El-Marie Wilken, Financial Manager
Finance Manager
Current Experience:
Financial Manager at Henro Bulk Carriers · Full-time Mar 2025 - Present · (8 mos)
Past Experience:
Assistant Manager at Enslins Jan 2025 - Feb 2025 · (2 mos)
SAICA Trainee Accountant/Auditor at Enslins Jan 2021 - Dec 2024 · (4 yrs)
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet El-Marie Wilken, Financial Manager at 22.
She didn’t wait her turn. She earned her degree early, shaved a year off her articles, and stepped into a leadership role most only reach in their 30s. Now, she’s calling the financial shots at an international transport firm, while mentoring the next generation and studying before sunrise.
Her story isn’t just inspiring, it’s a reminder that competence beats age, and hustle beats hierarchy.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked because of your age, your background, or your title, this is your reminder: results speak louder.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
07:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I spend the first hour of my morning, from 5am to 6am, studying.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting started with my mother, who works in the field, and was further inspired by my high school accounting teacher.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of my key career milestones was being granted a one-year reduction in my articles, cutting the required period from five years to four after completing my degree early. This helped me fast-track my career. At just 22, I’ve already taken on the role of Financial Manager at an international transport company, a milestone that highlights my commitment, hard work, and readiness to lead.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I currently serve as the Financial Manager in my company’s finance department.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As the Financial Manager, I help shape the company’s financial strategy by ensuring accurate reporting, managing cash flow effectively, and identifying ways to reduce costs. I analyze financial data to guide key business decisions, improve profitability, and manage risks. I’m also involved in long-term planning through budgeting, forecasting, and maintaining compliance with financial regulations. In addition, I work closely with other departments to align financial objectives with the company’s overall goals, supporting sustainable growth and efficiency.
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 in my role has been earning trust because of my young age. Rather than depending only on my qualifications, I’ve worked to prove myself through action, showing my knowledge, delivering accurate results, and making sound decisions. By staying consistent, reliable, and professional, I’ve been able to build the confidence and respect of both my colleagues and stakeholders.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To manage the company’s financial operations effectively, I use a mix of financial software, strategic planning, and data analysis. Accounting and ERP systems help ensure accurate reporting, efficient processes, and real-time visibility into the company’s financial position. I also use budgeting and forecasting tools to monitor performance, spot trends, and guide informed decisions.
In addition, I implement internal controls to reduce risk, manage cash flow to maintain stability, and perform regular financial analyses to strengthen profitability. Working closely with other departments and clearly communicating financial insights also help drive better decisions and overall efficiency.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
During busy periods, I focus on managing my time effectively by planning ahead and prioritizing the most important tasks. I break large projects into smaller, manageable steps and set clear deadlines to stay on track.
When needed, I delegate tasks and trust my team to handle them well while keeping communication open to ensure everything runs smoothly.
To maintain balance, I take short breaks to recharge and make time for regular exercise to manage stress. I also remind myself to stay calm and focused on solutions, keeping the bigger picture in mind when things get hectic.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy playing netball and golf, which both help me stay active and recharge. Netball keeps me engaged in teamwork, competition, and quick decision-making, while golf gives me the space to unwind, focus, and enjoy being outdoors. Together, they help me maintain balance, discipline, and motivation in and out of work.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I actively mentor two young women who are studying and keen to advance in their accounting careers. I guide them through complex accounting concepts, practical applications, and industry best practices. Beyond technical skills, I offer career advice and share personal insights to help them navigate challenges and build confidence. My aim is to create a supportive environment where they can ask questions, gain hands-on experience, and grow both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice for anyone looking to work in a finance department is to build a solid foundation in accounting and financial principles while sharpening analytical skills and attention to detail. It’s important to understand financial reporting, budgeting, and tax regulations, but being able to interpret data and use it to guide business decisions is just as crucial.
Beyond technical expertise, focus on problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication, especially the ability to explain financial concepts to colleagues who don’t have a finance background. Gaining practical experience through internships or mentorship helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Above all, stay curious and proactive, always seeking opportunities to learn and grow in the field.
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston Churchill
This reminds me that every challenge is just part of the journey, and perseverance is what truly defines success. No matter the setbacks or achievements, the key is to keep pushing forward with resilience and determination.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A key leadership lesson I’ve learned is that respect comes from actions, not titles. Early on, I realized that people don’t automatically follow someone because of their position, they follow those who demonstrate competence, integrity, and respect for others.
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is to “lead by example.” By staying accountable, approaching challenges calmly, and committing to continuous learning, you inspire others and earn their respect through your own behavior.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me that’s not in my professional bio is that I’m really passionate about organizing and hosting events, from fundraisers to community activities. Whether it’s a charity sports day or a bingo night, I enjoy bringing people together for a good cause. It’s a great way to use my organizational skills outside of work while staying connected to my community.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower for my job, it would be instantly knowing every tax rule and how it applies. This would make navigating complex tax regulations seamless, allowing me to give accurate, efficient advice in real time, avoid costly mistakes, and stay ahead of changes in tax laws. It would save a lot of time and energy, while giving the confidence of always being fully compliant and maximizing every opportunity for tax efficiency.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I break tasks into manageable sections and set clear, short-term goals. I often use the Pomodoro Technique, working intensely for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break, to keep my energy up throughout the day.
I also prioritize tasks by urgency and importance, tackling the most complex or time-sensitive ones first. Staying organized with a to-do list helps me stay on track, and I make sure to take regular breaks to stretch, hydrate, and reset mentally. This approach keeps me focused and helps prevent burnout.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive one day in my career, it would be the day I was promoted to Financial Manager. That moment validated all the hard work, dedication, and learning I had invested in my career. It was special because it recognized my growth both professionally and personally and marked a major milestone in my journey. It also reinforced that with perseverance and a commitment to continuous learning, I could achieve the goals I set for myself. I’d love to relive that feeling of accomplishment and excitement.
El-Marie’s journey proves what CIBA believes: you don’t need a CA to lead, you need guts, skill, and the right support.
If you’re ready to charge more, earn respect, and stand out in a crowded market. Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your accounting career into a business advantage.
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