Dedrei Hoffman, Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:Accountant at Mellets Transport Full-time Mar 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 3 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Professional Accountant (SA) Nel & Vennote Rekenmeesters Ingelyf Jul 2021 - Dec 2022 · (1 yr 6 mos)
Financial Accounting Trainee
Nel & Vennote · Internship
Jan 2019 - Jul 2021 · (2 yrs 7 mos)
Qualifications:Bcom Accounting
Bcom (Honours) Accounting
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Some people enter accounting for the numbers. Dedrei Hoffman stayed for the impact.
With a love for economics that started in grade 9, Dedrei has turned that early passion into real results, from managing accounting operations at Mellets Transport to scoring one of the top marks in the SAIPA professional evaluation. Whether she’s balancing books or riding mountain passes on the back of a motorcycle, she leads with focus, discipline, and drive.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Drinking coffee in the garden
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I discovered my interest in accounting and economics back in ninth grade and quickly realized how much I enjoyed working with numbers and understanding financial systems.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Some key milestones in my career include being promoted to a managerial position during my third year of SAIPA articles, being appointed as a SAIPA training officer, and achieving the second-highest mark in the December 2021 SAIPA professional evaluation.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I'm a accountant
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute to the overall financial strategy by efficiently handling all financial and accounting responsibilities, implementing strong cost control measures, and analyzing financial data to identify opportunities for improvement
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 is time management, especially on days when the workload feels larger than the hours available. To manage this, I prioritize by handling the quicker, simpler tasks first, which helps build momentum and significantly lightens the overall load. More often than not, this approach allows me to complete everything within the workday.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To effectively manage the company’s financial operations, I use a combination of financial management tools such as Sage, along with integrated systems that connect accounting software, payroll, and payment processors, saving time and minimizing errors. I also rely heavily on Microsoft Excel for budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliations, and I monitor cash flow closely. Collaboration with the rest of the accounting team is also key to ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I make it a priority to exercise at least three times a week and spend at least an hour each day outdoors to get some fresh air and clear my mind.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, either gardening or going for a cycle. I also like to unwind with a good book.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
We support one another by reviewing each other’s work and offering help whenever needed. This collaborative approach not only ensures accuracy but also creates opportunities for continuous learning and skill development within the team.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice to anyone aspiring to work in a finance department is to develop strong time management skills, it’s essential for staying on top of deadlines and avoiding unnecessary stress. Accuracy is also critical; even small typing errors can have significant consequences in finance, so always take the time to double-check your work
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
“Do what you love, love what you do.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned is that supporting others in achieving their goals doesn’t diminish your own success.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I’m quite adventurous, I love traveling to stunning places on the back of a motorcycle.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
The ability to read minds.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Coffee!
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
It would be the day I received the email with my Professional Evaluation results, confirming I ranked in the top ten. It felt like a dream come true and was the moment I truly understood the power of positive manifestation
Dedrei’s story reminds us that excellence is built one decision, one late night, and one well-balanced spreadsheet at a time. Her secret? Good coffee, clean data, and a mindset that lifts others while climbing.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to grow your career with confidence, clarity and a little adventure.
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