Nkhumeleni Arthur Siaga, Finance Manager
Finance Manager
Current Experience:Finance Manager at DH · Full-time Sep 2024 - Present · (10 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Accounts Manager at Atlegang Business Consulting (Pty) Ltd · Full-time Jan 2018 - Aug 2024 · (6 yrs 8 mos)
Junior Accountant at Orion Group - Johannesburg Sep 2017 - Dec 2017 · (4 mos)
Trainee Accountant (SAIPA) at Westoby, Reid Professional Accountants Mar 2016 - Sep 2017 · (1 yr 7 mos)
Trainee Accountant(SAIPA) at Dibete Professional Accountants Mar 2014 - Feb 2016 · (2 yrs)
Qualifications:BCom Accounting and Auditing
Graduate Programme in the principle and Practical Application of taxation
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Meet Nkhumeleni Arthur Siaga, has nearly a decade of experience specializing in SMEs, Arthur’s passion for helping small businesses navigate tax complexities and optimize financial strategies truly sets him apart. His journey began with a personal curiosity sparked by family experience, growing into a deep commitment to support entrepreneurs in formalizing their operations and maximizing available tax benefits. Beyond numbers, Arthur prioritizes building strong client relationships, mentoring the next generation, and expanding his firm’s impact through innovative solutions and community involvement.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird and Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Planning & Work
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
Supporting taxpayers, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), has become important to me because many individuals and business owners don’t fully understand how taxes work. I first became interested in this after learning that my uncle hadn’t filed his tax returns for years. He assumed the PAYE deductions on his payslip meant he was fully compliant. That simple misunderstanding got me curious about how the tax system really works.
My accounting journey started informally by helping family members with tax returns for their small businesses. As I continued, I gained a stronger grasp of tax planning and how SMEs can benefit from relief options like the Small Business Corporation (SBC) tax. Over time, this grew into a passion for helping small business owners formalize their operations and take advantage of tax benefits they might not even know exist.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
As an accountant for SMEs, I’ve seen how often business owners misunderstand tax reliefs and financial requirements. Many apply accounting rules rigidly, for example, using standard depreciation rates instead of accelerated ones for heavily used assets. Others fear triggering deferred tax and miss out on savings. I’ve also helped clarify that not all businesses need audits, reviews or compilations are often enough. A big part of my role is educating SMEs so they can make informed, cost-effective decisions and grow confidently.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I build strong client relationships by first listening closely to their needs and making sure they see real value in the work we do together. I stay personally engaged and provide consistent support, helping guide their business toward the outcomes they’re aiming for. Regular check-ins, especially in person, allow me to better understand their goals and challenges. This hands-on approach helps me offer advice that’s actually useful to their situation. I also look out for opportunities across different areas that could benefit them, which often leads to referrals and new business.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Our goal is to grow the firm by offering tailored, practical solutions that set us apart, especially in areas like IT support, training, and developing talent within the industry. We currently host interns from partners like Signa Group and VUT, and plan to move into larger offices so we can take on even more students from universities. This gives them real opportunities and helps us give back, much like the support I received through the Guarantee Trust work readiness program, which played a key role in launching my career. We’re focused on expanding the firm while working with like-minded organisations to tackle youth unemployment in South Africa.
What’s next on your professional journey?
Next in my professional journey, I'm focused on completing the Strategic level of my CIMA studies, having already finished the Management level. I’ve also stepped into a new role as Finance Manager at DH, a company in the HME and Construction sector. It’s been a great opportunity for growth, made possible by the strong support of my team, who manage well in my absence thanks to the company’s solid foundation. I’m especially grateful to my twin brother, also an accountant and honours graduate, who’s been helping hold things down while I build more experience. All of this is helping me grow so I can bring even more value to my firm.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
For me, maintaining balance means making sure I don’t lose sight of life outside of work. As a family man, I prioritise quality time with my wife and kids, and I make time for cycling on weekends to stay active and clear my mind. Having a strong support system of family and friends helps keep me grounded and motivated, which in turn helps me stay focused and present in both my personal and professional life.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
When I’m off the clock, I enjoy cycling, watching sports, and diving into a good book. Right now, I’m reading Atomic Habits, which has offered some great insights for both personal and professional growth. These hobbies help me relax, stay active, and keep learning outside of work.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I contribute to the development of others by mentoring junior team members, interns, and peers, sharing my skills and knowledge to help them grow in their roles and build confidence in their work.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
At the moment, my mentorship efforts are mainly focused on our team and client base. I take pride in supporting our staff and helping them grow in their careers. Looking ahead, we plan to broaden our reach by getting involved with organisations like ABASA and similar initiatives. This will give us the chance to support more people in the industry and make a wider impact.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
For anyone looking to start their own accounting practice, I’d say focus on networking and building strong relationships early on. Make an effort to connect with potential clients and peers in the industry. It’s also important to embrace new technologies, especially in areas like 4IR and AI, as they’re shaping the future of accounting. That said, professional judgment will always be crucial, so don’t underestimate the value accountants bring. Lastly, find a mentor with strong ethics and professionalism, having that guidance can make all the difference as you grow your practice.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
My favorite mantra is: "For every problem, there’s a solution. If someone else has faced it, they’ve found a way through. And if not, then it’s up to you to solve it for the next generation." This mindset drives me to face challenges directly and see every obstacle as a chance to grow.
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
One of my favorite leadership lessons as a firm owner is the power of leading by example. It’s not enough to just give instructions, you need to show your team how to face challenges, uphold integrity, and stay true to your values. Your actions speak louder than words, and by setting a strong example, you build a culture of trust and respect. Empowering your team, encouraging open communication, and creating a collaborative environment are essential for long-term success and growth.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising that you won’t find in my business bio is that people often think I’m much younger than I really am. I guess my youthful look keeps folks guessing, which I take as a compliment! It’s a fun conversation starter and adds a little humor to the day. After all, age is just a number.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to speed up SARS turnaround times. Waiting for responses can be really frustrating, especially when there’s little communication. I’d also wish for the power to help clients be more patient and understanding, especially about getting things done correctly the first time. That would help avoid unnecessary delays and make the whole process smoother for everyone.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
My top strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy times is to avoid procrastinating. Staying ahead of deadlines is crucial, stress usually comes when you leave things until the last minute. I like to tackle tasks early, as soon as they come up, to stay ahead of the rush and keep things under control. Staying organized and breaking work into smaller, manageable steps helps maintain energy and reduce stress. And I won’t lie, a little bit of sweets and good coffee on hand definitely helps too.
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 got my SAIPA PE exam results. That moment was a major turning point; it opened up new opportunities and really shaped the path of my professional life. The feeling of accomplishment and the doors it unlocked made it unforgettable.
Nkhumeleni’s story proves that with vision, grit, and community, accountants can drive real impact. From mentoring interns to demystifying tax for SMEs, he’s building more than a firm, he’s shaping the future of practice. Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your skills into real-world value, just like Nkhumeleni.
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