Nomthandazo Mkhonza, Forensic Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:
Forensic Accountant at Financial Intelligence Centre · Full-time Feb 2025 - Present · (1 yr 1 mo)
Past Experience:
Operational Specialist: Dedicated Capacity Commission at South African Revenue Service (SARS)
Full-time Jan 2023 - Jan 2025 · (2 yrs 1 mo)
Functional Specialist: Specialized Audit at (SARS) Full-time May 2022 - Dec 2022 · (8 mos)
Investigative Auditor: Specialized Audit at (SARS) Full-time Oct 2015 - Apr 2022 · (6 yrs 7 mos)
Graduate Trainee: Specialized Audit at SARS
Aug 2013 - Oct 2015 (2 Yrs 3 mos)Academic Clerk: Tax Planning at University of Johannesburg Jan 2012 - Nov 2012 · (11 mos)
Education:
BCom Accounting
BCom Accounting Honours: Specialization in taxation
Postgraduate Diploma in Tax Law
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Nomthandazo Mkhonza didn’t plan to become a forensic accountant, it was never the childhood dream. But somewhere between IT aspirations and a parent-approved BCom, she found herself drawn into the world of tax law, fraud detection, and real consequences.
When SARS needed proof to nail a taxpayer for defrauding the fiscus, it was Nomthandazo’s audit that did the job. She’s spent 10+ years on the frontlines of financial accountability, ensuring that non-compliance doesn’t pay, and that what’s due to Caesar, gets paid to Caesar.
And yet, she’s not just tough, she’s deeply human. A soccer mom, churchgoer, mentor, and passionate trainer who lives the motto: “Work as hard as you play.”
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
During the week, I start the day with a 30-minute morning walk, then prepare lunch for my son and myself before helping him get ready for school. On weekends, the first hour is usually spent getting everything ready for our soccer day.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
It’s actually a bit of a funny story. I initially planned to study IT, but my parents were hesitant at the time and felt a commerce degree would offer more stability. We agreed that I would complete a three year BCom in Accounting first, after which they would support me studying IT.
During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in tax. Once I completed the degree, my parents encouraged me to move on to IT as planned, but by then I had discovered that I genuinely enjoyed the commerce field. I chose to continue with a postgraduate qualification instead, and I’ve never looked back since.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One defining moment in my career was the successful conviction of a taxpayer whose affairs I had audited. The audit uncovered clear evidence of the loss suffered by the fiscus as a result of the accused’s actions.
Knowing that my work directly supported the state in achieving a successful prosecution was both an honour and a powerful reminder of the impact and importance of the work we do.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by addressing cases of non compliance decisively and ensuring that the appropriate consequences follow. Through the audits we conduct, we work closely with other stakeholders to recover what is rightfully due to the state, including contributing to the process of obtaining preservation orders where necessary.
We also collaborate closely with the debt collection unit within SARS to help recover revenue lost through state capture, corruption, or money laundering, ensuring that these funds are ultimately reclaimed by the fiscus.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
I’ve learned that no challenge is too big when you approach it with a solution focused mindset.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I focus on maintaining open and consistent communication with all stakeholders and working closely with them, always keeping the shared mandate and objectives front of mind.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
My approach is simple: work as hard as you play. During busy periods I give my full focus to the work, but when it’s time to switch off, I make a conscious effort to step away from the laptop and create a clear separation between work and personal time.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I really enjoy watching soccer. My son has turned me into a true soccer mom, and supporting the kids during matches and helping out on the sidelines has become one of the most fulfilling things I do.
I also enjoy going on hikes with friends when time allows, as it’s a great way to catch up and unwind. Spending time with family is especially important to me, as nothing compares to that. In addition, going to church helps me recharge, reconnect, and remind myself of God’s purpose and plan.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, mentorship is very much an ongoing part of my role. On a daily basis, I try to share new knowledge or insights, as learning never really stops. I’ve been part of teams where I was responsible for transferring system knowledge and skills to colleagues within a newly established division or unit.
We ran weekly sessions using practical case studies to help the team better understand the information being shared and how to apply it in practice. In some instances, I trained an individual who would then train the rest of the team, with my support where needed, following a train the trainer approach. It’s been a meaningful journey, and I’m proud to say the knowledge transfer and skills development were successfully achieved.
On a day-to-day basis, my door is always open. When someone gets stuck, we work through the issue step by step until they feel confident. I’m genuinely passionate about sharing knowledge and developing skills, because the success of one team member ultimately contributes to the success of us all.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
A commerce qualification opens many doors, especially at the start of your career. You can always choose to specialise later, but it’s important to focus on an area you’re genuinely passionate about. Even as technology and AI continue to evolve, human skills will always remain essential.
The way academic curricula are structured is intentional. In the working world, you’re exposed to a mix of finance, accounting, and law, so no subject should be underestimated. You don’t have to enjoy every module, but understanding their relevance will serve you well in practice.
Finance, accounting, and law go hand in hand, so it’s worth building a solid foundation while still following what interests you most. When you’re passionate about your work, it no longer feels like a chore. Above all, try to find the silver lining in everything you do.
“Everything has been predestined by God. He knew this time and day will come, turn to Him for help and fully trust in Him”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
One valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is that when you’re thrown in the deep end, don’t freeze, take action, swim, and keep moving. Even small steps will get you somewhere.
Leaders often see potential in you before you see it in yourself. Their guidance is meant to help you realise your full capabilities. Leadership doesn’t always mean being at the front; you can lead from behind while remaining humble. True leadership is about service, embracing a servant-leader mindset at all times.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
Something people might find surprising is that I love spending time with children. I’d often choose engaging with their curious, imaginative minds over sitting in a boardroom.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
If I could have a superpower for my job, it would be the ability to read minds and see the end result, allowing me to adjust my moves like a chess game to achieve the best possible outcome.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I like to listen to one of my favourite series, such as Suits or The Blacklist, rather than watching, which allows me to focus while still enjoying a bit of entertainment.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I approach each day as if it were my last, giving it my all, so I don’t have a single day I’d want to relive. I try to make every day meaningful and embrace each one as special in its own way.
Nomthandazo proves that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about showing up, staying curious, and lifting others as you climb. Whether she’s mentoring a colleague, outsmarting tax dodgers, or walking the pitch sidelines, she leads with humility and strength.
Her advice?
“Even if AI comes into play, human skills will always matter. Focus on what you love. The rest follows.”
We salute her journey, her impact, and her unwavering belief that this profession still matters.
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