Mikayla van den Berg, Audit Manager
Audit Manager
Current Experience:
Audit Manager at Fenns Incorporated · Full-time Feb 2025 - Present · (1 yr 2 mos)
Past Experience:
Chartered Accounting Trainee at Moore Southern Cape · Full-time Feb 2022 - Jan 2024 · (2 yrs)
Education:
Bcom Chartered Accounting
Postgraduate Diploma Chartered Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Seven years. Three board exams. One goal.
At just 25, Mikayla van den Berg closed the chapter on her articles and stepped into leadership as an Audit Manager, proof that discipline beats doubt every time.
From passing her PGDA, ITC and APC to managing client relationships and training teams, her journey wasn’t about chasing a childhood dream.
It was about playing to her strengths, and refusing to say “I can’t.”
Meet a young CA(SA) who leads with patience, faith, and example.
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 start my morning by waking up, making coffee, and spending time on Bible study with my husband.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
I didn’t have a specific early passion for any one field, but I discovered that focusing on my strengths and receiving recognition for my work gave me a strong sense of purpose. Accounting was one of my strongest areas, and that naturally guided me toward pursuing it as a career path.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Some of my most significant career milestones include completing my PGDA, ITC, and APC qualifications. Another defining moment was my final day of articles, as it marked the culmination of a seven-year journey toward becoming a Chartered Accountant, which was a deeply meaningful achievement for me.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I am the audit manager.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute to the business’s overall financial performance by managing my time and communication with clients effectively. I focus on proper delegation and close monitoring of work while also supporting the training and development of staff.
By empowering my team to deliver high-quality work, I help maintain strong client relationships and support effective and accurate billing. This approach also helps secure continued engagement and future opportunities for the audit firm.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the challenges I’ve faced is being a young chartered accountant in a professional environment where some colleagues are older than me. At times, age differences can make it difficult for people to immediately accept your authority or expertise, even when you are qualified.
I’ve learned that the best way to address this is through patience, professionalism, and consistently doing my best work. Over time, earning trust and respect comes from demonstrating competence and maintaining a respectful, understanding approach.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on workflow sheets to track progress across the team and pinpoint any problem areas. Combined with consistent communication, these tools help me stay grounded and ensure that all tasks are managed efficiently.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I make it a priority to exercise every day after work, as it helps me release stress and stay mentally and physically balanced. I also believe in keeping work and personal life separate. I focus fully on my responsibilities during office hours, but once the workday ends, I dedicate my time to myself and my family and avoid letting work dominate my life.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy exercising and going for nature walks to help clear my mind, especially walks along the beach. I look forward to spending time with my husband and our puppy, taking a long beach walk while enjoying a takeaway coffee.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I believe that asking questions is part of learning. From my experience, I know how discouraging it can be when seeking help is not encouraged, which is why I promote an open and supportive environment within my team. I often remind my team that there are no “dumb” questions, only opportunities to learn.
I maintain an open-door approach where team members can reach out for assistance, whether it is work-related or study-related. Before starting new tasks, I provide clear briefings outlining what is expected and what they need to know. I also keep communication open throughout the process so that we can learn and work together as a team.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Just try, you would be surprised at what you can achieve if you just attempt something, even if you have never done it before. If you don’t know how to do something or what the answer to a question is, do research, go read up on the topic. Never just say I can’t or I don’t know. Always give something your best shot - this will always put you one step ahead of the rest. Problem solving is key.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to lead by example. The way you approach your work as a manager sets the standard for your team, and your work ethic often shapes the culture and performance of those around you.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
I always joke and say the most interesting thing about me is the man I decided to marry, the shy accountant who married a tough bodyguard that travels the world and protects clients like Will Smith and Robert Irwin. He has way more interesting stories than I do!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
I think having a tool that could automatically complete my timesheets in real time while I work would be amazing! That would save a lot of time and make life much easier.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
During long workdays, I make sure to take short breaks to stretch and move around, and I drink plenty of water to stay refreshed. When I start feeling tired, listening to music, especially the kind I enjoy at the gym or some classical music, helps me regain focus and stay alert.
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 from my career, it would be my last day of articles. It marked the end of a seven-year journey, and I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. All the hard work, long nights, and dedication finally felt worthwhile.
For Mikayla, leadership isn’t about age. It’s about consistency. Work ethic. And earning respect over time.
She believes in open doors, no “dumb questions,” and empowering her team to grow through clear communication and delegation.
Her rule?
Work hard at the office. Protect your peace at home.
From workflow sheets to beach walks with her husband and puppy, she proves you can build a powerful career, without letting it control your life.
Because sometimes the biggest milestone isn’t the designation. It’s becoming the leader you once needed.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to position yourself as the expert clients respect and pay for.
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