspired by her journey and decided to follow in her footsteps four years later.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
A standout part of my career has been working with startups and watching them grow into stable, successful family-run businesses. Helping business owners navigate financial management, compliance, and strategic decisions has been deeply rewarding, especially when those efforts lead to real community impact through job creation. Seeing small ventures turn into long-term, sustainable enterprises that support families and provide employment is a clear reminder of the value of solid financial planning and the determination of entrepreneurs.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I build strong client relationships by first getting to know the person behind the business. It’s important to understand their day-to-day struggles, interests, and who they are outside of work. When you take the time to connect on a personal level, it creates trust and a more meaningful working relationship. This foundation helps me offer financial advice that’s not only practical but also aligned with their values and goals, which leads to long-term partnerships based on respect and genuine care.
What are some future goals for your firm?
One of my main goals is to support startups as they grow into stable, successful businesses by offering the right financial and strategic guidance along the way. I’m also looking to broaden my international experience so I can bring fresh, global insights back to South African entrepreneurs. By applying proven international approaches and innovative financial strategies, I hope to give local startups a stronger edge in today’s competitive market.
What’s next on your professional journey?
Next in my professional journey is shifting from just historical reporting to offering clients real-time financial insights. I want to help businesses make smarter, timely decisions that support growth and long-term stability. My goal is to be more than just a compliance partner; by providing ongoing strategic support, I hope to become a trusted advisor who adds real value every day.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
For me, maintaining balance isn’t about keeping work and personal life completely separate, it’s about integrating the two in a way that feels natural. When you genuinely enjoy what you do, your work becomes part of your life in a meaningful way. I try to let both sides support and enrich each other, rather than compete. This approach helps me stay grounded, motivated, and fully engaged in both my professional and personal life.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
When I'm not working, I love spending time outdoors, mountain biking, rock climbing, or just being in nature. It’s a great way to reset. The physical challenge and fresh air help clear my mind and give me a renewed sense of energy. Whether I’m pushing through a tough trail or simply enjoying the scenery, it helps me stay balanced and ready to take on whatever’s next.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I support the growth of others in the field by creating space for learning and development. While qualifications matter, I place a strong focus on potential, offering opportunities to those who are driven and eager to grow. Through mentorship and practical experience, I aim to guide and uplift emerging professionals, helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to build rewarding careers in the industry.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Not currently, but it’s something I’m very interested in pursuing. I’d love to get involved in mentorship or local business initiatives in the future. I believe in the value of sharing knowledge and supporting others as they grow in their careers or build their businesses.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
My advice would be to follow your passion and stick to your vision. Build a network of people who motivate and support you along the way. Lead with integrity, commitment, and hard work, not through authority or fear. Most importantly, trust yourself. Don’t let doubts or others’ opinions pull you off course. Success in your own practice comes from being resilient, always learning, and having the courage to create something meaningful on your own terms.
“Follow your bliss!”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
One of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned is that growth comes from making mistakes and experiencing failure. Every setback is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. As a firm owner, I’ve come to embrace challenges as part of the journey, understanding that resilience and reflection are key to long-term success. True leadership isn’t about avoiding failure but about using it as a steppingstone to something greater.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something that might surprise people is that I love getting outdoors and embracing adventure. Whether it’s mountain biking, rock climbing, or any activity that pushes my limits, I thrive on the thrill of adventure and don’t mind getting a little dirty in the process. It’s my way of staying grounded, challenging myself, and finding balance outside of the business world.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower to help in my practice, it would be instant mastery of compliance, being able to instantly know every regulation, tax law, and financial rule around the world. That way, I could make sure none of my clients ever face compliance issues.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
During tax season or busy periods, my key to staying productive is balancing good planning with self-care. I plan my days in advance and set clear priorities to keep on track. Getting enough sleep by going to bed early helps me stay focused and efficient. I also make time for my hobbies, like mountain biking or being outdoors, which helps me recharge both mentally and physically. When necessary, I’ll put in an extra hour or two on weekends to stay ahead, making sure I meet deadlines without compromising my well-being.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive any day from my career, it would be every moment when a client has taken the time to express genuine gratitude for my hard work. Those moments reaffirm why I do what I do, helping businesses grow, easing financial stress, and making a real impact. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing my expertise has truly benefited someone, and those words of appreciation make all the long hours and challenges worthwhile.
For Chantelle, accounting is about more than compliance, it’s about impact. She’s on a mission to give SMEs the tools to grow with confidence.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your practice into a growth engine for your clients.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
Not yet a professional designated accountant?
CIBA is the professional body for all accountants.
We offer designations for each stage of your finance career:
➥ Bookkeeper
➥ Financial Administrator
➥ Financial Accountant
➥ Financial Manager
➥ Chief Financial Officer
➥ Accountant-In-Practice
Become a CIBA Member
Your first step towards a professional designation
