Clinton Kotzee, Group Finance Manager
Group Finance Manager
Current Experience:
Group Finance Manager at Raid Risk Management · Full-time Sep 2024 - Present · (1 yr 4 mos)
Past Experiences:
Specialist Manager at Debtsource · Full-time Jan 2023 - Aug 2024 · (1 yr 8 mos)
Accounting Intern at Kruger & Kie / Co · Full-time Jan 2020 - Jan 2023 · (3 yrs 1 mo)
Qualifications:
Honours in Financial Accountancy
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Clinton Kotzee didn’t just “get into” finance, he knew before he left primary school that money management was his calling. Today, as a Group Financial Manager at just 28, he’s proving that experience isn’t always measured in years, it’s measured in impact.
From system audits in the Northern Cape to writing credit reports for billion-rand decisions, Clinton’s journey breaks the mould of what a traditional accountant looks like.
But his biggest challenge? Learning on the job, fast, and holding the weight of a group’s financial future on his shoulders.
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 mornings by reading and getting myself ready for the day. On weekends, it’s a bit slower, my wife and I sit with our coffee and catch up with each other.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
I’ve been drawn to numbers since I was a kid. I loved saving whatever money I had and even turned it into a game, trying to collect and manage as many resources as possible. By the time I finished primary school, I already knew I wanted to work in finance.
When I had to choose subjects, business studies, IT, and accounting felt like the natural path. I later chose to study accounting with the goal of working with cashflow and helping a business grow through better financial management — the same way I’ve always managed my own finances.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of my first key career milestones was conducting a systems audit at a mine in the Northern Cape during my articles. Up to that point, I had participated in and even led several audits, but a systems audit was entirely new, both for me and for our firm, as no one had done one before. I was selected, out of all the clerks, to carry out the audit alongside an independent auditor. I really enjoyed it because it allowed me to apply creative problem-solving to design tailored auditing criteria and see them in action.
Another significant milestone was joining a credit company in the financial services sector. I started in operations rather than a traditional accounting role, which gave me a unique perspective. I could leverage my accounting background to analyze financial statements and, combined with interviews with financial managers and directors, produce credit reports that guided major credit limit decisions. The largest individual limit I worked on was around R50 million, and the total value of the credit limits I contributed to exceeded R2 billion.
My most recent milestone is becoming a group financial manager at the age of 28, a role I currently hold and continue to grow in.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
My role in the finance department involves managing cash flow, performing cost analyses for new tenders, and preparing monthly financial results reports.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
Currently, my main focus is on maintaining the company’s financial framework by ensuring that procedures are followed for accurate and timely reporting.
When time allows, I also look for potential risks and opportunities that could impact the business. Once I have gathered enough information, I compile it into what I refer to as a “directors’ financial report.” In this report, I outline the key issues, identify their potential root causes, and suggest possible solutions
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 stepping into the role of group financial manager at a relatively young age, without much prior experience. It’s still a challenge I navigate, but I approach it by learning on the job and relying on my perseverance to work through the difficult moments. I see these experiences as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I’ve learned that strong procedures and policies are the most effective tool for managing a company’s finances. They need to be applied consistently, daily, weekly and monthly. Once you understand the process well, it becomes easier to spot areas that can be improved or sections that no longer add value, especially as technology evolves.
It also makes a big difference to have a solid mentor and a team that works well together.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I try to keep things balanced by staying active, even if it’s just light exercise. It helps clear my head. I also make time for the things I enjoy whenever I get a break, because it gives me a moment to switch off from work.
I’ve been reading more lately, including books on stress management, and I try to put those lessons into practice during busy periods.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, family and friends the most. It doesn’t matter whether we’re sharing a meal or doing something more active, it always helps me unwind.
I also set aside time just for myself with no obligations. I use that space to do whatever I feel like in the moment, whether that’s going for a walk, working in the garden or taking a long bath.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Right now, I don’t feel I have enough experience or knowledge to formally mentor anyone, but I do try to support the team in other ways. I’m always willing to encourage someone or listen when they’re having a tough day. A positive atmosphere and good teamwork matter a lot to me. As for developing skills, I’m still growing myself, so I’m not in a place yet to guide others in that area.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
In today’s world, having a solid understanding of IT and basic coding can give you a real edge, especially when you pair it with strong financial or accounting knowledge. My advice would be to study accounting and use your free time to build practical skills — start with Excel, then explore courses on systems like SAP. Learning some entry-level coding and getting familiar with different operating systems can also be useful. It’s worth reading up on AI and automation too, so you can bring smarter, more efficient processes into the workplace.
“My mantra comes from investment philosophy. You only need to improve by 1% each day. Eventually those 1%’s will accumulate over time and you’ll grow exponentially.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
The best investment you can ever make is in yourself.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Even though I work in a very analytical field, I really enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories, especially those from different countries or backgrounds.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I’d choose the ability to fly so I could skip traffic altogether and save on fuel.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I rely on plenty of coffee or water, and I take short 10–15-minute breaks to chat about something unrelated to work. It helps reset my focus.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
When I worked at the credit company, we had a specialised division focused on agricultural clients. One day we were invited to a farm to better understand their operations. I spent the day with the CEO, my HOD, and two executives from Hollard, exploring the equipment, crops and livestock, learning about the industry, and reviewing farming trends in the country. We wrapped it up with a great lunch on the farm.
Clinton’s story is proof: the fastest growth comes from doing the hard things before you feel ready.
He’s still learning. Still pushing. Still fighting imposter syndrome like many young professionals in this field. But his mindset, “1% better every day”, is what separates good accountants from the ones who build legacies.
Want to join a network that backs young finance leaders like Clinton? Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead with confidence, even before you feel ready.
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