Pertunia Malatji, Assistant Management Accountant
Assistant Management Accountant
Current Experience:
Assistant management accountant at RCL FOODS SUGAR & · Full-time Aug 2015 - Jul 2018 · (3 yrs)
Past Experience:
Trainee accountant at Ferreira venter laws & nel · Full-time Nov 2011 - 2015 · (3 yrs 3 mos)
Junior loan administrator at Small Enterprise Foundation · Full-time Jan 2010 - Oct 2011 · (1 yr 10 mos)
Education:
Bachelor of Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
“From chess boards to cost reports, Pertunia Malatji is proving that strategy, grit, and faith still count in accounting.”
In a mining industry that often sidelines finance as an afterthought, Pertunia walks in early, maps the risks, and helps leadership make million-rand decisions. She didn’t just pass her SAIPA board, she claimed her space. She’s calm under pressure, armed with forecasts, and driven by a vision of economic impact far beyond the office. And she still makes time to mentor her team and school her opponents, at chess and in finance.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
05:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I use the first hour of my morning to get ready for the day ahead and set myself up for work.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting began with a curiosity about how a country’s economic performance is measured and understood, which ultimately led me to pursue accounting.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Passing my SAIPA Professional Evaluation Exam was a major milestone for me. It confirmed that I was on the right path and reinforced my confidence in pursuing a career as a strong accounting professional.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
My role involves preparing budgets and monthly forecasts, as well as compiling cost reports that support management in making informed business decisions.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I help drive the overall financial strategy by managing costs to ensure profitable operations, and by advising stakeholders while highlighting potential risks that could impact the business.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges was adjusting to the technical terminology when I was new to the mining industry. I overcame this by spending more time in the operational areas, which helped me build a better understanding of the environment and processes.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I manage financial operations by conducting regular project reviews to ensure that investments are delivering the expected benefits and value to the business.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced by keeping calm, planning my day carefully, and remaining flexible, especially since I work in a fast-paced environment.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and going shopping, which helps me relax and recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, we support one another as a team. When someone is behind, I step in to help and regularly assist with analysis to ensure the work is completed accurately and on time.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For anyone aspiring to work in a finance department, I would recommend completing your articles, as it provides valuable exposure to different areas like tax, auditing, financial, and management accounting. Developing accuracy and maintaining integrity are also essential skills for a successful career in finance.
“Walk by faith, if you have faith, you will never give up on your dreams”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
A valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is that a good leader stands up for their team. Playing the blame game doesn’t foster a positive or productive work environment.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
Something surprising about me is that I was the only girl playing chess at my high school, and even now, people are often surprised that I know how to play.
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 predict financial trends, helping me plan and prepare more effectively for the future.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is to stay focused on my end goal while taking short breaks to refresh and recharge my mind.
"You don’t need a CA(SA) to be a powerhouse, just ask Pertunia."
She’s not just managing costs; she’s shaping the financial heartbeat of a business that feeds families. Her advice? Articles matter. Integrity matters more. And never blame your team. That’s leadership. That’s CBAP.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead like Pertunia — with calm, courage, and cost control.
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