Nadia Leandi Ehlers, Director
Director
Current Experience:Director at Accounting · Full-time Aug 2018 - Present · (7 yrs)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Bookkeeper at Project Management Company Nov 2015 - Jul 2018 · (2 yrs 9 mos)
Consultant at Jobnet Recruitment Feb 2014 - Mar 2015 · (1 yr 2 mos)
Qualifications:Technical Financial Accountant
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Meet Nadia Leandi Ehlers, the driving force behind Conteggio Accounting. With over 20 years in the industry and six years at the helm of her own practice, Nadia is passionate about helping SMEs grow through practical, down-to-earth financial guidance. Her journey from a hands-on start in business operations to a respected advisor for growing firms reflects both resilience and deep commitment to client success.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Mornings at our house are always a bit hectic, so my day starts with a strong cup of coffee to get me out the door. Once I’m at work, I usually spend the first hour with another coffee in hand, going through emails and mapping out my priorities for the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I started working with small business finances straight after school, where I got hands-on experience in finance, payroll, and marketing. I was curious and eager to learn, so I spent a lot of time getting to know how businesses really operate. One of my employers, who later became a friend, pointed out that I had a natural talent for finance and accounting and encouraged me to pursue it seriously. That pushed me to take the next step and work toward the right qualifications.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
One of the biggest highlights of my career was starting my own firm about six years ago, which gave me the chance to focus fully on supporting SMEs. A defining moment for me was working with a client who, at the time, was my smallest. Over the years, they’ve grown into one of my biggest clients, and they often credit that growth to the financial systems and guidance I helped put in place. By understanding where they were making money, and more importantly, where they were losing it, they were able to make smarter decisions that led to real growth. That’s true for most SMEs I work with. They often don’t have the time or financial background to make sense of everything, and it’s my job to break things down, offer support when it matters most, and make the process easier to manage.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I stay in regular contact with my clients and make an effort to build a friendly, professional relationship. My goal is to be the first person they turn to when they feel unsure or stuck in any part of their business journey. I also build a strong network of service providers, so no matter what they need, I can usually connect them with the right support quickly.
What are some future goals for your firm?
I believe our current business model is working well, and my goal is to keep building on the solid foundation we’ve established. Most of our new work comes through client referrals, which speaks to the relationships we’ve built. I’d like to continue growing in that way, focusing on strong, long-term partnerships with the businesses we support.
What’s next on your professional journey?
I’m considering pursuing a higher qualification, as I believe ongoing growth and skills development are essential. I’m also interested in exploring how AI is shaping the future of the industry and how I can use it to work more efficiently and add more value for my clients.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
“Work hard, play hard” used to be my go-to approach, but as life gets busier and responsibilities grow, it’s not always easy to keep that up. These days, I make a conscious effort to switch off on weekends and focus on activities that pull me away from emails and screens. One rule I stick to is not having my work emails linked to my phone, it's a small thing, but it really helps me stay present and avoid getting pulled back into work during my personal time.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
I enjoy getting outdoors for hikes with friends and family, it’s a great way to recharge. A quiet dinner with my partner is always a welcome treat too. Our kids have busy social and sports schedules, so we spend a lot of time on the sidelines cheering them on. Sometimes, the best way to unwind is just relaxing at home, whether that’s binge-watching a series or playing a bit of PlayStation.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I contribute by sharing what I’ve learned through my years in the industry. With around 20 years of experience, I’ve come across a wide range of situations and challenges, so when I work with others, I try to offer insight and guidance based on real-world scenarios. It’s about helping them learn from what I’ve already experienced.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Not at the moment.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
My advice would be to work hard and stay committed, even during the tough times when it feels like nothing is falling into place, your efforts will pay off eventually. When a client comes to you with a request, don’t just say no. Try to find a solution or connect them with someone who can help. Being resourceful and keeping that support within your circle goes a long way in building trust and long-term relationships.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
“I never dreamed about success; I worked for it!” - Estee Lauder
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
My top leadership lesson as a firm owner is to keep things straightforward and always lead by example.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something you won’t find in my business bio is that I love to travel and explore new places. Also, I have a tattoo of a Koi fish on my ankle, which represents balance and prosperity.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I’d pass on mind-reading, some of my clients’ thoughts might actually scare me. Instead, I’d love to have octopus-like arms and hands, so I could multitask at incredible speed. A few clones wouldn’t hurt either, so I could be in multiple places at once.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
My go-to strategy is to prioritize and set a manageable workload each day. When things get overwhelming, I’m more likely to procrastinate, so breaking work down into smaller tasks helps me stay focused and feel more in control.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive one day in my career, it would be the day I signed my first retainer client. The retainer was small and far from enough to fully support my business but having that first client on board was an incredible and unforgettable feeling.
Nadia’s story is a reminder that success often begins with a willingness to show up, learn fast, and support others along the way. As the SME landscape continues to evolve, professionals like Nadia are proving that small firms, guided with care and insight, can grow into something extraordinary.
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