Lin-Mari Roodt, Professional Accountant
Professional Accountant
Current Experience:
Professional Accountant and Tax Practitioner at LinWill Accounting Consultants (Pty) Ltd. · Part-time Jul 2020 - Present · (5yrs 1 mo)
Group Finance Manager at Genix Group · Full-time Mar 2024 - Present · (1 yr 5 mos)
Past Experiences:
Finance Manager at Linteg Fibre Aug 2023 - Feb 2024 · (7 mos)
Finance Operations Accountant at Syngenta South Africa (Pty) Ltd. · Contract May 2021 - Jun 2022 · (1 yr 2 mos)
Nelis Coetzee Professional Accountants Professional Accountant (SA) Full-time
Mar 2020 - Apr 2021 · (1 yr 2 mos)
SAIPA Trainee Jan 2018 - Feb 2020 · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Qualifications:
Bcom Honours Financial Accounting
Bcom Financial Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Lin-Mari Roodt, founder of LinWill Accounting Consultants and a fierce advocate for small businesses. With a passion for accessible tax support and a talent for "curing SARS ulcers," Lin-Mari isn’t just another accountant. She’s building financial confidence in South Africa’s micro and home-based business sector, one compliant, well-supported client at a time.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my day with a cup of tea and some quiet time with my fiancé. These slow, calm mornings help me feel grounded and often lead to a more focused and productive day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting and supporting SMEs grew after I transitioned into an internal accountant role. I found that many of my colleagues were coming to me for help with their taxes and the accounting needs of their side businesses. It quickly became clear that there was a widespread lack of knowledge about tax and business finances, especially among people running micro or home-based businesses. Many of them didn’t seek professional help simply because they couldn’t afford it.
As a Tax Practitioner and Professional Accountant with my own small practice, I’m passionate about helping these business owners without charging fees that could stunt their growth. I see it as a chance to use my problem-solving skills, something I really enjoy, especially when it comes to dealing with SARS, which many find overwhelming.
I also strongly believe that small businesses play a vital role in the economy. By providing affordable, accessible tax and accounting services, I can help close the gap between professional financial support and the real-world needs of small business owners. It’s not just about solving immediate issues; it’s about building financial awareness and encouraging long-term planning.
What motivates me even more is seeing how many people turn to social media platforms like Facebook to ask for help or try to find someone who works at SARS, because they feel stuck. That tells me there’s a real need for trustworthy, affordable support, and I’m committed to being part of that solution.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
I wouldn’t say I’ve had one big defining moment, but rather a series of shifts that shaped my career. Moving from external accounting to an internal role was a turning point, I wanted to be more involved in day-to-day operations and financial management, rather than just preparing statements and returns.
That transition allowed me to work closely with different departments, understand the bigger picture, and support business decisions with proper financial insight. It also taught me that a quick “no” from an accountant doesn’t always help, context matters, and collaboration leads to better outcomes.
What stands out most are the messages from clients thanking me for resolving a SARS issue or helping them sleep better at night. These small moments of trust and appreciation mean a lot and keep me motivated to do this work.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I build strong client relationships by really getting to know their individual needs and offering support that’s both practical and personal.
I work closely with different departments to understand their day-to-day challenges and tailor my advice accordingly. I also believe in educating clients, whether it's about tax or financial management, so they can make better decisions and feel more in control.
When problems come up, I focus on finding workable solutions that ease their stress, like resolving tax issues or helping them improve their systems. I also make a point of keeping my services affordable and accessible, so they don’t feel that good financial advice is out of reach.
My background in internal accounting gives me a broader view of how businesses run, which helps me offer guidance that’s aligned with long-term goals. And sometimes, just sitting down over a coffee to catch up on how the business is going makes a big difference, it helps keep the relationship strong and the communication open.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Some of my key goals for the firm include expanding our client base by focusing on micro and small businesses, as well as individuals who may not always have access to professional accounting and tax support. I want to make these services more accessible and impactful for those who need them most.
I’m also looking to broaden the range of services we offer, moving into areas like financial planning and business consulting. This will allow us to serve clients with a wider variety of needs and support them at different stages of their business or personal financial journey.
Upgrading our tools and systems is another priority. By investing in modern accounting software, we can work more efficiently, deliver real-time insights, and provide a better overall experience for our clients.
Ongoing learning is a big part of my approach. I stay up to date with the latest regulations and industry changes so that clients can rely on accurate, informed advice. I also see a lot of value in forming partnerships with other professionals and organisations, which can help us offer more comprehensive solutions and grow the firm’s presence.
Altogether, these goals are aimed at creating a firm that is adaptable, client-focused, and ready to support long-term growth.
What’s next on your professional journey?
What’s next for me is continuing to grow my firm by focusing on micro and small businesses, as well as individuals who need reliable accounting and tax support. I’m working on expanding the services we offer, especially in financial planning and business consulting, so we can support clients more holistically.
I’m also committed to ongoing professional development. Staying up to date with changes in the industry helps me provide accurate, high-quality advice. Strengthening client relationships is another priority, along with building strategic partnerships that allow us to offer more well-rounded solutions.
I’d like to work towards greater industry recognition too, which can help build trust and open doors to new opportunities. My focus is on building a firm that’s adaptable, client-focused, and consistently adding value.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
I stick to defined working hours and make sure clients and colleagues are aware of them. This helps create space for personal time without work spilling over.
I focus on what matters most each day. Tools like to-do lists and a large whiteboard help me stay organised and visually plan out my week.
I schedule time for things I enjoy, whether it’s hobbies, exercise, rest, or just relaxing. It’s important to recharge so I can show up fully in both work and life.
I talk things through with family, friends, or peers. They often offer fresh perspectives or practical help, and their input tends to be thoughtful because they care about my well-being.
These small, intentional steps help me stay grounded and maintain balance across the different parts of my life.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
When I’m off the clock, I enjoy activities that help me unwind and reset. I love getting lost in a good book or series, they’re a great way to relax and switch off. Family time is also really important to me and always brings a sense of joy and connection.
I find a surprising amount of satisfaction in restoring old furniture or decluttering cupboards, it’s both calming and productive. Gardening is another favourite; it lets me enjoy some fresh air and time in nature. And I never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep to keep me feeling refreshed.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
As an accountant and tax practitioner, I support the development of others by engaging in collaborative problem-solving and maintaining strong professional networks. I often consult with fellow accountants to discuss complex cases and share insights, which helps us deliver the best results for our clients. This continuous exchange keeps us informed about the latest industry trends and regulations, improving our overall expertise and service. Even in informal conversations, I find opportunities to mentor and support others, contributing to growth for both myself and my peers.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
At the moment, I’m not actively involved in mentorship or local business initiatives. However, as my practice grows, I hope to get involved in opportunities that align with my values. I’m interested in contributing both personally and professionally because I believe supporting the community not only makes a difference but also helps me grow in my career.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
Starting your own accounting practice can be incredibly fulfilling, but it takes planning and consistency. Here are a few lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
Make sure your accounting knowledge is solid and keep up with changes in regulations. This builds credibility and gives clients confidence in your expertise.
Connect with other accountants and professionals. These relationships are helpful for sharing advice, staying informed, and even bringing in new clients.
Invest in good accounting software and tech. It saves time, helps you stay organized, and shows clients that you work efficiently.
Relationships matter. Offer a professional and reliable service that keeps clients coming back and encourages referrals.
Choose a niche that plays to your strengths and interests, whether that’s working with microbusinesses, freelancers, or a specific industry. This helps you stand out and do more meaningful work.
“Steve Jobs said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” This quote helps me stay passionate and dedicated to my work. Finding joy and fulfilment in what you do each day is essential, as it drives you to achieve excellence.”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
One of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve learned as a solo practitioner is the importance of self-management. Being disciplined helps me stay on top of deadlines, stay organised, and consistently deliver quality work. I’ve also learned the value of staying flexible and open to change, it makes it easier to handle challenges and take advantage of new opportunities. Both qualities have been essential in helping me grow and sustain my practice on my own.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Fun fact: I’m left-handed! It’s said that left-handed people tend to be more creative and good at problem-solving, maybe that’s where my ability to think outside the box in accounting comes from.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower to help me in my practice, it would be the ability to pause or stretch time. It would allow me to give each client the attention they deserve, especially small businesses that often need more hands-on support. Having that extra time would help me stay focused, make better decisions, and deliver the best possible service across the board.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
I tackle the most urgent and important tasks first to make sure deadlines are met without a last-minute rush.
A tidy workspace and well-structured digital files help me work faster and avoid unnecessary stress.
Short, regular breaks keep my energy up and prevent burnout. I also make sure I’m getting enough rest overall so I can stay focused.
I rely on accounting software and tech to automate routine tasks and free up time for more complex work.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
There are two days in my career that stand out.
The first was the moment I realised I had fallen into the routine of external accounting. That realisation helped me shift my mindset, opening me up to be more effective and solution-oriented in financial management. It was also the day I discovered how much I enjoy helping small businesses grow by applying my skills in a more hands-on way.
The second was my first day working as an internal accountant. It was a big change from what I was used to, and it challenged me in new ways. The lack of routine pushed me to adapt quickly and learn fresh approaches to managing finances.
Both experiences were key turning points that shaped the direction of my work and deepened my commitment to supporting small businesses.
Lin-Mari’s story is proof that empathy and expertise can grow a firm. She’s turning tax panic into business planning, and lifting her community along the way.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to build a purpose-driven firm that earns, empowers, and endures.
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