Olwethu Nomcebo Khuzwayo, Cost Accountant
Cost Accountant
Current Experience:Cost Accountant at Premier FMCG (Pty) Ltd · Full-time Aug 2024 - Present · (11 mos)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Cost Accountant at BBF Safety Group · Full-time Jan 2023 - Jul 2024 · (1 yr 7 mos)
Junior Cost and Management Accountant at Automould · Full-time Sep 2020 - Dec 2022 · (2 yrs 4 mos)
Financial Assistant Administrator at Massdiscounters t/a Game and Dionwired Contract Mar 2020 - Aug 2020 · (6 mos)
Finance- Expense Payables Clerk Trainee, Internship
Mar 2019 - Mar 2020 (1 Yrs, 1 mos)
Qualifications:Degree of Bachelor of Technology, Cost and Management Accounting
Postgraduate Diploma, Management Accounting
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: From raw materials to finished products, Olwethu Nomcebo Khuzwayo has her eyes on every cost that moves. As a Cost Accountant at Premier FMCG, Olwethu brings energy, resilience, and precision to one of the most vital roles in finance, keeping production lean and efficient. Her story is a powerful mix of technical skill and tenacity, proving that courage and curiosity can shape a thriving career.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
Starting my day with prayer and planning helps set the tone for everything that follows.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I love a good challenge, it really pushed me. I grew even more passionate about costing when I realized how every day brings something new. It keeps me sharp and constantly engaged.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One defining moment was contributing to the implementation of a process that helped reduce stock losses during quarterly stock takes. Another was completing a full-time BTech course while working full time, I passed in record time. That achievement still motivates me to keep pushing, even when things get tough.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I oversee everything related to stock and its movement, from raw materials all the way to the finished product. You could say I’m the go-to person when it comes to keeping track of it all.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
By maintaining proper cost control and operational efficiency, we can ensure that production costs are managed effectively. This plays a key role in supporting decision-making across areas like profitability, budgeting, and pricing.
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 in my role has been working with people from different backgrounds and personalities. As a young professional, it can be tough to introduce new ideas or suggest better ways of doing things, especially when you're surrounded by colleagues with much more experience. There’s often some resistance at first.
What I’ve learned is that understanding and communication are key. People respond differently, so it’s important to adjust how you explain things so your message actually connects. It’s not always about what you’re saying, but how you say it. Being patient, focusing on collaboration, and communicating clearly have helped me build stronger relationships and make meaningful improvements, even in challenging environments.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
Accurate variance analysis and the use of dashboards to track key financial metrics.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
As a cost accountant in finance, staying grounded during busy periods is crucial for maintaining both accuracy and efficiency. I manage this by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. Good time management plays a big role, I plan my day thoughtfully, break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and focus on completing one thing at a time. I also take short breaks to stay refreshed, regularly review my workload to stay organized, and keep open communication with my manager to align expectations and share responsibilities when needed.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to unwind with activities that help me stay balanced. Spending time with family and friends is something I really value, it helps keep me grounded. I also enjoy reading, especially books that focus on personal growth or offer a good escape.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
I believe a strong team is built on collaboration and sharing knowledge. I support my colleagues by breaking down complex ideas into simple terms and sharing practical tips to work more efficiently.
I also help them build their skills by guiding them on tools like Excel, encouraging open questions, and giving constructive feedback to support their growth.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
If you want to work in finance, start by mastering the basics of accounting, sharpening your analytical skills, and becoming proficient in tools like Excel. Attention to detail is crucial, as is developing strong communication skills to clearly present financial information. Staying informed about industry trends is important too. Earning certifications such as CIMA, SAICA, or ACCA can give your career a big boost. Finally, be proactive, look for mentors and commit to continuous learning to stand out and succeed.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" by Winston Churchill. It reminds me to stay resilient, keep learning, and push forward no matter the challenges.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
It’s all about leading by example. Whether it’s showing a strong work ethic, being open and honest in communication, or demonstrating empathy toward colleagues, actions always speak louder than words. Setting the right example encourages others to do the same, building trust and creating a positive team environment.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
One thing people might find surprising about me is that I enjoy exploring different cultures through cooking. It’s a fun and creative way to relax, and I love trying out new recipes from a variety of cuisines. It’s a great way for me to express my creativity outside of work while learning something new and having fun.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Developing strong multitasking skills would significantly boost my efficiency in handling various responsibilities at once, particularly in a fast-paced manufacturing or FMCG setting.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I use methods like the Pomodoro technique, working in focused 25–30-minute intervals followed by short breaks, to stay productive without burning out. I prioritize tasks by urgency and impact, starting with the most important ones. Regular breaks help me recharge, and keeping organized with to-do lists ensures I stay on track throughout the day.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
One of the most meaningful moments for me was being recognized for my hard work, determination, and the value I’ve brought to the team. It was a clear reminder that my efforts were making a difference and strengthened my drive to contribute even more. That recognition not only validated my work but also inspired me to keep aiming for excellence in my role.
Olwethu’s journey is a reminder that staying curious, adaptable, and people-focused makes all the difference in today’s finance landscape. Whether she’s optimizing costs or mentoring colleagues, she shows that strong values and smart systems go hand in hand.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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