Khumoetsile Ramashapa, Senior Fund Accountant
Senior Fund Accountant
Current Experience:Senior Fund Accountant at Alexforbes Oct 2022 - Present · (2 yrs 8 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Fund Accountant at Sanlam
Sep 2020 - Sep 2022 · (2 yrs 1 mo)
Retirement Fund Accountant
Alexander Forbes Aug 2016 - Aug 2020 · (4 yrs 1 mo)
Trainee Accountant (SAICA auditing articles) Sizwe Ntsaluba Gobodo inc.
Jan 2012 - 2016 · (4 yrs 1 mo)
Qualifications:Advanced Diploma in Accounting Science, Finance
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Integrity. Accuracy. Impact.
That’s how Khumoetsile Ramashapa shows up as a Senior Fund Accountant. With over 10 years in the finance industry, she combines compliance precision with a deep sense of purpose helping clients navigate pension regulations, manage audits, and adapt to industry shifts like the Two-Pot Retirement System. Her day starts with prayer and ends with impact.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I begin my mornings with quiet reflection and prayer, grounding myself through ongoing conversation with God. I take a moment to read and meditate on a verse or two from Scripture, allowing it to guide my thoughts for the day. After that, I enjoy a warm cup of tea before shifting my focus to getting my children ready for school.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I've always had a strong affinity for numbers and a keen interest in how money works. Being naturally analytical, I find it fulfilling to identify patterns and make sense of data. Integrity is a core value of mine, and I’ve long been drawn to roles that allow me to uphold ethical standards. I’m passionate about protecting people’s finances and making sure they receive what they are rightfully owed. All of this made accounting a clear and natural career path for me.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of the key milestones in my career was being selected to participate in a project management course within the company. This opportunity expanded my understanding of the accountant’s role beyond just numbers, showing me how I can lead meaningful initiatives, whether big or small, that positively impact both the team and the broader business. I've been able to propose ideas aimed at improving our team's efficiency and fostering a more supportive work environment. As a senior accountant, I also take pride in mentoring colleagues and contributing to their professional growth, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
As a Senior Fund Accountant, my role involves preparing annual financial statements and addressing audit queries, with a focus on Pension Funds. I ensure all reporting is accurate and compliant with relevant regulations, particularly the Pension Funds Act. Alongside this, I compile various monthly and quarterly reports and handle pension fund-related queries within the business, playing a key part in supporting and enhancing our financial operations.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
In my role as a Senior Fund Accountant, I contribute to the broader financial strategy by delivering accurate and timely annual financial statements that support informed decision-making. By upholding strict regulatory compliance and ensuring the integrity of financial reporting, I help protect both the organisation and the funds under my care. My involvement in audits, reporting, and financial analysis offers valuable insights that drive sustainable growth and improve operational efficiency for the business and our clients.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered has been navigating the complexity of regulatory changes while maintaining accurate financial reporting. Pension funds are governed by a constantly evolving set of regulations, which can make it challenging to stay compliant without disrupting daily operations. A major shift occurred on 1 September 2024, when the Two-Pot Retirement System was introduced by the South African National Treasury. This new system allows retirement fund members to access a portion of their savings for emergencies without resigning from their jobs, causing widespread adjustments across the industry.
To address this, I prioritised staying informed through ongoing professional development and attended specialised training on the Two-Pot system. I also encouraged a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within our team, which helped us adapt to the new requirements more effectively while continuing to uphold the accuracy and integrity of our financial reporting.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
We rely on systems that are consistently updated to ensure we remain current and capable of producing accurate, compliant financial reports. Robust internal controls are in place, and we undergo annual audits to maintain financial accuracy and minimise the risk of errors. These audits also help us pinpoint areas for improvement and implement corrective measures where necessary. To stay aligned and informed, my team also holds weekly meetings focused on updates and knowledge sharing.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
To stay balanced during busy periods, I rely on careful planning. As a writer, I always keep a notepad and pen nearby. Each morning, I make a to-do list outlining everything that needs to be done for the day, then prioritise those tasks based on urgency. I start with the most pressing items and work my way down the list. While the workload in accounting can sometimes feel endless, having a clear, structured plan helps me stay focused and maintain a sense of direction throughout the day.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I'm quite the homebody, so I find joy in spending quality time with my wonderful children, it’s the perfect way to unwind and stay connected. Lately, I’ve also taken up painting, which has opened up a new creative outlet for me. It’s become a therapeutic and relaxing way to express myself and recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I actively support other team members within the finance department. I strongly believe that fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels supported is essential for both personal and professional growth.
I take a hands-on approach by providing guidance on complex tasks, sharing my own experiences, and promoting open, honest communication. Our team values a culture of knowledge-sharing, where asking questions, offering insights, and working together to solve problems is encouraged. This approach not only helps with skill development but also strengthens our team dynamic and keeps everyone aligned with our shared goals.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice for anyone aspiring to work in a finance department is to prioritise strong ethics and integrity, as the role often involves managing sensitive and important information. Hard work and dedication are also crucial, given the demanding nature of the field.
Finance tends to be fast-paced, so excellent planning and time management skills are essential, especially when facing tight deadlines. On the technical side, obtaining a qualification in accounting, auditing, or a related finance discipline is highly important.
Above all, a genuine passion for numbers is key to thriving in this career.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"True character is what you are when no one is watching." I am a firm believer in being your most authentic self in everything that you do, and in every space that you occupy. Integrity should be a way of life, not a cap we put on and off only when it's convenient.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
True leadership means leading by example. You need to embody everything you expect from your team. When leaders demonstrate the behaviour, work ethic, and attitude they want to see, it fosters trust and respect, inspiring others to meet those same standards.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I am deeply passionate about humanity and building a healthy society. I founded a movement called "Ithate," which means "love yourself" in my mother tongue, Setswana. I believe that the greatest gift anyone can give themselves is self-love. When you truly love yourself, many harmful habits and negative traits naturally begin to fade. By fostering a society rooted in self-love, we can help eliminate many of the challenges and issues we face today.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
A trial balance that automatically balances itself would be a total game-changer in finance, saving so much time and cutting down on human errors! But if I had to choose a superpower, being able to predict regulatory trends would be invaluable. It would allow me to stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial services landscape.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I use a to-do list to keep track of everything that needs to be done, and then I focus on the most urgent tasks first. I also try to remain calm, grounded and maintain a positive attitude throughout the day.
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 attended a JSE investment seminar designed specifically for women. The experience was truly eye-opening, I gained valuable insights into various investment opportunities and the importance of saving, each with its own unique benefits. One speaker made a lasting impression by emphasizing the value of authenticity and highlighting the challenges women face in the corporate world. There’s still much progress to be made, especially for black women striving for equality. We wrapped up the day with a wonderful lunch at my favourite restaurant in Sandton, Pigalle. It remains one of my most memorable and cherished days as a woman in finance.
Khumoetsile’s journey shows that leadership in finance isn’t just about numbers, it’s about ethics, example, and empathy. Whether she’s streamlining fund operations or inspiring others through her movement Ithate, she’s leading with authenticity.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and make your mark, just like Khumoetsile.
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
