Peter Tebalelo Serite, Founder
Founder
Current Experience:
Founder & MD at Azania Chartered Accountants & Auditors · Full-time Nov 2018 - Present · (6 yrs 10 mos)
B-BBEE Technical Signatory Azania B-BBEE Solutions · Full-time Jul 2020 - Present · (5 yrs 2 mos)
Past Experiences:
National Leadership Committee member ABASA Forum · Contract Sep 2021 - Oct 2024 · (3 yrs 2 mos)
Transformation Committee Member Association of B-BBEE Professionals (ABP) · Contract Oct 2020 - Oct 2024 · (4 yrs 1 mo)
Audit Manager Makosi · Contract Jan 2023 - Mar 2023 · (3 mos)
Qualifications:
BCom Honours - Certificate in Theory of Accounting
Bachelor’s Degree Accounting
Management Development Program
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From township survival to global ambition, this is what a modern accounting hero looks like.
Peter Tebalelo Serite didn’t wait for the profession to change, he became the change. During lockdowns, he helped over 500 SMEs navigate survival funding. Today, he’s building Azania into a continental force, and launching an AI product to disrupt the game.
He’s not chasing balance, he’s chasing purpose. And he’s proving you don’t need Sandton roots to make global moves.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
10:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my day with meditation, then spend some time reading something uplifting, listening to music, and ending with prayer.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I was drawn to accounting because I enjoy solving complex business problems and contributing to the sustainability of companies. I want to play a role in helping SMEs grow and build businesses that stand the test of time.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
One of the defining moments in my career was during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when we launched one of the first online accounting support programmes across the five major townships in South Africa. That year, we helped more than 500 SMMEs apply for TERS, UIF, and other government-backed financial relief, which allowed many of them to survive, save jobs, and even grow. Some of those businesses went on to employ more people and are still thriving today. The following year, this work led to my nomination by SAICA as one of the Top 35 under 35 CAs.
On a daily level, my biggest highlight is leading Azania Group alongside some of the most talented and hardworking people, and seeing the impact we make on our staff, our clients, and the communities we serve.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I focus on open communication, sharing updates when things are going well and being upfront when challenges come up. That honesty creates transparency and builds trust with clients.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Our goal is to grow into a truly global business, starting from right here at home. We aim to expand our operations across Africa and eventually into international markets.
What’s next on your professional journey?
The next step in my journey is developing our latest offering, my AA, an AI-powered tool we’re building locally with the ambition to compete on a global scale. I’m really excited about this project.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
I don’t really believe in the idea of perfect balance. As an entrepreneur, passion and focus often take over. For me, it’s about being fully committed to whatever I’m doing in the moment. When I’m working on a project, I give it 100%. But once it’s done, I switch gears and give that same level of focus to rest or family. That way, I’m fully present, whether it’s for work or for loved ones.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
I enjoy spending time with my family and taking on fun activities, whether it’s learning a new musical instrument or working on DIY projects at home.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
Within our firm, we run accredited national training programs with SAICA, ACCA, and SAIGA. Over the years, this has allowed more than 80 graduates to gain valuable workplace experience across our national offices in different disciplines.
Beyond the firm, I stay actively involved in the profession and take part in various initiatives aimed at developing others in the field.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Yes, I’m involved in several programs both within the firm and across the profession. This includes initiatives through Thuthuka, the ABASA Leadership Forum, HerVoice Alliance, BMF, and various local business forums.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
Know your why and keep learning constantly. Believe in the bold dreams God has given you.
Surround yourself with the right people and move forward together. The journey will have its ups and downs, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
“I Can, I Will , I Must”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
One of my key leadership lessons is that your people are your greatest asset. In fact, you could even say prioritizing your employees over clients can deliver the highest return on investment.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Before I pursued accounting, I dreamed of being a global musician. I play the piano, saxophone, bass guitar, drums, and violin, music is really at the heart of who I am. I like to think I’m pretty good too!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower for my practice, it would be the ability to be in multiple places at once, one me in Gauteng at our head office, and another in Limpopo and KZN at our regional offices. Running three offices isn’t as glamorous as it sounds, but I fully embrace the responsibility.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
During busy periods like tax season, I stay productive by exercising and taking time for activities I enjoy. It helps me de-stress and refocus my energy.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I would relive is when I sat my family down, after seven years of working toward becoming a CA, to tell them I wanted to take the entrepreneurial path. That day was remarkable because it marked my acceptance of a leadership calling.
Looking back, I wish I had allowed myself to enjoy the moment more, stress less, and be more confident in my commitment. It was a pivotal day in my professional journey.
If you're tired of waiting for recognition, build your own platform.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn passion into practice, and practice into power.
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