Kimberly Murugan, Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Current Experience:
Senior Accountant at Forvis Mazars in South Africa · Full-time May 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 8 mos)
Past Experiences:
SAICA Audit clerk at Debra Collyer Chartered Accountants · Full-time Aug 2018 - Aug 2022 · (4 yrs 1 mo)
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Bcompt Internal Auditing
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Kimberly Murugan, proof that precision and perseverance still count in this profession.
She didn’t just fall into accounting. From topping her high school commerce class to completing SAICA articles with grit and grace, Kimberly’s journey shows what happens when natural talent meets serious work ethic. As a Senior Accountant at Forvis Mazars, she’s not just ticking boxes — she’s setting the standard. Whether she’s leading independent reviews or managing client conflict with cool-headed communication, Kimberly represents the future of finance: sharp, calm, and quietly relentless.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
07:30 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 by brushing my teeth and showering, then I do a quick tidy around the house and prep my lunch. After getting dressed, I have a light breakfast and head off to work.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest started in high school, where I consistently did well in accounting and finance. It came naturally to me, which is what led me to pursue a career in the field.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of my early milestones was receiving the commerce award in high school for achieving the highest results in accounting. I later graduated with my bachelor’s degree cum laude and completed four years of SAICA articles, which was a major and defining achievement in my career.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as a senior accountant, responsible for preparing financial statements and carrying out independent reviews.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
Our focus is on efficiency, productivity, and teamwork. I contribute by constantly looking for ways to work more efficiently, manage my time effectively, and maintain strong productivity. I also prioritise building good relationships with my colleagues to support a collaborative, one-team culture.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?8
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been managing client conflicts. I overcame this by relying on clear communication and working closely with my team to resolve issues constructively.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on strong dedication and clear, consistent communication to manage the company’s financial operations effectively.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I focus on eating well and exercising regularly to manage stress and stay balanced, especially during busy periods.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and spending time in coffee shops with a good book, which helps me relax and recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I do support other team members in the finance department. I encourage them to perform at their best and provide hands-on support in areas where they may be struggling, helping them build confidence and strengthen their skills.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
A strong mindset and good mental health are essential. Discipline and the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment are also crucial.
“Each day is an opportunity to learn something new.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned is that continuous learning is essential in this industry.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something people might find surprising is that I have a passion for fashion, and as a child, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I’d choose to have an AI-level brain.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy is to stay calm and break my day into manageable, bite-sized tasks.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I would relive the day I completed my SAICA articles, as it gave me a real sense of achievement.
From fashion dreams to financial discipline, Kimberly’s story reminds us that every CBAP has a deeper layer. She's part of the next generation of accountants redefining what it means to lead from the back office.
Want to build your own path like Kimberly?
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to stay compliant, stand out, and scale your career, your way.
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