Nikita Naidoo, Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:Accountant at Nolands · Full-time Oct 2024 - Present · (8 mos)
Brand van Niekerk & Co. Inc. Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa · On-site Accountant May 2024 to Oct 2024 · (6 mos)
Accounting Trainee Apr 2021 - Apr 2024 · (3 yrs 1 mo)
Qualifications:Bcom Accounting
Postgrad Diploma Professional Accountant in Practice
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Nikita Naidoo doesn’t just bake on weekends; she builds financial statements that drive smart business decisions.
With a natural flair for numbers and a passion for impact, Nikita’s journey from top matric student to qualified accountant is built on discipline, time management, and an eye for detail. At Nolands Sandton, she’s delivering clarity, compliance, and client confidence, one line item at a time.
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?
With prayer and preparation for the day ahead.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to numbers and their influence on decision-making. I’ve always found it fascinating how a single line item on the financial statements can shape major business decisions. This curiosity sparked my desire to be part of that process. I also feel a strong connection to the accounting profession, as I believe my analytical skills are one of my greatest strengths.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
In my matric year, I earned five distinctions, placing me among the top 10 students at my school and earning a feature in the local newspapers. A more recent milestone was the successful completion of my SAIPA articles, an achievement that reflects three years of consistent dedication and perseverance.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I am an accountant who is responsible for preparing annual financial statements for independent reviews and compilations.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute positively by maintaining healthy client relationships which in turn leads to client retention and referrals to new clients.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the most challenging aspects of the job is dealing with difficult clients. It’s important to recognize that every client is different, and adapting your communication style accordingly is key. Maintaining a professional demeanor and not taking things personally is essential in navigating these interactions effectively.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
In my accountant role where I am responsible for preparing financial statements, it is important to maintain strong time management skills as there usually are budgets and deadlines that we have to stick to. I accomplish this by breaking down each task into manageable components.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I believe maintaining a strong work-life balance is essential, especially in our profession where burnout is common due to demanding deadlines. I manage this by setting clear boundaries and practicing effective time management. Being able to compartmentalize different areas of my life allows me to stay focused and productive. I make the most of my day from 8am to 9pm, which helps me avoid working overtime.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy hobbies like baking, which provide a creative outlet and help me unwind and de-stress.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
In my previous role, I was often surrounded by multiple first year trainees who I would assist by helping develop strong work ethic, as well as teaching them core accounting skills.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice would be to find the role in accounting that you really want and to work towards it daily. Accounting is a very fast industry. There are so many areas that you could work in. Like an accounting firm or in industry. You could be a CEO. The road getting to any of these roles aren't easy. The studying requires alot of late nights and determination. You will miss out alot in life during these years due to sacrifices. But remember that it is only temporary until you reach your desired goal.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
Embrace the journey of becoming which means find joy in the process of growing into who you aspire to be.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
The best advice I’ve received is to maintain clear and consistent communication with clients and to always remain professional. In an accounting firm, you interact with a wide range of people, each with their own personality and working style. Being adaptable and flexible is essential to building strong relationships and delivering effective service.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
One surprising thing about me is my deep fascination with time, how it’s measured, perceived, and how it shapes everything from science to culture. I’m especially intrigued by the idea that time isn’t a fixed constant, but something that can be experienced differently depending on one’s perspective or circumstances.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower to help with accounting, it would be the ability to instantly understand and interpret any financial system, regardless of complexity. Whether it’s obscure tax regulations, international accounting standards, or the inner workings of a company’s unique financial setup, this power would allow me to seamlessly navigate and solve problems, ensuring accuracy and compliance without missing a beat. It would make the job way more efficient and error-free!
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays would be to break tasks into smaller, focused intervals. I’d set a timer for 25 minutes of deep focus followed by a short break. This keeps the momentum going without feeling overwhelmed. Also, mixing in quick stretches or a brief walk during breaks can refresh the mind and prevent burnout. Staying organized with a clear to-do list helps me stay on track, too!
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
It would be the day I completed my 3 years of articles. It was such a full circle moment from being a trainee for 3 years to now a professional. It was a very surreal moment. The journey to get to that point wasn't easy. It took a lot of sacrifice and hard work but the result was so worth it. Definitely one of my proudest achievements.
Nikita’s story reminds us that success in accounting isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about knowing your value, managing your time, and growing into your goals. From baking trays to balance sheets, she’s making every detail count.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to build a career with confidence and purpose, just like Nikita.
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