Hilton Westermann, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:Accountant at GroundProbe · Full-time Dec 2021 - Present · (3 yrs 6 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCE:Accountant at Samuel Pauw Incorporated Jan 2018 - Jun 2022 · (4 yrs 6 mos)
Qualifications:Financial Management Diploma
Finance and Financial Management Services
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Meet Hilton Westermann, a Financial Accountant at Netsurit Inc. with nearly a decade of experience in finance, tax, and business rescue. Whether he’s decoding complex regulations or guiding clients through compliance with compassion and precision, Hilton is driven by faith, purpose, and a deep commitment to financial integrity.
His journey blends technical mastery with heartfelt mentorship, and a mission to leave both people and numbers better than he found them.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I spend time in prayer and reading the Bible.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I'm passionate about supporting companies, whether in a corporate setting or in practice, with financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis. I also care deeply about helping taxpayers stay compliant with SARS while finding ways for them to save as much money as possible.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of my key career milestones was being a top achiever in the SAIPA Board exam in 2021. Another defining moment was completing my Business Rescue Qualification, which has expanded my ability to support businesses in challenging situations.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
Month-end responsibilities include capturing financial data, performing reconciliations, preparing statements, and analyzing financial information. I also manage both creditors and debtors to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by ensuring the company’s finances are well-managed and by helping leadership make informed decisions that support efficient resource allocation and profit maximisation.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Time is always a challenge in the accounting field, so effective time management is key. With tax and accounting rules constantly evolving, it's important to stay dedicated to keeping up with the latest changes in the financial landscape.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I prioritise effective time management and make it a point to stay up to date with the latest tax and accounting developments, so I can apply that knowledge in the workplace and share it with others.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Take advantage of the quieter periods in the month to relax and recharge. The financial field can be mentally demanding, so it's important to take breaks and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy playing golf on weekends, watching live sports, going hiking, and spending time with friends who share similar interests.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
I’m always happy to share my knowledge with colleagues who are eager to learn something new.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Always do your best, remembering that you’re ultimately working for your Creator, not just for people. With that mindset, you can’t go wrong. It’s also important to develop key skills like Excel and proficiency with various accounting software, as these will help you go far in the industry.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
As Sarah Brown says: “The best accountants don’t just interpret numbers they decipher the language of financial success.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Staying humble at work is essential. Always give your best, stay motivated to learn, and never give up in life.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I enjoy going on missions to other countries to share the Gospel of Christ.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Master multitasking, since there is always so much to get done.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Take regular breaks, eat healthy meals to fuel your brain, and stay motivated.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the day the taxpayer received their refund. It was a special moment because it came after a lot of effort and hard work, including using case law to successfully support our case.
Hilton’s story reminds us that accounting isn’t just about precision, it’s about purpose. His passion for tax advocacy, continual learning, and his calling beyond the office make him a true asset to the profession.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead with impact and leave a legacy, just like Hilton.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
Not yet a professional designated accountant?
CIBA is the professional body for all accountants.
We offer designations for each stage of your finance career:
➥ Bookkeeper
➥ Financial Administrator
➥ Financial Accountant
➥ Financial Manager
➥ Chief Financial Officer
➥ Accountant-In-Practice
Become a CIBA Member
Your first step towards a professional designation
