Nomfundo Ngwenya, Project Accountant
Project Accountant
Current Experience:
Accountant: Project Accounting at Proconics Dec 2024 - Present · (10 mos)
Past Experience:
Junior Accountant: Project Accounting Sep 2023 - Dec 2024 (1 Yr 4 mos)
Project Accountant Administrator Jul 2021 - Aug 2023 (2 Yrs 2 mos)
Financial planner intern at AdviceCube · Internship Jan 2020 - Mar 2021 · (1 yr 3 mos)
Qualifications:
National Diploma Accounting
National Certificate Wealth Management
National Higher Certificate Accountancy
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From Intern to Impact: Nomfundo Ngwenya’s 1,000-Hour Climb
Nomfundo didn’t just enter accounting, she earned it. Starting as an intern in 2021, she clocked over 1,000 hours in the trenches of project accounting before being promoted. Her weapon of choice? Resilience.
In a profession obsessed with prestige, she reminds us that passion and persistence are just as powerful. Her story is a must-read for any accountant who's ever felt invisible, under pressure, or stuck navigating multiple systems with zero support.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
04:00 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 checking my socials and catching up on personal emails, then I have a quick chat with my sister to kick off the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest started with my sister. When she was studying, I’d often watch her work and she’d explain things to me, even though I was too young to fully understand. What really drew me in was how passionate and happy she was about it, and that energy made me want to love it too.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I started my accounting career in 2021 as an intern, eager to learn and gain experience. Moving into project accounting, I welcomed every challenge as a chance to grow. One of my first big milestones was completing 1,000 man-hours, a recognition that showed me just how much progress I had made. With time, persistence, and passion for the work, I was promoted to Accountant: Project Accounting. For me, that promotion wasn’t just a new title but a reflection of resilience, growth, and dedication. Looking back, my journey has been shaped by learning, ambition, and the belief that hard work really does pay off.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
In my role, I’m responsible for managing budgets, overseeing resource allocation, and handling invoicing. This includes setting up projects on Dynamics, approving budgets, and preparing and processing client invoices through Ariba. I also provide project administrators and managers with key financial insights to guide decision-making during steercom meetings. Overall, my focus is on maintaining financial control, keeping projects on track, and supporting smooth operations.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support the company’s financial strategy by making sure projects are set up with a strong financial foundation from the start. I monitor each project to ensure it stays within budget, keeping costs under control and aligned with the broader financial goals throughout its lifecycle.
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 has been managing the different applications and processes across business units, especially as the company has grown. It can get overwhelming to keep up with all the tools and updates. To manage this, I started using OneNote to document key changes for each unit, so I always have a quick reference. I also reach out to my team lead when things get complicated and need extra clarity. This combination has helped me stay organized and handle the complexity more effectively.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on Ariba, Dynamics, OneNote, and our internal tracking Excel sheets to manage the company’s financial operations effectively.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I stay balanced by prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance, focusing on the most critical first. During busy periods, I also lean on my team and delegate when needed, since collaboration helps lighten the load and keeps things moving smoothly. I make time for short breaks too, whether it’s a quick walk or just a few minutes to reset, so I can stay focused, productive, and avoid burnout.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy writing books, it’s a creative outlet that helps me relax. I also love cooking, trying out new recipes, and sharing meals with loved ones. On top of that, spending quality time with family and friends is a big part of how I recharge, as it keeps me grounded and connected.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
I’m not formally mentoring anyone right now, but I work closely with my team and we collaborate often. We share ideas, exchange knowledge, and discuss best practices, which helps all of us build our skills and grow together. This kind of teamwork creates a supportive environment where we can learn from one another.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice for anyone looking to work in a finance department is to take care of yourself first. You can’t give your best if you’re running on empty, and overworking can quickly lead to burnout. It’s important to remember that you’re only human, so finding a balance between work and life is essential. Prioritizing your health and personal life helps you perform at your best and sustain long-term success.
“I actually have a few mantras that I live by. Top of my list being “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” This reminds me to prioritize my own well-being, ensuring that I am mentally and physically equipped to give my best to others.
”Be a kind human being.” I strive to approach all situations with kindness, understanding that empathy and compassion go a long way in building positive relationships and fostering a supportive work environment.
”If it cannot speak back, I will not fail at it.” This mantra reminds me to tackle challenges confidently and persistently, without fear of failure, as long as I approach them with patience and dedication.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A leadership lesson that’s stuck with me is to always give your best in everything you do. Focus on being the best version of yourself and trust in your own potential. This approach not only drives your own growth but also sets a positive example for others. Confidence, continuous learning, and dedication are essential for success in any role.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something people might find surprising about me is that I really enjoy writing in my free time. I find it both relaxing and creatively fulfilling. I often write stories and books that explore personal growth and life lessons. It’s a passion that lets me express myself in a different way and helps me recharge outside of work.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower for my job, it would be the ability to read minds. This would help me understand what people are really thinking and feeling, even if they’re hesitant to speak up. Being able to address concerns early would create a more open and supportive environment, improving collaboration and decision-making while building trust within the team.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is to prioritize tasks, take regular breaks to recharge, and, of course, enjoy a glass of Coke 😁
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 was promoted from intern to junior accountant. That moment was special because it marked an important milestone in my journey. I also had a memorable conversation with our general manager at the time, Thuli Njapa, whose wisdom and dedication left a lasting impression. She reminded me that failure is just a steppingstone to success, a lesson that continues to inspire me to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
Nomfundo’s journey proves one thing: You don’t need a CA to make an impact, you need grit, tools, and the right network.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to charge what you’re worth, turn compliance into income, and lead with confidence, even in a market that overlooks you.
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