Melani (Chetty) Govender, Management Accountant
Management Accountant
Current Experience:Hollard Insurance Management Accountant May 2024 - Present · (1 yr 1 mo)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Management Accountant at Hollard Insurance Management Apr 2017 - Apr 2024 · (7 yrs 1 mo)
Project Account/Internal Auditor at Unihold Group Jun 2016 - Mar 2017 · (10 mos)
Project Accountant at GDS Technologies Feb 2016 - May 2016 · (4 mos)
Accountant at IUA Business Solutions Jan 2014 - Feb 2016 · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Financial Manager at The Canelands Beach Club & Spa May 2013 - Sep 2013 · (5 mos)
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Meet Melani Govender, a seasoned Management Accountant with over two decades of experience transforming financial reporting and systems through smart automation and rock-solid reconciliations. With a flair for numbers, an eye for improvement, and a passion for mentoring, Melani blends technical precision with heart-led leadership—bringing clarity and confidence to every balance sheet she touches.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I’ve recently started meditating to help manage my tendency to overthink. It’s been a useful way to quiet my mind and focus on what really matters each day. I’ve been consistent during the workweek and I’m working on building the habit into my weekends too.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I’ve always had a knack for numbers, math and accounting were my favorite subjects growing up. That interest only deepened once I entered the working world. I genuinely enjoy problem-solving, digging into reconciliations, and finding smarter, more efficient ways to get things done. For me, it’s not just about working hard, but working smart, and that mindset has shaped how I approach tasks in finance.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Over my 24-year career in accounting, a few key moments stand out. At Conrad Botha & Associates, I was still a data capturer when I was trusted with balance sheet reconciliations, a turning point that gave me the confidence to grow. At Three Cities Management, I reduced the creditors’ age analysis from 51 pages to 9, implemented purchase order procedures, and cleared 49 reimbursement accounts across multiple hotels.
At Signature Life Hospitality, I managed the full accounts for head office and three hotels, building everything from scratch with clean, accurate reconciliations. At Unihold, I reconciled cashbooks and VAT across four companies and built detailed Excel reports that hadn’t existed before.
Most recently at Hollard, I became the go-to for complex reconciliations and led key projects in automation that improved accuracy and efficiency. Each role sharpened my skills and reinforced the value of smart, detail-focused work.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I'm a Management Accountant.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support the financial strategy by making reporting more efficient and accurate. I’ve cut down the time spent on reporting by streamlining processes and bringing in automation where it made sense. I also set up control checks to ensure control accounts always match the reports. These changes have improved financial accuracy and helped the business make faster, well-informed decisions.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One challenge I faced was learning the industry-specific terminology, principles, and legislation. I used my accounting background to understand and interpret it all, which helped me apply the knowledge accurately in my daily work.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I lean on Excel, particularly advanced functions and macros, to manage and streamline financial tasks. I also use automation tools to cut down on manual work, boost accuracy, and speed up processes like reconciliations and reporting. These tools help me keep things efficient and consistent.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
One of my strengths is staying at my best during busy or high-pressure times, I tend to thrive when things get intense. That said, I always recommend taking regular breaks and using simple breathing techniques. They go a long way in helping manage stress and staying focused when the pressure's on.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I believe in the power of strong connections and keeping the energy positive. Music lifts my spirits, and dancing like no one’s watching is my go-to joy booster. Whether it’s a meaningful chat or an impromptu dance session, I’m all about being present and making the most of every moment.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
My leadership style focuses on building genuine relationships and supporting others in their growth. I see mentoring as a way to share knowledge and offer smarter ways of working, not to call out mistakes, but to help people improve and build confidence.
In a previous role, I worked closely with a junior team member who was having a tough time with reconciliations. Instead of just correcting their work, I shared some practical tips I’d picked up over the years, including Excel shortcuts and simple automation tricks. With time, they became more confident and eventually started helping others too. Watching that progress is something I’m genuinely proud of. For me, good leadership is about helping others succeed.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice is to embrace how technology is changing finance. With AI and tech playing a bigger role every day, getting comfortable with AI tools, and especially mastering Excel, including coding and automation, will give you a real advantage. Focusing on these skills can boost your efficiency and help you stand out in your finance career.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
I believe in taking ownership of both action and inaction. What you are not changing, you are choosing, this mindset reminds me that avoiding change is still a decision, and one that shapes outcomes just as much as proactive steps do. It keeps me accountable and open to growth, especially in fast-paced environments.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
I always stress the importance of keeping relationships intact and never burning bridges, no matter the situation. Every interaction is an opportunity to build meaningful, lasting connections. Even when things change, staying professional and respectful leaves a positive impression. You never know when someone from your past might become important down the line.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I’m really scared of horror movies, even when I know what’s coming, I still jump at every scary moment!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
It would be the ability to predict financial trends. While forecasting the stock market sounds thrilling, having a clear view of upcoming financial changes would be incredibly useful for making smart, proactive decisions and leading the business with more confidence.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I rely on a bit of caffeine, regular breaks, and getting outside for fresh air. These small habits help me recharge, keep my focus sharp, and maintain my energy all day.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
One of the standout moments in my career was being awarded Star Achiever for both the month and the quarter, totally unexpected! The prize was a nice touch, but it was the recognition that really meant the most. It reminded me that putting in the effort consistently does get noticed.
Melani’s journey is a powerful reminder that consistent growth, curiosity, and compassion can redefine what it means to lead in finance. Follow her on LinkedIn to keep up with her latest wins, insights, and career milestones.
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
