Nazmeera Mayet, Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:
Accountant at Joubert and Partners · Full-time Jul 2022 - Present · (3 yrs 8 mos)
Past Experience:
Bookkeeper | Financial Manager at Family Businesses · Self-employed Jan 2021 - Jun 2022 · (1 yr 6 mos)
Finance Manager at United Forest Products ZA · Full-time Sep 2019 - Dec 2020 · (1 yr 4 mos)
Director: B-BBEE at Lushintjo BEE Verification (PBS Inter Company) · Full-time Feb 2018 - Jul 2019 · (1 yr 6 mos)
Accounting Supervisor at PBS Chartered Accountants Inc. · Full-time Jul 2017 - Jan 2018 · (7 mos)
Education:
BCom Financial Accounting
B-BBEE Management Development Programme
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Not all heroes wear blazers. Some wear aprons after hours.
Nazmeera Mayet wanted to be a doctor. Instead, she became something just as critical, the kind of accountant who saves clients from tax penalties, business failure, and financial chaos. From part-time studies and SAICA articles to banking, auditing, and mentoring, she’s walked every path to become the leader she is today.
She starts her day with prayer. She ends it with spreadsheets, or maybe a perfectly risen cake. This isn’t your average accountant. This is someone who turns pressure into poise and deadlines into deliverables.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
09:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start my day with prayer and a few quiet moments, then I review my priorities and plan for the day ahead.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
Growing up, I was initially drawn to the medical field and imagined becoming a doctor. That changed in high school when I had an accounting teacher who made the subject practical, engaging, and easy to relate to everyday life. Their passion and ability to explain complex ideas in a simple way sparked my interest and helped me see accounting differently.
As I learned more, I began to appreciate how numbers tell a story and support better decision-making. I realized accounting is not just about calculations, but about understanding how businesses work, identifying opportunities for improvement, and offering meaningful insights. That mix of structure, problem-solving, and real-world impact really resonated with me.
While my path shifted away from medicine, my desire to help others remained the same. Through accounting, I’m able to support individuals and businesses by guiding them toward informed financial decisions and long-term success. Looking back, I’m grateful for that teacher who opened my eyes to the field and helped set me on a career path that truly fits me.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Looking back on my career, there are a few key moments that really shaped my professional journey.
Early on, while studying BCom Accounting part-time, I completed my SAICA articles at a well-established accounting firm. This gave me a strong technical foundation and practical exposure to the profession. I later moved into the credit side of banking, where I developed skills in risk assessment, financial analysis, and credit evaluation. That experience broadened my understanding of the financial services environment and strengthened my ability to assess businesses holistically.
Although my career briefly moved in a different direction, I ultimately returned to accounting, where my interest in problem-solving and working with numbers truly sits. As I progressed, I stepped into more senior roles, taking on greater responsibility and leadership. These opportunities allowed me to grow professionally while making a wider impact within the teams and organizations I supported.
Some of the milestones I’m particularly proud of include managing and preparing financial statements for multiple clients with a strong focus on accuracy and deadlines, consistently achieving high levels of client satisfaction. I’ve also identified and corrected errors in financial records, resulting in meaningful tax savings for clients through careful planning and compliance. Providing financial analysis and practical recommendations has helped clients make informed decisions and improve their financial performance.
In addition, I’ve built long-term client relationships that led to repeat business and referrals, conducted audits with a strong compliance record, and mentored junior accountants to improve team capability and efficiency. These experiences have been defining in shaping how I work today and reinforce why I find the accounting profession both rewarding and meaningful.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as a Senior Accountant at a local accounting firm, where I’m responsible for overseeing and managing the financial affairs of our clients.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by ensuring our clients have accurate, reliable financial information to support sound decision-making. I prepare, review, and finalize financial statements, making sure they are complete, compliant, and clearly reflect each client’s financial position.
I also conduct audits and reviews when required, providing assurance around the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting. Tax planning and compliance form a key part of my role, from preparing and submitting tax returns to advising clients on how to manage their tax obligations effectively.
Beyond reporting and compliance, I analyze financial data to identify trends and offer practical insights that help clients plan and grow their businesses. As a senior team member, I mentor and support colleagues, sharing knowledge and guiding their development. I also work closely with clients to understand their needs, build strong relationships, and provide tailored financial advice that aligns with their broader business goals.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was during a period of rapid growth at the firm, when a sharp increase in client demand led to a much heavier workload. The key challenge was maintaining the quality and accuracy of our work while meeting tighter deadlines and higher expectations.
To overcome this, I focused on planning ahead, prioritising tasks more effectively, and improving how work was allocated within the team. We also refined our processes to reduce bottlenecks and minimise errors. By taking a proactive and structured approach, we were able to manage the increased volume successfully, continue delivering high-quality service to our clients, and support the firm’s growth without compromising standards.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
As a team, we ensure that everyone is informed and aligned with our financial objectives. Clear performance goals and objectives are set for our team, with regular feedback and coaching being provided, to ensure that we are meeting our financial objectives. We foster a collaborative and teamwork-oriented culture that encourages open communication, sharing of ideas, and collective problem-solving.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
Staying balanced during busy periods comes down to being intentional with my time and energy. I start by prioritising tasks based on urgency and importance, breaking larger projects into manageable steps so they feel achievable rather than overwhelming.
I plan ahead and set realistic goals for my day, week, and month, while leaving room to adapt when priorities shift. Taking short breaks throughout the day helps me reset and stay focused, especially during long or demanding periods.
I also make time for self-care outside of work, including exercise, prayer, reading, and spending time with loved ones, which helps me maintain perspective and avoid burnout. Where possible, I delegate tasks so I can focus on high-impact responsibilities.
Staying organised is another key strategy, both in my workspace and digitally, as it saves time and reduces unnecessary stress. I keep communication open with my team and clients, regularly reviewing progress, adjusting plans when needed, and acknowledging wins along the way.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, which really helps me unwind and reset. I like exploring walking trails and parks, as being outdoors allows me to clear my head and feel more grounded.
I also enjoy reading, both as a way to relax and to keep learning. It’s something that helps me recharge while also broadening my perspective.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I actively mentor and support other team members within the finance department. I believe sharing knowledge and experience is key to building a strong, capable team.
I provide hands-on guidance as colleagues work through their day-to-day tasks, helping them strengthen their technical skills and gain confidence in their work. I also offer constructive feedback and coaching, focusing on both areas for improvement and individual strengths, so team members can continue to grow and progress in their roles.
In addition, I regularly share insights through informal discussions, keeping the team up to date with developments in accounting and finance and encouraging continuous learning.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I would advise anyone aspiring to work in a finance department to first build a strong foundation in accounting and finance, and become comfortable with tools like Excel, accounting software, financial modeling, and data analysis.
It’s also important to understand the business or industry you’re supporting. Knowing how the company operates and what its goals are helps you provide meaningful insights and make informed financial decisions.
Equally crucial are soft skills, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. You’ll often need to explain complex financial information to colleagues who aren’t in finance, work across teams, and navigate challenging situations.
Continuous learning and seeking guidance from experienced professionals can accelerate growth, while adaptability and resilience will help you handle tight deadlines and evolving priorities. Maintaining integrity, a strong work ethic, and ethical practices is essential.
Focusing on these areas will prepare you to contribute effectively to a finance team and support business growth through thoughtful, informed financial decisions.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”
However, I also have a personal mantra that guides my approach to life and work:
”I don’t believe anything is worth stressing over or affecting your mental health and well-being.”
This mantra reminds me to prioritize my mental health, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and focus on what truly matters. It encourages me to approach challenges with a calm and level head, and to remember that there’s always a solution to every problem.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
A leadership lesson that’s been especially valuable to me is that true leadership isn’t about titles or authority, it’s about influence, empowering others, and serving your team.
This perspective has shaped how I mentor and support colleagues. I focus on helping team members grow, providing guidance while giving them the space to take ownership of their work. Creating an environment where people feel valued and supported has not only boosted morale and productivity but also strengthened relationships within the team.
Embracing this approach has shown me that leadership is most effective when it’s about helping others succeed, and it’s a mindset that can make a real difference in any organization.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
A fun fact about me is that I’m a passionate baker! When I’m not working with numbers, I love spending time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes and flavors.
Baking is a creative outlet for me, it’s surprisingly similar to accounting in that it requires precision and attention to detail, but it’s also a way to relax and unwind. There’s something really satisfying about seeing a recipe come together perfectly, and it’s a hobby that keeps me energized and inspired outside of work.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
Master multitasking, without a doubt. Being able to handle multiple priorities smoothly would be invaluable, especially during peak reporting periods or when deadlines are tight. It would make it easier to stay focused, keep everything moving forward, and deliver consistent, high-quality work even under pressure.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is all about structure and focus. I start by making a prioritized task list so I know what needs attention first.
For bigger projects, I break them into smaller, manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. I also take short breaks throughout the day to recharge and refocus, and I minimize distractions by turning off notifications or finding a quiet space to work. These habits help me stay efficient and maintain consistent focus, even on the busiest days.
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 the day I was recognized for my performance as an accountant.
That acknowledgment was a powerful reminder that my dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering quality work were appreciated. It was incredibly motivating and gave me a real sense of pride and accomplishment. Experiencing that moment again would let me relive the satisfaction of knowing my efforts made a meaningful impact.
Nazmeera isn’t just balancing books, she’s balancing growth, mentoring, compliance, and sanity in a profession that demands everything. She’s a teacher, a strategist, and a baker with a spreadsheet soul.
Her advice? Know your industry. Stay ethical. Keep learning. And never let work erode your well-being.
Want to lead with heart and impact, just like Nazmeera?
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead with integrity, serve with skill, and scale your influence.
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