Kashni Panday, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:
Financial Accountant at Terra Analytics · Full-time Sep 2015 - Present · (10 yrs 5 mos)
Past Experience:
Trainee Accountant at Jagot (CA) SA Jul 2013 - Sep 2015 · (2 yrs 3 mos)
Trainee Accountant at Austral Accounting CC Jul 2011 - Jun 2013 · (2 yrs)
Education:
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Kashni Panday isn’t just balancing books, she’s balancing battles. Retrenched. Rejected. Almost gave up.
But she didn’t.
From trainee accountant to senior financial pro with 10+ years under her belt, Kashni's journey is one many CBAPs will recognize: tough exams, long hours, quiet wins, and the constant pressure to prove your worth in a market that rarely acknowledges it.
She’s the definition of perseverance, and her story is proof that recognition isn’t given, it’s earned.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
05:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I spend the first hour of my morning getting ready for the day ahead.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting and finance comes from a long-standing love for accounting and mathematics.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I started my career as a trainee accountant and, over 13 years later, progressed to a Senior Financial Accountant. Another defining milestone was completing my SAIPA articles despite facing several challenges and almost giving up along the way. An opportunity to pursue Recognition of Prior Learning came up, which allowed me to apply for the QE exam. I was accepted, completed the exam, passed it, and four years later, that achievement remains a key turning point in my career.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as a Senior Financial Accountant.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute to the company’s financial strategy by focusing on financial statement analysis, cash flow management, and risk assessment. By assessing the business’s financial health and forecasting future needs, I help ensure the company can plan effectively and maintain long-term sustainability.
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 being retrenched last year. Fortunately, I was able to secure alternative employment with my current employer and continue moving forward. While there are still challenges, I’ve learned that perseverance and staying committed are key to overcoming obstacles.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
We use Sage Evolution accounting software to manage the company’s financial operations. In addition, careful budgeting and planning play a key role in ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I make it a point to take a short break whenever I feel overwhelmed, sometimes just a quick walk helps me reset and refocus. I also find that deep breathing exercises are very effective for regaining calm and getting back on track.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, visiting the park, and going for walks to recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
At the moment, I don’t mentor any team members. I’m focused on developing myself professionally by completing short online courses and staying up to date with the weekly and monthly SAIPA journals.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For anyone aspiring to work in a finance department, attention to detail is essential. Strong communication skills, being a team player, and the ability to complete tasks efficiently are also important qualities to succeed in this field.
“You only fail, when you stop trying!”
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 that in a leadership role, it’s important to be mindful of how you present yourself and communicate. Taking ownership of your work, being accountable, and accepting constructive feedback are all key to leading effectively.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
Something surprising about me is that I find colouring to be very calming and therapeutic.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
If I could have any superpower for my job, it would definitely be the ability to predict financial trends.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is to make a task list prioritised by importance, highlighting the items that must be completed before the end of the day.
Kashni’s advice? Don’t stop trying.
Whether you’re navigating layoffs, burnout, or imposter syndrome, her story reminds us: you can start over and come back stronger. Stay curious. Stay calm. Keep colouring outside the lines, even if it’s just to recharge.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn stories like Kashni’s into real financial leadership, without needing anyone’s permission to rise.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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