Mandilakhe Nontenja, Integrated Finance Manager
Integrated Finance Manager
Current Experience:
Integrated Finance Manager: Duty at Source (DAS), Levies (Customs & Excise) & Value Added Tax (VAT) at Sasol Aug 2021 - Present · (4 yrs 2 mos)
Past Experience:
Integrated Finance Manager: Duty at Source (DAS) & Levies (Customs & Excise) at Sasol Aug 2020 - Aug 2021 (1 Yr 1 mo)
Charter President at Fourways Firebrands Toastmasters International · Part-time Jul 2020 - Jun 2021 · (1 yr)
Audit: Tax Compliance and Risk Specialist at SARS Oct 2015 - Aug 2020 · (4 yrs 11 mos)
Tax Investigation Officer at SARS Apr 2012 - Sep 2015 (3 Yrs 6 mos)
GIBS SMME Mentor and Facilitator at GIBS Business School (Gordon Institute of Business Science) · Part-time Apr 2019 - Jul 2020 · (1 yr 4 mos)
Lecturer (part-time) at Varsity College · Part-time Jan 2014 - Dec 2016 · (3 yrs)
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Mandilakhe Nontenja isn’t waiting for the rules to change. He’s finding ways to work smarter within them, and he’s proving that accountants aren’t back-office support. They’re revenue protectors, crisis managers, and border-breakers.
He’s tackled fuel export delays, fought for faster customs clearance, and helped steer a company through South Africa’s Natref fuel crisis, all while mentoring the next generation of finance leaders and keeping his faith and family at the centre of it all.
This is the kind of leadership our profession needs to spotlight.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually begin my mornings with devotion and prayer, which helps set a positive tone for the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My late sister inspired my interest in understanding financial laws, and my own background strengthened the motivation to pursue a career in accounting and finance.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I’ve had the opportunity to take on several roles throughout my career, each with valuable learning experiences. Before joining my current employer, I worked at SARS, where one of my key contributions was introducing initiatives for the Revenue-Generation Steering Committee. I focused on compliance in the student accommodation sector, which eventually expanded into a national project.
In my current role, I work extensively with Customs and Excise. A major challenge in the energy industry is the export of fuel products, where border controls can cause serious delays. These not only disrupt operations but can also affect reputation. With the support of my team, I successfully enrolled our organization in the Authorised Economic Operator program, which reduces delays by recognizing compliance levels and granting preferential treatment. That was definitely a highlight.
More recently, I managed compliance during the fuel crisis caused by the fire at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref). For those outside the energy sector, it’s not always clear how heavily regulated this space is, but poor handling can lead to major setbacks. Ensuring compliance during such a critical time was both a challenge and a defining moment in my career.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
My role involves ensuring accurate accounting of duties payable to SARS and making sure all relevant returns are submitted on time.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by helping the business minimize its tax burden through full compliance and by making use of available tax provisions to the company’s advantage. By avoiding penalties and the interest that comes with them, I support the business in meeting its objectives and staying aligned with its overall financial strategy.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges has been getting business stakeholders to fully recognize the importance of compliance while still pursuing profitability. Finance and Tax are often seen as support functions, which can make them an afterthought.
To overcome this, I shifted the way we communicate, emphasizing the value of compliance in protecting the business rather than just enforcing rules. I also made it a point to involve stakeholders directly in resolving compliance issues, particularly when statutory bodies imposed penalties. This helped them see the bigger picture and appreciate the role compliance plays in the company’s success
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Although the detailed financial operations are handled by a dedicated team, I can share that they rely on a mix of industry-standard tools and proven best practices to maintain accuracy and efficiency. Their approach includes regular financial reporting, continuous analysis, and strong cross-department communication to ensure financial goals remain aligned with the company’s overall objectives.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
For me, balance starts with proper planning. I organize my activities in line with my objectives, regardless of how busy the season is. I focus on the most important tasks while also making sure I stay physically and mentally healthy.
Family is central to everything I do, so I create boundaries around work. For example, I make it a point to take my son to school at least twice a week, which gives us time together both on the road and at home. My wife and daughter are also part of my work-from-home rhythm, especially during breaks. I’ve built in exercise by scheduling home gym sessions at least three times a week.
Outside of work, I enjoy reading non-fiction books, which helps me relax and recharge.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading non-fiction books and playing golf. I’ve also recently joined a running club, which has been a great way to stay active and recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I mentor a number of people, both within finance and in other departments. I always begin by understanding what each person hopes to achieve in their journey. From there, I focus on helping them navigate the corporate finance environment. For some, it’s about gaining exposure, and in those cases, I do my best to connect them with the right individuals or entities who can support their growth.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For anyone aspiring to work in a finance department, it’s important to ensure that finance is truly their passion. Strong attention to detail is essential, as is understanding how a business operates, how it earns and spends money. With this knowledge, you can apply financial laws and principles effectively to support the growth and success of the business.
“You don’t have to be great to start. You have to start to be great - Napoleon Hill ”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
Leadership is about making tough decisions and standing by them until they yield results. It’s not about being popular, but about guiding the course with conviction. Leaders like Tata Mandela exemplify this principle. In my own career, I haven’t always taken the easiest path, but I’ve been guided by this mantra.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that I serve as a preacher outside of my professional work.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I would choose the ability to predict financial trends, including the future performance of different companies.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My productivity is driven by my desired outcomes. I focus on completing everything that needs to be done each day and prioritize tasks based on their importance in achieving my goals.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I started my first job as an audit article clerk stands out for me. It was the moment I truly felt that dreams can come true.
You want to be seen as more than a number cruncher? Start acting like a nation-builder.
Mandilakhe proves that CBAPs can sit at the strategy table, if they’re brave enough to challenge the status quo.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to build a finance career that drives growth, not just compliance.
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