Michaela Moodley, Business Accountant
Business Accountant
Current Experience:
Accountant/Finance Manager/Payroll Manager at Power Perfection · Full-time Jun 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos
Past Experiences:
Junior/Assistant Accountant at Kista and Associates · Full-time Mar 2022 - Jun 2023 · (1 yr 4 mos)
Student Accountant at KPC3 International (PTY) LTD Sep 2020 - Feb 2022 · (1 yr 6 mos)
Accounts Clerk at A-to-Z Accounting 2017 - 2019 · (2 yrs)
Qualifications:
Bcom Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Michaela Moodley, the accountant, payroll head, and finance strategist behind Power Perfection and Electrical Maintenance. She’s the only finance professional in her company, no backup, no team, just guts, grit, and a spreadsheet full of strategy.
Her day starts with 10 minutes of silence… and ends with numbers that speak volumes.
Michaela didn’t just survive her degree. She owned it. She didn’t wait for support, she built it. From internal controls that actually work, to cash flow oversight that saves the business, she’s proof that one accountant can run the show and run it well.
And if you’ve ever felt like you're the only one who gets what it takes to keep a company financially alive… you’re not alone.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
07:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
On weekdays, I start with ten minutes of quiet, then wash my face, bath, pack lunch for my husband and me, get ready, help him where needed, and head to work.
On weekends, I do the same ten minutes of quiet, freshen up, clean the house with my husband, then bath, make breakfast for us, and relax unless we have plans for the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting and finance came from enjoying problem-solving, working with details and numbers, and having a strong curiosity about how businesses operate.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Some standout moments in my career include completing my degree, handling my first lifestyle and company audit, and putting internal controls in place that have made our work far more efficient.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I’m responsible for the accounting function, payroll, and the overall finance management within the department.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I go through all financial records carefully and prepare detailed analyses for the Directors. I offer financial guidance, help find solutions to any issues that come up, and contribute to the company’s financial decision-making.
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 being the only person in the company with a strong accounting background, especially when I needed another professional to bounce ideas off. I worked through it by building connections with accountants outside the company, leaning on my husband’s expertise as a senior accountant, and doing my own research to strengthen my knowledge.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I keep a close eye on cash flow, use Pastel and Pastel Payroll to prepare detailed reports and spot trends, and rely on strong internal controls to reduce errors and discrepancies.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced by managing my time well, prioritising work with tighter deadlines, and shutting off completely over weekends. I rely on my tools to keep my reporting accurate, take short breaks to reset, and make space for myself, my husband, and our home. I’ve also built a full life outside of work, which helps me keep perspective.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading to keep my mind creative, trying new restaurants, and spending time at the beach listening to the waves. I also love watching movies, learning new things, and experimenting with different dishes in the kitchen.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I don’t have a team in the finance department, but I do provide guidance and advice to the Directors. My years of experience in the field allow me to support them effectively in financial matters.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice for anyone aiming to work in a finance department is to work smart, not just hard. Focus on putting systems and controls in place that let you work efficiently and accurately, so you can meet deadlines without feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to take care of yourself while building your career. Finance isn’t always easy, so your ability to handle feedback calmly, learn from mistakes, and stay open to learning new things will shape how much satisfaction you get from the role. And most importantly, if you don’t have a genuine interest in it, reconsider—your work should bring you fulfillment, as it takes up a big part of your life.
“Stay away from those people who try to disparage your ambitions. Small minds will always do that, but great minds will give you a feeling that you can become great too. —Mark Twain”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A leadership lesson that’s stayed with me is to focus on determination rather than permission—ask yourself who can stop you, not who will let you. Don’t be afraid to lead, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, push beyond your comfort zone, and always aim higher. And above all, remember to smile along the way.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is my love for flowers, gardens, and the sky. I often take photos of them because I’m captivated by the beauty they hold.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose a superpower for work, I’d pick several—mastering multitasking is one, but I’d especially love the ability to foresee future financial trends.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I take short breaks, practice breathing exercises, and focus on positive thoughts.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
If I could relive one day in my career, it would be the day I received my final semester results from my three-year degree. It was a moment of immense pride and marked the first major milestone in my career.
Michaela’s story is a masterclass in what CBAPs do best: problem-solving, advising, protecting, and delivering, all without the fanfare.
Her mantra? “Work smart, not hard.” Her advice? Don’t fake the passion — finance will chew you up if your heart’s not in it.
This isn’t just accounting. It’s leadership in action. Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your role into a reputation.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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