Keamogetswe Tema, Group Finance Manager
Group Finance Manager
Current Experience:
Group Finance Manager at Oketsa Group Aug 2025 - Present · (2 mos)
Past Experience:
Group Accountant at Oketsa Group Jan 2025 - Aug 2025 (8 mos)
SAICA Trainee Accountant at SNG Grant Thornton · Contract Feb 2022 - Jan 2025 · 3 yrs
Reporting Specialist at Nestlé
Full-time Dec 2019 - Feb 2022 · (2 yrs 3 mos)
Trainee Reporting Controller at Nestlé Feb 2019 - Dec 2019 (11 mos)
Finance and Control Graduate Trainee at Nestlé Mar 2017 - Feb 2019 (2 Yrs)
Financial Accounting Tutor at University of Johannesburg Feb 2015 - Oct 2015 · (9 mos)
Qualifications:
Postgraduate Diploma Accounting Science
Postgraduate Diploma Applied Accounting Science
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Keamogetswe Tema, a Group Accountant who runs on 5km sprints, financial strategy, and the fire to prove herself in a system that wasn’t built to make it easy.
She didn’t enter finance with a silver spoon, she entered with purpose. While juggling her postgrad studies and starting from the bottom at Nestlé, she clawed her way up to the financial reporting team, becoming the youngest in the room. That grind? It never left her.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually spend the first hour of my morning getting ready for the gym or heading out for a 5km run.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
Back in Grade 9, when it came time to choose my subjects, I found Accounting and Commerce made much more sense to me than the sciences. They felt practical, connected to the real world, and the concepts came more naturally. So in Grade 10, I chose the commerce stream with accounting, economics, and business studies, and I’ve never looked back. It truly was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of the biggest milestones for me was during my time at Nestlé. I started off as the least qualified member of the Graduate Programme but, within just a few years, I worked my way up to become the youngest member of the Financial Reporting Team. All of this happened while I was also completing my postgraduate diplomas, which made the achievement even more rewarding.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
My role in the company’s finance department is that of a Group Accountant.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
In my role, I support the financial strategy by ensuring that all numbers are accurate, current, and reliable. I manage everything from daily transactions and reconciliations to monthly reporting and budget monitoring, providing leadership with clear information to guide decision-making. By keeping a close eye on cash flow, expenses, and financial trends, I help the business identify risks early, control costs, and uncover opportunities to improve performance.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I’d say sticking to a routine is key. Making time for the gym, devotion and meditation, and getting enough rest helps me stay grounded and maintain focus, even during the busiest periods.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Absolutely! I really enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for a hike, a social run, playing a good game of padel, or just catching up and socializing with my loved ones. These activities help me recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
I don’t have a formal mentor, but in our small finance team, we rely on each other’s strengths and skills to handle day-to-day tasks. We support one another and collaborate closely every day to get things done efficiently.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I’d say it’s important to be both critical and adaptable. Finance roles often involve many moving parts, and your priorities can change throughout the day based on business needs. Staying alert and organized helps ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
“It is actually a scripture, and it goes:
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future - Jeremiah 29:11
This reminds me that all things are always working in my favour, I just need to take it all one day at a time.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A key lesson I’ve learned is to take ownership of your own career and growth. You’re ultimately responsible for reaching your goals, so give your all to pursue what drives you. Even setbacks shouldn’t discourage you, they should motivate you to keep going. The reward at the finish line is as fulfilling as you imagine it.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me is that I used to take part in pageants back in high school. I really enjoyed it, but I didn’t continue as long as I would have liked because of the demands of schoolwork.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I’d choose the ability to master multitasking. With so many tasks to handle each day, being able to tackle them all simultaneously would be a game-changer.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I like to take short breaks every couple of hours, stretch my legs, grab a coffee, or focus on something non-work related for a few minutes. It helps me recharge and stay productive for the next work session.
You don’t need to wear a cape to be a superhero in finance. But Keamogetswe wouldn’t mind multitasking like one.
If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure if it’s worth the hustle, let her story remind you: You can be powerful, practical, and purpose led.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to build a career that earns your respect, income, and the confidence to take up space in any boardroom.
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