Richard Ndebele, Finance and Office Manager
Finance and Office Manager
Current Experience:
Finance and Office Manager at Guelph Community Foundation · Permanent Full-time Nov 2025 - Present · (2 mos)
Past Experiences:
Finance Lead at Teltonika · Full-time Nov 2021 - Jul 2025 · (3 yrs 9 mos)
Independent Consultant (Accounting) at DN Accounting Services · Permanent Part-time Jul 2018 - Jun 2025 · (7 yrs)
Senior Consultant at Mani Financial Services · Full-time Jan 2021 - Oct 2021 · (10 mos)
Internal Auditor at Solusi University · Full-timeJul 2019 - Dec 2020 · (1 yr 6 mos)
Auditor at PNA Chartered Accountants · Contract Full-time Feb 2019 - Jul 2019 · (6 mos)
Senior Revenue Accountant at Solusi University · Full-time Mar 2015 - Feb 2019 · (4 yrs)
Qualifications:
BBA Accountancy
Certificate in data science
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Richard Ndebele didn’t just study accounting, he weaponised it.
Raised in tough circumstances, he chose finance not just as a career, but as a survival tool. Today, he’s the Finance Manager driving strategy in a fast-moving organisation, using tech and teamwork to bridge big visions with financial reality.
This is what real impact looks like, when a Business Accountant in Practice doesn’t just count cents… but changes lives.
Dive into the mindset of a CBAP who turned struggle into strategy, and why he says “wisdom is the best thing one can obtain.”
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 start my morning with either a workout or some reading, like a biography or anything that catches my interest.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
I grew up in humble circumstances and saw accounting as a way to improve my situation faster than most other professions.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of my key career milestones was completing my ACCA qualification, which was one of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced. Another defining moment has been taking on a critical role within my current employer, where I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact and value that finance professionals bring to the business.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I oversee the finance function and hold full responsibility for all its operations.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I work closely with the CEO and other department heads to align financial decisions with the company’s goals and overall vision.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges has been keeping up with technological changes, especially with the impact of AI on our work. I address this by using CPD requirements to seek out courses and forums that help me stay informed and adapt to the evolving environment.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I manage the company’s financial operations by regularly engaging with the CEO and management team to review our performance and ensure we’re on track to meet our goals. I also rely on technology to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders. Clear, consistent communication is essential for driving an organization toward its objectives and should never be underestimated.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I focus on maintaining my mental health and spirituality, taking time on weekends for worship and fellowship to recharge. During busy periods, I also take short breaks between meetings or complex tasks to walk or grab a glass of water, which helps me stay calm and level-headed.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
I enjoy hiking, both solo and with my family, and exploring remarkable destinations both in my country and abroad.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Absolutely. I enjoy helping people reach their full potential, so I invest time in supporting their strengths, whether financial or personal. Many team members come to me to discuss their career goals, and I make it a point to help them recognize their abilities and encourage them to develop further.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Collaboration is essential in finance, so it’s important to develop strong communication skills, keeping in mind that effective communication focuses on how the message is received, not just delivered. Additionally, having a mindset of continuous growth is crucial, as the profession constantly evolves—what seemed like a concept five years ago may now be standard practice.
“Wisdom is the best thing one can obtain and it is gotten through experience.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Respect and humility can take you further than you ever expect in your career.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
I’m a very jovial person and always enjoy a good laugh when the moment allows.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
I’d choose the ability to predict financial trends. Having insight into what lies ahead would make navigating business decisions much easier.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I make a point to pause and breathe deeply, stand up, stretch, and take a short walk to the canteen or bathroom. Those small breaks make a noticeable difference when I return to work.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
There are many days I would gladly relive, but one that stands out is when my team and I helped secure funding for a rural school using our skills. That experience really showed me how powerful and impactful finance skills can be.
Richard’s story proves that accounting isn’t just about numbers, it’s about upliftment. From mentoring young professionals to securing funding for rural schools, he shows what happens when finance meets purpose.
Join CIBA, we’ll show you how to make your numbers count.
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