Koleka Lungu, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:
Financial Accountant at Momentum Apr 2022 - Present · (3 yrs 9 mos)
Past Experiences:
Assistant Financial Accountant at Momentum Jul 2014 - Present · (11 yrs 6 mos)
Finance Risk Monitoring- Team Leader at Discovery Holdings Dec 2007 - Jul 2012 · (4 yrs 8 mos)
Finance Administrator at Discovery Holding Oct 2005 - Nov 2007 · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Call Center Consultant at Discovery Holdings Nov 2002 - Sep 2005 · (2 yrs 11 mos)
Qualifications:
National Diploma Accounting
BCom Risk Management
Advanced Diploma Business Administration and Management
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Koleka Lungu doesn’t just work with numbers, she reads the story they tell.
With over 10 years in finance and a passion for accuracy, she’s the backbone of financial reporting. But her journey isn’t just about spreadsheets. It’s about resilience, self-leadership, and the power of being seen.
Promoted after one manager recognised her leadership potential, Koleka knows the value of showing up, even when no one’s watching. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, her story will hit home.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
10:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I spend the first hour of my morning enjoying a coffee and catching up on the latest news.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting and finance was sparked by my love for numbers.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A key milestone in my career was earning a promotion in my previous role.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I serve as a Financial Accountant within my company’s finance department.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute to the business’s financial strategy by providing accurate financial reporting that helps management make informed decisions.
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 in my role is the lack of growth opportunities.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
My strategy for staying balanced, especially during busy periods like month-end and year-end, is to focus on proper planning and organization.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy going out with friends for dinners or lunches and spending time in nature to disconnect from the stresses of work and everyday life.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I wouldn’t call it formal mentoring, but I do train and coach new team members, particularly juniors who have just joined from university.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For someone aspiring to work in a finance department, it’s important to understand that numbers tell a story. Being a critical thinker is key, as the insights from those numbers are shaped by what’s happening both inside and outside the company. Paying attention to all aspects is essential.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. ”
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 you are the architect of your own life.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that I enjoy dancing.
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 and stepping outside, which helps me think more clearly.
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 was promoted at my previous company. Many didn’t realize I had leadership qualities, but one manager recognized them. I’ve always known this about myself, having been elected the first head prefect of color in high school.
From helping junior team members find their feet to detaching in the bush to recharge, Koleka brings balance, depth, and quiet confidence to her role.
Her mantra? “You are the architect of your own life.” And she’s building something powerful, one report, one decision, one act of mentorship at a time.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn quiet leadership into unstoppable influence.
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