Lifa Ngwenya, Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Current Experience:Senior Accountant | Specialist Tax Accountant at F&R Group: F and R Frozen (Pty) Ltd, F and R Logistics (Pty) Ltd, FRUSH (Pty) Ltd & FFC Holdings · Full-time Oct 2014 - Present · (10 yrs 10 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Admin & Finance Manager at Quality Care Private Hospital · Full-time Sep 2012 - Aug 2014 · (2 yrs)
Floor Supervisor at TimberCity · Full-time Nov 2011 - Jul 2012 · (9 mos)
Accounting Clerk at Macs Patel Brothers cc Jul 2008 - Oct 2011 · (3 yrs 4 mos)
Qualifications:Post Graduate Diploma, Internal Auditing
Master of Philosophy
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Meet Lifa Ngwenya, a hands-on accountant, problem-solver, and SME ally. With roots in commerce and a passion for tax, Lifa transformed a clerical opportunity into a thriving practice, Ngwenya Accounting & Tax Services. Whether he's walking clients through complex tax issues or mentoring the next generation, Lifa leads with service, faith, and a clear mission: deliver real value beyond compliance.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:15 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 reading a devotional and spending some time in prayer. I then fit in a bit of exercise before getting ready and heading to the office.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I've always had a passion for working with numbers, problem solving, and critical thinking. What drew me specifically to taxation was seeing how many people struggle to understand their taxes, it made me want to help simplify it for them and offer real support, especially to SMEs.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
I've worked as an accountant in commerce for over a decade and have been running my own small practice for nearly three years. The foundation for this was laid during my time as an Accounting Clerk at a bookkeeping firm in Louis Trichardt, South Africa, where I gained three years of hands-on experience.
It was during that period that I decided to shift my career path and enrolled in the Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree through UNISA. Although I originally came from a Marketing Management background, the transition to accounting was smooth thanks to my existing understanding of core principles.
In 2022, I was inspired to open my own practice. Since then, my client base has steadily grown, and it's been incredibly rewarding to build something from the ground up.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I make it a priority to truly understand my clients and their specific needs so I can serve them effectively and build lasting relationships. Clear and consistent communication is key, and I approach each interaction not just as an accountant, but as someone they can trust for expert guidance.
I always aim to maintain a positive attitude and reassure clients that their concerns will be addressed. I also see my clients as individuals first, not just as people who pay for a service.
Above all, I focus on building a reputation for delivering high-quality results. Ongoing engagement, meeting deadlines, and ensuring their expectations are met are central to how I work with every client.
What are some future goals for your firm?
I’m focused on growing my firm and have already started laying the groundwork. Many of my clients have come through word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers, and I’ve also created a website to showcase the services I offer.
As the firm expands, one of my key goals is to create employment opportunities for other accounting professionals.
What’s next on your professional journey?
I'm currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Taxation.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
To maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional life, I make full use of technology and smart tools to work more efficiently. This frees up time and allows me to focus on other personal goals.
I've also learned the importance of saying no. Setting clear boundaries helps me stay on track with tasks, avoid burnout, and protect my mental well-being. I believe in having distinct time for work and time to unwind.
Flexibility is another key part of my approach. I prioritise my well-being and aim for a healthy work-life integration. Whether it's taking a walk with my wife, spending time with the kids, or watching a movie or a Premier League match, I make sure to enjoy the moments outside of work too.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
I enjoy travelling and spending quality time with my wife and kids whenever I’m off the clock.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
In my spare time, I support accounting students by offering guidance and assistance. I’m proud to say that some of my students have gone on to become accountants, and one has even become an actuarial scientist.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Yes, I’ve mentored several individuals seeking to gain practical accounting experience. Additionally, I volunteer my services as the Treasurer for my church circuit, offering my expertise without payment.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
Patience is essential when building an accounting practice, it takes time to grow. It’s important to remember that you’re handling people’s investments, so loyalty and confidentiality must always be top priorities.
While it’s natural to expect returns from the services you provide, clients also look for real value beyond basic bookkeeping. This means offering solutions that support their long-term goals and providing proactive guidance that goes beyond just meeting compliance requirements. Building trust through these efforts helps foster lasting client relationships.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
My favorite mantra comes from Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
As a firm owner, I’ve learned that continuous learning, staying adaptable, and maintaining a realistic vision are crucial for both survival and growth in today’s constantly evolving business world.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising that’s not in my business bio is that I’m quite hands-on and technical. I handle tasks like painting my house, installing and maintaining DSTV and CCTV systems, and even doing some plumbing and carpentry work.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower for my practice, it would be mind reading. Throughout my career, I’ve encountered clients with very different perspectives, some with good intentions, but many who don’t fully understand accounting and taxation. While I’m patient in guiding clients through the processes, some believe they know it all and only come back once problems arise. Being able to read their thoughts would help me better anticipate and address their concerns.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during busy periods is to schedule my work carefully. I prioritize the more challenging tasks first and save the lighter ones for later.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
One day I’d love to relive is Tuesday, July 8, 2008, my very first day working at an accounting practice. I had gone to PricewaterhouseCoopers in Louis Trichardt to explore job opportunities and was waiting for the Office Manager, only to find out she was out of town. While waiting, a University of Pretoria student who was also there to see the manager came over and asked to see my CV.
After reviewing it, he invited me to visit his father’s accounting firm, MACS Patel Brothers. There, he introduced me to his uncle, who didn’t hesitate to offer me a job on the spot. That day marked the beginning of my accounting career and holds a special place in my heart.
Lifa’s story is a reminder that credibility is earned, through results, relationships, and relentless learning. He’s not just building a practice. He’s building a legacy.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your expertise into impact, just like Lifa.
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
