Danielle Cloete, Finance Manager
Finance Manager
Current Experience:
Finance Manager at SafariNow Jan 2024 - Present · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Past Experience:
Finance Team Leader at SafariNow Mar 2022 - Jan 2024 · (1 yr 11 mos)
Finacial Accountant at Hubble Studios · Full-time Sep 2021 - Mar 2022 · (7 mos)
Accountant at Brand Engineering SA (Pty) Ltd · Full-time Mar 2021 - Aug 2021 · (6 mos)
Financial Accountant at PARKDEV SA · Full-time Feb 2020 - Mar 2021 · (1 yr 2 mos)
Article Clerk at Uytenbogaardt Professional Accountants Nov 2016 - Feb 2020 · (3 yrs 4 mos)
Education:
BCom Financial Accounting
Postgraduate Diploma Business Administration
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Danielle Cloete, Financial Manager at Safarinow.com, a night owl who believes accounting “just made sense” … until she realised it could do much more than balance numbers.
For Danielle, finance isn’t about ticking boxes.
It’s about clarity. Precision. Value.
From being the sole financial employee in a tech company to leading a team and bridging the gap between departments, she’s proof that designation is only the beginning, growth is a daily decision.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
09:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Honestly, I’m not a morning person, so the first hour can be a bit grumpy. I stick to a solid routine though and usually spend that time handling admin tasks and setting up my day so everything runs smoothly.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest started because it simply made sense to me. Over time, that grew into a deeper interest in understanding the numbers and using them in a way that adds real value while keeping things clear and accessible for everyone involved.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Qualifying for my designation on my first attempt was a major milestone for me. I was later headhunted to become the sole finance professional for a tech company, which pushed me to grow quickly and take full ownership of the role. Being recognised as SAIPA Women of the Month was another proud moment. More than any single achievement, a defining part of my journey has been the ongoing realisation of how far I’ve come and the fact that I’m still actively taking steps to keep developing and moving forward.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I’m the Financial Manager for the Safarinow.com finance team. I oversee all finance functions, support and guide the team where needed, and act as the link between finance and the other teams within the business to make sure everything stays aligned.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
Safarinow is a relatively small company within the wider group, so accuracy and timeliness are especially important. Our finance team focuses on delivering precise, reliable results. From a strategic perspective, we contribute by producing reports that support forecasting and by identifying processes that can be implemented to drive sustainable growth across the business.
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 has been managing people with very different personalities. I worked through this by taking the time to engage with individuals, understand their perspectives, and build common ground so we could work towards shared goals and growth.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I use the standard accounting software that most finance departments rely on. Beyond that, I focus on creating solid processes and practical workarounds, so there are backup procedures in place if systems fail and the team isn’t left stuck. I also place a strong emphasis on understanding the “why” behind processes, which helps me continuously identify opportunities for improvement.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I try not to let stress take over, especially during busy periods. Having a clear to-do list helps me keep track of what needs attention, prioritise what’s urgent, and recognise what can wait. I also make a point of delegating tasks, both to support others’ development and to avoid disrupting how they work. Strong time management is what ultimately helps me stay ahead and meet deadlines.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I love reading and try to get through as many books as I can whenever I have the time. I also enjoy binging a good series when one catches my attention. Getting away to small dorpies and enjoying a slower pace of life really helps me recharge, and when time allows, I enjoy visiting interesting wine estates as well.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I support my team by encouraging continuous learning and development. This includes formal avenues like academic courses as well as practical opportunities such as workshops to build emotional intelligence and other soft skills.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I’d encourage anyone aspiring to work in finance to have confidence in themselves and their skills, while recognising that there’s always more to learn. Be open to learning from others and willing to share your knowledge as well. On the practical side, develop a broad understanding of accounting software, and when you join a company, take the time to upskill in any specific systems they use. Above all, as an accounting professional, remember that your integrity is inseparable from who you are, it’s what will define your career.
“Success comes in overalls”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
A leadership lesson that’s stuck with me came from a senior who advised me: even when you trust the evidence presented, always take the time to verify it. I’ve found this applies not just in finance, but in life more broadly as well.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
A fun fact about me is that I can’t ride a bike, but somehow I have a knack for remembering all the names of celebrity kids.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
I’d choose telepathy being able to read minds would let me solve problems in a fraction of the time.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy is strong time management, combined with stepping away from long tasks periodically.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I would relive the day I passed my PE exam. It was a defining moment that confirmed all the hard work and challenges I had faced were worth it.
Danielle’s journey is a reminder of something we don’t say enough in this profession: Integrity is non-negotiable. Verification matters. And growth never stops.
If you’re building your career, leading a team, or pushing through your own exam season, take this as your sign. You’re closer than you think.
And if you want the professional recognition, tools, and support to keep levelling up
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to strengthen your credibility, grow your influence, and protect your professional future.
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