Kwanele Dlomo, Managing Director
Managing Director
Current Experience:
Managing Director at Numbers Now Consulting Contract Mar 2025 - Present · (6 mos)
Founding Director at Numbers Now Consulting
Full-time Aug 2024 - Present · (1 yr 1 mo)
Past Experiences:
Accountant- Freelance Aug 2024 - Present · (1 yr 1 mo)
Senior Auditor at MaxprofSA Sep 2022 - Jul 2024 · (1 yr 11 mos)
Auditor at MaxProfSA Aug 2021 - Aug 2022 · (1 yr 1 mo)
Assistant Audit Manager at Abacwaningi Business Solutions · Contract Sep 2020 - Aug 2021 · (1 yr)
Manager at Ramathe Chartered Accountants · Contract Mar 2020 - Aug 2020 · (6 mos)
Qualifications:
National Diploma in Accounting
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Science
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Kwanele Dlomo, the early bird accountant who traded the safety of a salary for the thrill (and sleepless nights) of running his own firm. Less than a year in, he’s already turning tax headaches into client wins, securing funding for SMEs, and proving that the quiet hour after the kids leave for school is prime time for business breakthroughs.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
08:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
On weekdays, my first hour is usually spent helping the kids get ready for school. Once they’ve left, I take about 15 minutes to enjoy a coffee while planning my tasks for the day.
On weekends, I spend that first hour with my family and catching up on a few house chores, unless something urgent comes up for work, in which case I’m up early to handle it.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting and supporting SMEs comes from a love of numbers, problem-solving, and wanting to make a real difference for businesses. I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of organizing financial information and turning it into insights that help guide smart decisions.
While working as an Accountant for DUT Entrepreneurship, I was closely involved in helping startups with finance and tax compliance, as well as assisting with funding applications. This meant ensuring they had the right financial structures and documentation to secure the capital they needed.
SMEs inspire me because they’re the backbone of the economy, full of potential but often in need of practical, strategic financial support. By helping them stay compliant, manage cash flow, and grow sustainably, I get to play a part in their success, which is what motivates me every day.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
In my work as an accountant for SMEs, I’ve been fortunate to make a real difference by helping businesses overcome financial hurdles, set up efficient accounting systems, and stay on top of tax compliance. Some of the most rewarding moments have been assisting clients in recovering tax refunds, securing funding for growth, and moving over to modern accounting tools that make their operations smoother.
One defining highlight has been the steady stream of referrals from SMEs I’ve supported, especially through the DUT Entrepreneurship Desk. That continued trust and recognition show the lasting value of what I do. For me, building strong relationships and being a reliable advisor is at the core of my passion for working with SMEs.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I build strong client relationships by prioritizing clear communication, tailoring my services to their specific needs, and consistently delivering on my commitments. I go beyond the numbers by offering practical insights, maintaining strict confidentiality, and checking in regularly to stay aligned with their goals. By working with integrity, showing genuine appreciation, and understanding what matters most to each client, I’m able to earn their trust and create lasting partnerships.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Our future plans focus on growing our client base, adopting advanced accounting technology, and expanding our services to include financial advisory and business consulting. We also aim to introduce learnerships for graduates, giving back to the community by sharing our expertise and creating opportunities for professional growth.
What’s next on your professional journey?
My next step is to adjust my fees so I can settle the remaining balance for my Postgraduate in Accounting. Once that’s done, I plan to complete my studies and move on to the SAICA board exams. Over time, my interest in tax has grown, so I’m now focusing on building my expertise in this area and working toward obtaining the Chartered Tax Advisory designation.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially with two toddlers. I make the most of my productive hours while they’re at creche, so I can give my full attention to family once they’re home. Having a supportive fiancé also makes it easier to maintain that balance.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
Outside of work, I enjoy jogging, spending time with my family, and relaxing with a good soccer match or movie.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I’m dedicated to supporting those starting out in accounting by helping them build key skills and gain practical experience. As I deepen my own expertise, especially in taxation, I make a point of sharing that knowledge to help others grow in the profession. Beyond mentoring, I also write articles on accounting and tax topics, one of which was recently featured in the SAIT weekly newsletter. By sharing insights and engaging with the accounting community, I aim to help others navigate the complexities of the field and keep pace with its constant changes.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Yes, I’m involved in mentorship through the future learnerships my firm plans to offer graduates. While still in the planning stage, these will create opportunities to guide and support young professionals as they start their careers in accounting. I’m also exploring ways to increase my participation in local business initiatives, especially those that encourage education and collaboration in the accounting and tax fields.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
My advice would be to stay patient and flexible as your practice grows. Focus on building strong networks and always prioritize delivering excellent service to your current clients while working to expand your business.
“Be Good, Do Good - my grandmother”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
One of the biggest leadership lessons I’ve learned as a firm owner is the importance of leading by example. Even though I don’t have a team yet, I know that the way I handle my work and connect with clients sets the tone for how I want my future team to operate. Showing integrity, accountability, and dedication is crucial. Staying true to the firm’s values and goals also lays a strong foundation for when it’s time to grow and bring others in.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A surprising fact that’s not in my business bio is that I once jogged 30 kilometers without any proper training. On the way back, I ran out of money for transport and had to flag down a bus for a ride. It definitely turned into quite the adventure!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Along with mind-reading, the superpower I’d choose to help my practice is having all clients pay on time and provide the necessary information promptly. That would save so much time and effort, making everything run a lot smoother!
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
During tax season or busy times, I make sure to take breaks when necessary and stay active to keep my energy up. I also rely on a to-do list, prioritizing tasks by their importance and deadlines before the day begins to stay focused and organized.
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 a moment early in my articles when I was ready to quit. A colleague noticed I was struggling and encouraged me to stick it out for six more months, with the option to leave if I still felt the same way after that. I chose to stay, completed my articles, and that decision set me on the path to becoming a registered firm owner, where I am today.
Kwanele’s journey proves you don’t need decades in the game to make an impact, you need focus, resilience, and the courage to lead by example. His next chapter? Growing Numbers Now Consulting, sharpening his tax expertise, and mentoring the next wave of accountants through planned learnerships. He’s in it for the long haul, balancing family, business, and the drive for professional excellence.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to stand out, serve better, and scale your practice, just like Kwanele.
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