Iviwe Matrose, Cost and Projects Accountant
Cost and Project Accountant
Current Experience:
Cost and Projects Accountant
Qualifications:
Diploma in Management Accounting
Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Iviwe Matrose, a dynamic Cost and Projects Accountant whose journey into finance began with a deep desire to influence strategic business decisions. Armed with a BTech in Cost and Management Accounting and CIMA Operational Level, Iviwe has built a fast-rising career rooted in curiosity, resilience, and ambition. From earning a bursary to pursue CIMA to stepping into a senior accounting role within just a few years, her story is one of accelerated growth and self-driven success.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
07:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my day by getting up and getting ready for the gym.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I always knew I wanted to go into accounting, but what drew me to management accounting was the idea of using financial insight to influence key business decisions. Understanding the impact and importance of management accounting is what inspired me to pursue CIMA.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Receiving a bursary to start CIMA was a major milestone that opened the door for me to join a graduate program in manufacturing. Not long after, both the Cost Accountant and Inventory Controller I worked under resigned, and no replacements were hired, so my learning accelerated quickly. That experience shaped me into the Cost and Projects Accountant I am today. I’m not yet where I want to be, but the future definitely looks bright!
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I currently work as a Cost and Projects Accountant within the finance department.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I prepare reports and financial insights for the Directors, focusing on the overall profitability of the company’s projects. My role involves helping project managers and Directors understand their costs and guiding them toward achieving their monthly revenue targets.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was not having much support from the person I reported to. It pushed me to become more resourceful, think creatively, and learn to work independently while still making sure to ask the right questions when needed.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I use expense tracking, budgeting, and forecasting to manage the company’s financial operations effectively.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced by drinking plenty of water and taking walks to clear my mind, especially during busy times.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I enjoy reading and exploring new restaurants in my free time.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Not at the moment, no.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice would be to focus on learning accounting as a complete function, from creditors and debtors to financial and cost accounting. Being well-rounded, rather than specializing too early, especially at the start of your career, will really set you apart.
“Angeke ngihlulwe yinto engakhulumi. A Zulu proverb meaning I won’t be defeated by something that cannot talk.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is to always stay teachable.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me that isn’t in my professional bio is that I’m really into fitness, I’m a bit of a gym enthusiast.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower for work, it would be the ability to master multitasking.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is taking short breaks when needed and staying hydrated.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the day I got my first job. It marked the start of my career and the beginning of my journey toward success.
Iviwe’s story is proof: sometimes being thrown into the deep end is the best way to learn, if you don’t drown first.
If you’ve ever been left to “just figure it out” without the title, tools, or support, you're not alone. Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn that survival instinct into a senior title, a stronger practice, and a six-figure income stream.
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