Cindy De Lange, Junior Manager (Copy)
Group Management Accountant
Current Experience:
Junior Manager at Protea Financial Full-time (Feb 2018 - Present)
Past Experiences:
Accountant at Protea Financial Feb 2018 - May 2025 · (7 yrs 4 mos)
CA (SA) Trainnee accountant at PKF South Africa Feb 2015 - Jan 2018 · (3 yrs)
APDP Claims at PKF South Africa Feb 2015 - Jan 2018 · (3 yrs)
Qualifications:
BCom Honours Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
“I can do hard things.”
That’s not a motivational quote, it’s Cindy de Lange’s career motto. From audit trainee to junior manager at a fast-scaling US-based bookkeeping firm, she’s not just crunching numbers, she’s lifting teams, mentoring futures, and reshaping what leadership in finance looks like.
If you’ve ever felt like you had to be everything, accountant, leader, tech whiz, therapist, read on. Cindy’s story proves you’re not alone. And that soft skills? They’re not soft at all. They’re the edge.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start by making sure the family is set up for the day, then I head to the gym for a workout.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I see accounting as a way to help people bring structure to their goals and turn them into practical steps for growth.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I finished my CA(SA) audit traineeship with PKF in 2018 after passing both board exams and registering as a CA(SA). After that, I joined a small remote bookkeeping firm as an accountant, where I built up solid experience. I was promoted to senior accountant in 2021 and later to junior manager, all within the same company. Watching the firm grow and knowing I contributed to its 11-year journey has been incredibly rewarding.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I’m not part of a finance department. I work as a junior manager at a U.S.-based bookkeeping firm.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
Our mission is to offer better accounting to every client, no matter their size. My part in that is keeping our team motivated and performing at a high level so our clients stay happy with the work we deliver. That supports client retention and helps the business continue to grow.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
As an accountant, numbers come naturally to me, but stepping into a junior manager role made me realise I needed to focus more on people. Investing time in building core interpersonal and leadership skills has been essential, and it completely changed how I approach my work.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
In our bookkeeping firm, we’ve strengthened our tech stack for both our team and our clients. We work with real-time cloud accounting tools like QuickBooks Online, NetSuite and Reach Reporting, which allow us to give management accurate and timely information so they can make informed decisions about their operations.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
Setting clear boundaries helps a lot, and I make sure my family and team understand them. Sticking to a steady routine also keeps me grounded, and I always carve out time for the things that recharge me so I have the energy to handle what’s next.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I enjoy starting my day at the gym because it helps me reset and stay focused. I also love spending time with my family and friends, good company and a bit of laughter always do the trick. As a family we’re quite active, and we often go fishing or spend time in the bush. Being out in nature is one of the best ways for me to recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I currently manage the performance of three team members outside my client teams, and I also mentor and support staff across six of my clients. I make an effort to understand each person’s strengths, interests and career goals because it helps me figure out how to support their growth in a meaningful way.
On the technical side, we handle development through internal training, SOPs and hands-on guidance, and I keep communication open through an open-door or MS Teams approach. When someone is stuck, I often ask, “How do you think we should approach this?” It gives them space to think it through and build confidence in their own judgement.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
If you’ve completed a degree in finance, you likely already have the technical knowledge. To stand out and future-proof your career, it’s crucial to focus on foundational skills, often called soft skills, that aren’t covered in school, and to fully embrace technology in the workplace.
“I can do hard things”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
Seek feedback from your team, understanding how others see you is essential for personal growth and helps you identify where you can improve as a leader.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I’m a bit of a sneaker enthusiast.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
The ability to read a room and respond effectively, connecting with people on a deeper level.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I start by clearing my triage in Karbon, our email management system, which is a game changer. Then I plan my day in blocks for each client or task and make sure to take short energy breaks after intensive work.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I’d relive the day I got the SMS while driving home that I’d passed my second ITC Board exam, meaning I was on my way to becoming a CA (SA). It was a proud moment for me and my parents, and it marked the start of new opportunities and greater freedom in my career.
Cindy’s journey is proof that professional growth isn’t about titles, it’s about traction. Want to lead, mentor, and scale like she did?
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to build a practice that works, for you, your team, and your future.
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