Ida Sonnekus, CEO - Professional Accountant
CEO
Current Experience:
Chief Executive Officer Accountables FACT (Pty) Ltd · Part-time Jan 2008 - Present · (17 yrs 7 mos)
ERP Financial Analyst/Business Consultant iPlan Global · Full-time Aug 2021 - Present · (4 yrs)
Past Experiences:
Financial Manager at Manright Projects · Part-time Feb 2021 - Jul 2021 · (6 mos)
Financial Manager: Group Povilux (Pty) Ltd Group of Companies · Full-time Feb 2015 - Jun 2019 · (4 yrs 5 mos)
Financial Manager: International Division (Accounts & Reporting) Chain Commerce SA (Pty) Ltd as a subsidiary of the Chain Processing Group (International) · Full-time Dec 2012 - Jan 2015 · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Qualifications:
Honours Degree Management Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Ida doesn’t just manage numbers, she helps SMEs understand them, trust them, and use them to make smarter decisions.
Inspired by her father’s small business struggles, Ida built her practice with a clear mission: empower clients with the knowledge and tools to act independently and confidently. With a background spanning audit, PFMA, and international banking systems, she brings both depth and heart to every client relationship.
As a mother, entrepreneur, and ERP consultant, Ida blends strategy with empathy. Her firm isn’t just a service provider; it’s a business family committed to real impact.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
05:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start my day with about 20 minutes of Bible reading for spiritual grounding, then spend another 20 minutes catching up on technical and industry news to stay informed and focused.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting and supporting SMEs began when I was growing up. My father ran a small sole proprietorship, and I saw firsthand how tough it was for him, not just financially, but also in trying to manage legal and compliance matters on his own. I always said that if I started my own practice, I’d focus on educating my clients so they can make informed decisions without feeling like they have to call me every time something new comes up. It’s also really important to me that they feel like part of the Accountables family, where we engage with them, support them, and genuinely care.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
I had the privilege of spending three incredible years doing my articles at a great audit firm, and that experience really shaped my vision for having my own practice and the kind of service I wanted to provide.
Every career move I made after that was deliberate, each one helped me build my experience, deepen my knowledge, and, without even realising it at the time, grow a strong network of professionals who still support and check in with us today.
One standout experience was spending a year working within the PFMA framework, which gave me valuable insight into government processes and procurement regulations. I also worked for a company that handled backend reconciliations for online transactions, which exposed me to multi-currency systems and international banking operations.
A defining moment came when I managed the full business portfolio for a family-run business. It brought back memories of the same challenges my father faced as a small business owner. That was when I knew it was time to shift from working in business to running my own practice, so I could help others overcome those same hurdles and build something sustainable.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
We build strong client relationships by treating our clients like family. There may be moments of disagreement, but it’s our honesty, consistency, and genuine commitment that lay the foundation for trust. We also make sure every client has a dedicated backup contact, so there’s always someone available to help when needed.
Since much of our work is done remotely, we put extra effort into staying connected, checking in regularly, keeping communication open, and making sure clients are always up to date with any changes in the practice. It’s this mix of transparency, dependability, and ongoing support that helps us maintain strong, lasting relationships.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Our future goals are centered on intentional, sustainable growth. It’s not just about increasing our client base, but about building strong, meaningful relationships and bringing on clients who align with the values of the Accountables team.
We're also committed to supporting our consultants in reaching their own goals, whether that’s furthering their education or continually improving the quality of advice they provide.
At the same time, we’re focused on growing a solid network of professionals who share our approach to business. This allows us to confidently refer our clients to trusted partners and create a support system that sets them up for long-term success. Ultimately, we want to go beyond the numbers and be real partners in our clients' growth.
What’s next on your professional journey?
What’s next for me is a continued focus on growth, both for myself and for Accountables. I’m passionate about deepening my expertise and staying current with innovation, especially by building on my experience as a financial ERP consultant. I want to help businesses streamline their processes through smart systems that not only run efficiently but also offer valuable insights through reporting.
I’m also working on putting solid systems and processes in place to help SMEs stay financially compliant, while using my management accounting background to guide entrepreneurs in making informed, strategic decisions. At the same time, I’m looking forward to growing our team and mentoring the next generation, helping them develop into confident, capable professionals.
My bigger goal is to make a lasting impact, not just in our firm, but across the SME sector in South Africa, by equipping business owners with the tools, systems, and knowledge they need to grow with confidence, backed by reliable data and a strong financial foundation.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
I wear many hats; I'm an accountant, a mother of three, a wife, a business owner, an entrepreneur, and an employee, so maintaining balance is all about thoughtful planning, setting priorities, and sometimes finding creative ways to combine responsibilities.
One of the most important strategies for me is leaning on the support of people I trust. My husband is not only an incredible dad but also a strategic business partner who helps me think ahead and stay focused. Within our accounting practice, every team member plays a key role, we hold each other accountable and work together to keep things running smoothly.
I make sure to dedicate focused time to each part of my life, whether it's family, work, or personal development. While multitasking helps now and then, it’s really strong planning and the support of a great team, both at home and at work, that keeps everything in balance and allows me to grow in all areas.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
When I’m off the clock, nothing brings me more joy than spending time with my family. My husband and I are intentional about creating meaningful memories, whether it’s celebrating firsts, supporting each other’s milestones, or just being fully present in everyday moments.
Every part of my personal and professional life is rooted in building a strong foundation for them, so they can grow and thrive. Watching them flourish and being part of their journey is by far the most rewarding part of my life.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I believe one of the best ways I contribute to others’ development is by helping them reconnect with the fundamentals. Even though the business world is constantly changing, going back to basics helps build a solid foundation for growing their skills.
Whether I’m working with business partners, colleagues, or younger professionals, I focus on creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, sharing practical advice, and encouraging ongoing learning. Combining timeless principles with new ideas keeps us adaptable, confident, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
I’m not currently part of any formal mentorship programs or established local initiatives, but I do actively support meaningful projects as they come up. For example, we’re working on a business network within our local community aimed at helping SMEs connect and build a trusted referral network for shared clients.
It’s a great way to strengthen local business relationships, encourage collaboration, and make sure SMEs have access to reliable partners who can support their success. I’m passionate about contributing wherever possible and look forward to expanding this involvement.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
My advice is to keep going, even when it gets tough. Perseverance matters a lot, especially early on when word of mouth can be more powerful than you expect. Focus on building a strong network and make sure you have a good support system, both professionally and personally.
Ultimately, it’s relationships, trust, and consistency that will help your practice grow. Stay true to your values, keep learning, and believe in the difference you can make for your clients over time.
““You can do anything, but you can’t do everything, focus where your heart is, and give it your whole self.””
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
My favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner is straightforward: listen closely, understand where the other person is coming from, and then work together to find a solution. I’ve realized that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about fostering honest conversations, empathy, and teamwork. That’s how the best solutions and strongest relationships are created.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me that isn’t in my business bio is that I’m an adventurer at heart, even though I’m naturally an introvert. My relationship with my husband was built on trusting him as we rode together on the back of a motorcycle and faced our fears side by side in Warrior Races. These experiences have strengthened our bond and helped me grow, showing me that real growth often happens just outside of our comfort zones.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose any superpower for my practice, it would be perfect foresight, the ability to see exactly how each decision will unfold. That way, I could help clients make the smartest choices for their businesses. Accounting isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about strategy and understanding people, so having that kind of clarity would be a huge advantage
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy times is careful planning and breaking tasks into focused, manageable chunks. I tackle the most important work first and set clear boundaries to avoid distractions.
To keep my energy up, I make sure to take short breaks, get some fresh air, and snack on healthy foods, though I’ll admit, coffee is never far away. Most importantly, I rely on my team. We support each other, share the workload, and keep the momentum going. Busy season is definitely a team effort.
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 I returned to the audit firm where I learned the foundational lessons that shaped my own practice. But this time, I came back not as a trainee, but as a colleague, with clients to refer and a chance to build a professional relationship with the mentor who once guided me. That day was special because it marked how far I’d come and highlighted the respect and connections that still influence my career today.
“Don’t give up. Word of mouth matters more than you think. Build trust, stay true to your values, and the rest will follow.”
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to grow a practice like Ida’s, one rooted in purpose, built on systems, and respected for real results.
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