Lwandile Lutoli, Professional Accountant
Professional Accountant
Current Experience:Professional Accountant at Landaman Van Rensburg Accountants · Full-time Apr 2024 - Present · (1 yr 1 mo)
PAST EXPERIENCES:SAICA Article ship at Mazars South Africa · Contract
Feb 2020 - Jan 2024 · (4 yrs)
Associate as a CaseWare Specialist PwC South Africa · Full-time Feb 2018 - Jan 2020 (2 yrs)
Assistant Accountant at Ugumba Business Accountants (SA) · Full-time
Jul 2015 - Aug 2017 · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Qualifications:Nelson Mandela University Auditing
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: In our mission to build a strong accounting community in South Africa, Accounting Weekly celebrates the journeys of accountants making a meaningful impact in their field. This edition features Lwandile, a seasoned accountant with 7-8 years of experience, renowned for his dedication to financial analysis, optimizing business processes, and mentoring emerging talent in the accounting profession.
Lwandile, a dedicated professional, starts his mornings with prayer and exercise. Outside of work, he enjoys running, which helps him stay fit and clear-headed. Lwandile also values quality time with family, keeping a balanced and motivated mindset.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
5:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Pray and exercise
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
After matric, I initially set my sights on becoming either a medical doctor or a pilot, as I had excelled in Physical Science and Mathematics. However, I lacked proper guidance on how to pursue those paths. That changed when one of my high school teachers connected me with Mr. Lwando Bantom, who introduced me to the Thuthuka Program. I was immediately drawn to it—and from that moment on, I never looked back. To this day, I’m passionate about the field and remain committed to growing, learning, and becoming the best, I can be.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of my proudest milestones was completing my auditing articles, an experience that was both challenging and deeply rewarding. It transformed me into a more confident and capable professional, better equipped to take on challenges and adapt to whatever comes my way. Another key achievement was completing a data analytics program, which has given me a strong edge in interpreting data and extracting meaningful financial insights.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
My role involves overseeing the processing and analysis of client financial information, facilitating client meetings, and delivering advisory services. I also focus on improving both client and internal business processes to enhance overall efficiency.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
My role plays a key part in shaping the financial strategy of the business by analyzing data to deliver actionable insights that support informed decision-making. For instance, I recently identified inefficiencies in a client's budget allocation process, resulting in a 10% reduction in operational costs. Additionally, I prepare detailed financial reports that enable clients to evaluate performance and align their resources with strategic objectives.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my SAICA articles was managing multiple audits in a fast-paced environment, while also overseeing trainees and working with clients resistant to change.
To address this, I prioritized clear communication and adaptability. I built trust with clients by explaining the value of proposed changes using practical examples, and I mentored trainees by delegating tasks aligned with their strengths and providing hands-on guidance. I also implemented a structured audit plan with regular check-ins to ensure smooth progress.
As a result, all audits were delivered on time, client relationships improved, and the team performed more effectively. The experience strengthened my ability to lead under pressure and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I utilize advanced tools such as CaseWare for preparing IFRS-compliant financial statements, Excel for complex financial modeling and budget management, and SQL and Power BI for analyzing large datasets and creating insightful reports. Additionally, I use accounting software like Pastel or Xero to streamline bookkeeping, manage accounts payable and receivable, and oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial operations. Depending on the client's system, I also adapt to their tools for reviewing and providing advice.
To improve operations, I focus on automating repetitive tasks (mainly through Excel) and conducting regular reconciliations. By analyzing financial trends and KPIs, I deliver actionable insights that aid in strategic decision-making.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
During busy periods, I prioritize tasks by evaluating their impact and deadlines, staying organized with tools like to-do lists and calendars. I break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to maintain steady progress. I also plan ahead by anticipating potential challenges and keeping detailed documentation and workflows to ensure consistent quality, even when time is limited.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Spending quality time with my family is something I truly cherish. They bring me immense joy, serve as my emotional support, and continuously inspire me in my career. Being with them allows me to recharge and stay grounded, helping me maintain focus on my professional aspirations.
In addition to family time, I enjoy reading, especially on topics related to technological advancements and how to adapt to global changes within my field. This helps broaden my outlook and keeps me well-informed. I’m also passionate about road running, which clears my mind and boosts my energy. These activities play a key role in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and keeping me motivated.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I have actively mentored and supported my colleagues, especially in areas like data cleaning, interpretation, and Excel automation. I’ve shared best practices for organizing and standardizing datasets, which has made it easier for them to analyze data and extract valuable insights.
I also introduced them to advanced Excel functions, such as formulas, pivot tables, and macros, which significantly boosted their efficiency in handling large tasks. By showing them how to automate repetitive processes, I helped them complete complex assignments more quickly. My goal has always been to build their confidence and skills, allowing them to tackle challenges with improved efficiency and accuracy. This mentoring primarily took place at my previous employer before I joined Coopers Inc.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For those aiming to work in a finance firm or department, it’s important to build a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills. Master accounting principles like IFRS and IFRS for SMEs, and develop advanced Excel skills (formulas, pivot tables, macros) to improve data handling. Familiarize yourself with tools like SQL and Power BI for data analysis, and gain proficiency in accounting software like CaseWare, Pastel, or Xero.
Soft skills like attention to detail, time management, and communication are equally crucial. Being meticulous and efficient with deadlines is essential, especially during busy times. Strong collaboration and the ability to clearly explain financial concepts will help you work well with cross-functional teams. Lastly, embrace continuous learning to stay updated on technological advancements and modern accounting practices to remain competitive and contribute to a company’s success.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Preparation is an indication of expectation." John C Maxwell
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
A leadership lesson that has greatly shaped my approach is "Lead by example." This principle highlights the importance of modeling the values and behaviors you expect from your team. Whether it's demonstrating integrity, upholding a strong work ethic, or being receptive to feedback, your actions as a leader set the tone for the team's culture and performance.
Throughout my career, I've learned that by embodying commitment, clear communication, and accountability, I can motivate my colleagues to adopt the same mindset, creating a positive and productive work environment. This approach has been key in mentoring others and driving shared success.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A surprising fact about me that isn't in my professional bio is that I'm a road runner. Running not only keeps me physically fit but also helps clear my mind and enhance my focus, which positively impacts my work. It's a hobby that keeps me grounded, motivated, and better equipped to manage stress, allowing me to approach challenges with a refreshed perspective
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose any superpower to enhance my job, it would be the ability to predict financial trends. Having the foresight to anticipate market shifts, consumer behavior, or economic changes would allow me to make proactive decisions, refine financial strategies, and deliver even more valuable insights to my team and clients. It would streamline the complexities of finance and help me stay ahead of potential challenges.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I break my tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and take regular short breaks. I typically work for 30 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break, whether it’s grabbing a glass of water or taking a quick walk around the office. This approach helps me maintain focus and avoid burnout. I also prioritize tasks by urgency and impact, tackling the most important ones when my energy is at its peak. Staying organized with to-do lists and using tools like calendars keeps me on track and maintains my momentum throughout the day.
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 the day I successfully led my first audit at Mazars Forvis (formerly Mazars South Africa). That day was particularly memorable as it marked a pivotal milestone in my professional journey. It highlighted my ability to manage complex tasks, work collaboratively with my team, and deliver high-quality results under pressure. The sense of achievement and confidence I gained from navigating the challenges of that engagement, while meeting client needs, was incredibly rewarding. It was a day that reaffirmed my passion for finance and strengthened my leadership skills.
Lwandile’s journey highlights his dedication to financial expertise, his leadership in mentoring colleagues, and his commitment to continuous personal and professional growth. With a strong focus on providing actionable insights and improving business processes, Lwandile’s story is one of perseverance and passion. Connect with Lwandile on LinkedIn to follow his progress and career achievements.
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