Phano Khalema, Audit Manager
Audit Manager
Current Experience:
Audit Manager at Silk Oak Auditors Inc. · Full-time Feb 2024 - Present · (2 yrs)
Past Experience:
Director at Evolve Consulting · Full-time Apr 2023 - Apr 2024 · (1 yr 1 mo)
Audit Supervisor at Evolve Audit & Advisory Full-time Jan 2023 - Feb 2024 · (1 yr 2 mos)
Trainee Accountant at Audit & Advisory Contract Jan 2018 - Feb 2023 (5 Yrs 2 mos)
Intern at Barbour & Thorne Properties (bloemfontein) · Internship Nov 2016 - Dec 2017 · (1 yr 2 mos)
Education:
BCom Accounting
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
“Night owl. Mentor. Problem-solver.”
Phano Khalema AGA(SA) is not your average Audit Manager. From DIY home projects to helping colleagues conquer imposter syndrome, Phano is building more than balance sheets, he’s building people.
In a cash-strapped environment, he didn’t panic, he pivoted. Changed billing models, chased debtors, landed big clients. Now he leads audits across the Free State and runs outsourced CFO functions with tech-savvy precision.
He’s proof that technical skill alone won’t get you there, emotional intelligence, agility, and curiosity will.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
08:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I spend the first hour of my morning getting ready for the day and driving to work.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest was sparked by how respected the field is and the real impact it has on both business and personal finance on a global level.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Some of my key career milestones include completing and signing off my SAICA articles, qualifying as an AGA(SA) member, auditing local and provincial government in the Free State, and progressing to Audit Manager at Silk Oak Auditors Inc.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance, managing client billing, handling the accounting function for outsourced CFO clients, and overseeing payroll, accounting, audit, and tax work across the client base.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges was cashflow pressure, which led to late salary and supplier payments and limited the company’s growth. We addressed this by revising our billing strategy, improving debtor follow-ups, and securing larger new clients to strengthen the cashflow pipeline.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on a mix of tools and systems to manage financial operations effectively, including Xero, MS Loop, MS Planner, Excel with macros, MS Teams, and SharePoint/OneDrive.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I’m still working on finding the right balance, as I tend to be a bit of a workaholic, especially during busy periods.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy playing golf, trying out new restaurants, tackling DIY home projects, and going on trips with my family.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I support team members by helping them manage workplace anxiety and expectations, as well as addressing imposter syndrome. I assist in building their confidence, developing a professional persona, and, where possible, improving their professional English skills.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice would be to approach finance with a servant mindset, prioritizing accuracy and ethics. It’s easy to take shortcuts, but integrity is crucial. Being agile, tech-savvy, and willing to learn will open opportunities. Like any career, use it to build valuable skills that can prepare you for even more interesting and necessary roles in the future.
“It’ll all be okay in the end, if it’s not okay yet, it’s not the end.”
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 to structure your time intentionally: dedicate one weekend a month to DIY or home tasks, another to social activities, one strictly for rest, and one for work. It’s also important to schedule longer breaks, taking at least a week off after every six months of work.
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’m double-jointed in my fingers, and I also have a strong interest in financial education.
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 manipulate time or at least see a couple of hours into the future.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My strategy for staying productive during long workdays is to balance work with learning, curiosity, quick side tasks, and errands. Our minds and lives are more dynamic than just working eight or more hours a day, and life doesn’t pause until the weekend.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the day I started as an Audit Manager. I felt a sense of accomplishment while knowing there was still so much to learn, and I recognized the growth journey ahead. That role has also been the greatest accelerator for my personal life—strengthening my relationships, home, finances, stability, and wisdom.
Phano’s advice? “Be a servant at heart. There’s money to be made if you’re willing to learn and use tech to your benefit.”
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