Pariksha Singh, Senior Audit Manager
Senior Audit Manager
Current Experience:
Senior Audit Manager at BDO South Africa Oct 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Past Experiences:
Audit Manager at BDO South Africa Oct 2021 - Sep 2023 · (2 yrs)
Junior Audit Manager at BDO South Africa Feb 2021 - Sep 2021 · (8 mos)
Audit Senior at Grant Thornton New Zealand Ltd Jul 2019 - Dec 2019 · (6 mos)
Audit Associate at Grant Thornton LLP Jan 2019 - Jun 2019 · (6 mos)
Article Trainee at SNG Grant Thornton Feb 2016 - Dec 2018 · (2 yrs 11 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accounting Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
“Told I wouldn’t make it. Became a Senior Audit Manager.”
Pariksha Singh’s story hits deep, because we’ve all had that one teacher, manager, or gatekeeper who said we weren’t good enough.
But she turned doubt into drive. Her career, now eight years strong, is built on grit, late nights, and a relentless push for excellence, not titles or applause. As a mentor, LEGO lover, and calm-headed audit lead, Pariksha’s impact goes beyond spreadsheets.
This isn’t just a story about accounting. It’s about proving them wrong.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually begin my morning with a glass of water and a moment to set a positive tone for the day. After that, I look over my to-do list and decide what needs my attention first. Personal growth matters to me, so I always make time to read a few pages of a book before diving into work.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting really took shape in Grade 11 after my accounting teacher told me I wouldn’t make it in the field. Instead of discouraging me, it pushed me to prove to myself that I’m capable of achieving anything I commit to, even when others don’t see it.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A big turning point for me came after my first year of traineeship, when I realised I wanted to work toward becoming an audit partner. That moment clarified my direction and pushed me to focus on building the skills and experience I’d need to reach that goal.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
As a Senior Audit Manager, I’m responsible for guiding and overseeing client audits to make sure their reporting is accurate and aligned with the required standards and regulations.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support the firm’s financial strategy by delivering thorough, compliant audits and managing strong relationships with clients. I also guide junior team members and stay focused on the wider goals of the firm while keeping our work aligned with industry standards.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was leading a team with very different personalities and working styles. I learned quickly that the key was understanding what each person needed to do their best work. By adjusting my communication, encouraging open conversations, and creating a space where everyone felt respected, I helped the team work together more smoothly. With the right support and guidance, we were able to build strong collaboration and reach our goals as a group.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I stay organised by using daily planners and priority lists to keep track of the audits I'm responsible for and to structure my week. It helps me stay flexible and avoid feeling overloaded. I also check in with my team often, which gives me a clear view of their workloads and how each audit is progressing. Clear communication and consistent planning make a big difference in managing everything effectively.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
During busy periods, I rely on good planning and clear priorities. I break my tasks into smaller steps and tackle them one at a time so the workload feels manageable. I keep communication open with my team so everyone knows what’s expected and we can support each other.
I take short breaks during the day to reset, and I make sure I still set aside time for my physical and mental well-being. Those small habits help me stay steady and focused when things get intense.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, whether it’s going for a walk in nature with friends or spending a day at the beach. I also love reading, especially non-fiction books on personal development and business, which helps me relax while still learning.
I’m a bit of a LEGO fan too, so I often spend time building new sets. Lately, I’ve also started practicing yoga, and it’s been great for helping me stay calm and centered.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I make a point of mentoring team members by giving them the exposure they need to complete their traineeship, offering consistent and constructive feedback, and creating an environment where they feel supported and able to learn confidently.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Technical expertise is essential but being able to apply that knowledge effectively is just as important. Equally critical are soft skills, understanding your team, recognizing different personalities, and finding ways to contribute to the team’s overall performance. Developing strong leadership abilities is also key.
Finally, stay curious and adaptable. The auditing field is constantly evolving, so keeping up with regulatory changes and new technologies is crucial for staying competitive and progressing in your career. Learning never stops, no matter your level.
“Be vulnerable, be courageous, and find comfort in the uncomfortable.
Prepare like you have never won and perform like you have never lost.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A key leadership lesson I’ve learned is the value of empowering others. Trusting your team and giving them the freedom to make decisions helps them grow professionally and builds their confidence. By encouraging ownership of tasks while offering guidance when needed, you foster accountability and strengthen the team’s overall performance.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact about me is that I really enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower at work, it would be the ability to anticipate challenges before they happen. This would let me proactively tackle potential issues during audits, adjust plans as needed, and keep everything running smoothly without added stress or delays.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My strategy for staying productive during long workdays starts with getting organized and staying hydrated. I use the 4 D’s method to prioritize tasks: Do, Delegate, Delay, or Delete. I minimize distractions by closing unnecessary emails and setting my team’s status to ‘Focus’ in two-hour blocks. I also schedule specific times to check and respond to emails, preventing constant interruptions. Short breaks outside for fresh air help me clear my mind and maintain focus throughout the day.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
One day I would love to relive is the day I received my APC results. I approached the board exams with a positive mindset, and that same outlook stayed with me on results day. Remaining calm and confident in the effort I had put in made the moment even more rewarding. That day was special because it reinforced the value of positivity and self-belief in achieving your goals.
Pariksha’s advice for aspiring finance professionals? Know your numbers, yes, but don’t ignore the people behind them. Her journey is proof that vulnerability and courage are assets, not risks.
From morning focus rituals to mentoring future CAs, she’s raising the bar for what leadership in audit can look like.
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