Grace Ramatlo, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:Financial Accountant at FTMG Corporate Advisory Services Contract Oct 2024 - Present · (8 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Audit Senior at BDO UK LLP · Full-time Feb 2023 - Jul 2024 · (1 yr 6 mos)
Trainee Accountant at SNG Grant Thornton · Contract Feb 2020 - Feb 2023 · (3 yrs 1 mos)
Qualifications:Advanced Diploma, Accounting and Finance
Certificate of theory in Accounting
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Mmasetshaba Grace Ramatlo didn’t just dream of making an impact, she built her career around it.
Rooted in purpose and powered by grit, Grace turned childhood challenges into a clear calling: reshape South Africa’s economy through ethical, intelligent finance. Today, as a Financial Accountant at FTMG Africa, she’s bringing structure, strategy, and strength to every statement, every system, and every success.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
10:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Plan the day ahead over a cup of coffee.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
Growing up in the townships, I saw firsthand the economic struggles that many South Africans face. From a young age, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to be part of the solution. I realised that a career in accountancy could give me the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth and development. It also aligned naturally with my passion for maths and accounting, making it a clear path forward.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Completing my CTA after three attempts was a major milestone, it taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Relocating to the UK pushed me to adapt quickly, both professionally and personally. I took on new challenges and embraced a completely different environment.
I also played a key role in the timely sign-off of the audit for one of the world’s largest companies during busy season, often working into the early hours.
Finally, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant was the fulfilment of a childhood dream, a moment I’ll always be proud of.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I'm a Financial Accountant.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As a financial accountant, I support the organisation’s overall financial strategy by maintaining accurate records in line with good business practice and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). My role is key in helping ensure the organisation remains profitable and financially stable.
Beyond managing the organisation’s financial performance, I’m also responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including the Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, and supply chain policies and procedures.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Transitioning from audit to a financial accounting role as a newly qualified accountant came with its challenges. The shift in pace and focus was significant, while audit work centered on compliance and verification, financial accounting required a more hands-on approach to preparing statements, conducting financial analysis, and contributing to strategic planning.
To adapt, I took time to deepen my understanding of financial reporting and the wider business landscape. I leaned on the guidance of experienced colleagues, took part in workshops and online training, and committed to continuous learning. Seeking regular feedback also helped me grow in confidence and become a more effective contributor to the finance team.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I use forecasting tools to track targets and guide financial planning, while financial analytics help me assess performance and spot trends. Shared drives and other collaboration tools keep the finance team aligned, and regular reviews ensure we stay on track with quarterly goals. I also prioritise continuous learning to stay current with industry standards. Together, these strategies help me support strong financial management and contribute to the company’s success.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I prioritise tasks using to-do lists and plan my week in advance to focus on what matters most while making space for personal commitments. I use time-blocking to set clear boundaries between work and personal time, and I communicate my schedule with my team to stay aligned. Regular breaks, even during busy days, help me recharge, whether it’s a quick walk or chatting with a friend. I also make time for hobbies and activities that support my mental well-being. When workloads become heavy, I don’t hesitate to reach out to my team for support, knowing that collaboration helps ease the pressure and keeps things moving smoothly.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I always make time to recharge, which is important for my mental health. Some of the activities I enjoy include hiking, netball, and paddle tennis.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
As someone still new to financial accounting, I mainly focus on getting support for myself. That said, I do make an effort to help others by sharing my accounting knowledge whenever possible.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
It’s important to build a strong foundation in accounting and finance principles, including understanding financial statements and forecasting. Familiarity with tools like Excel and ERP systems can give you a technical advantage. Staying up to date with industry trends and regulatory changes through continuous learning, such as courses or certifications, is also key. Developing the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues and collaborating across departments will make you more effective. Building a professional network by attending workshops, joining finance groups, and connecting on platforms like LinkedIn can open doors. Finally, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles will help you apply your knowledge and prepare for the challenges of a finance career.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
“It's better to try and fail than to fail to try”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
One important leadership lesson I've learned is the value of maintaining open communication within the team. When team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, it encourages collaboration and innovation. Giving and receiving constructive feedback is also essential.
This approach not only strengthens team dynamics but helps spot potential issues early, allowing for effective problem-solving. By actively listening and respecting each person’s perspective, a leader can build trust and empower the team to take ownership of their work, which leads to better results for the organization.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Believe it or not, I’m quite the fun-loving person, a ball of joy! In my own circle, I'm very outspoken and enjoy socializing with friends and family.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Master multitasking.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I focus on getting enough sleep, planning ahead and prioritizing my activities.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I passed my CTA was truly a significant milestone for me. It was my third and final attempt, and I felt that it was a blessing from above, God really came through for me.
Grace’s journey reminds us that persistence isn’t just part of the process, it is the path to impact. Whether she’s breaking through industry shifts or mentoring through moments of doubt, she leads with joy, humility, and a heart for change.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead with resilience and rise with purpose, just like Grace.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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