Riekie Wolmarans, Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Current Experience:
Senior Accountant at VDM Chartered Accountants Jan 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 7 mos)
Past Experiences:
Junior Accountant at VDM Chartered Accountants Jan 2020 - Dec 2022 (3 yrs)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accounting Sciences in Financial Accounting
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From filing papers to fielding client strategy, Riekie Wolmarans has lived every step of the SME accountant’s climb. Starting straight out of high school at VDM Chartered Accountants, she’s now a senior accountant with real impact, real trust, and real authority.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
7:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early Bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start my day with prayer, asking for guidance for the day ahead. I read a daily verse and often take a few quiet moments to listen to gospel music, it helps me enter even the busiest days with a calm heart and clear mind. After that, I pack my lunchbox with a proper meal and a few snacks to keep me going throughout the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I've wanted to be an accountant for as long as I can remember, there was never one specific moment, it’s just always been part of me. I began my career at VDM Chartered Accountants straight after matric and was inspired by watching the partners work closely with businesses, solving problems and offering advice. That experience pushed me to grow and learn as quickly as I could. Sitting in on consultations with our managing partner, I try to absorb everything like a sponge. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of leaving a meeting or ending a call knowing you’ve helped a business owner, whether it’s through tax guidance or helping them structure things more effectively.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
One of the biggest highlights of my career has been the privilege of working for a family-run firm that’s been around since 1965, that alone feels like something special. I’ve also been fortunate to progress to a senior accountant role, just below partner level, within five years of finishing school.
What I really enjoy about working with SMEs is the opportunity to walk the full journey with our clients, from the day they register their company to the point where we’re looking back at several years of financial statements and saying, “Look how far we’ve come.”
A defining moment for me was being asked by a partner to share my thoughts during a client consultation. I can’t recall the exact topic, but it was the first time I realised just how much I had grown. It boosted my confidence and taught me to trust in what I’ve learned.
Many young accountants struggle with self-doubt simply because they haven’t been in environments where their input is welcomed. Having the trust of your partners and the space to grow makes a world of difference early in your career.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I believe strong client relationships are built on genuine care and interest in both the client and their business. Take the time to learn about their industry, stay informed on current events that might affect them, and give them space to talk about their business, it shows that you’re invested.
I recently read a book on business principles rooted in the Bible, and one key takeaway was that when you truly care about your clients and their success, it naturally builds trust.
If you see your clients as just another account or a “debtor,” then there’s nothing that sets you apart from any other firm. It's that personal connection that makes the difference.
What are some future goals for your firm?
VDM Chartered Accountants currently has three branches in Mpumalanga. While growing our client base is certainly a key goal, we place just as much importance on developing young students into capable, well-rounded business professionals who are prepared for the real world.
What’s next on your professional journey?
Right now, I’m waiting for my APC results, with the immediate goal of qualifying as a CA(SA). I’m also planning to pursue an MBA, as I believe it will help me grow both personally and professionally, especially in terms of understanding how to manage a business and lead people effectively.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
One way I maintain balance is by having dinner at my mom’s a few times a week, it’s a nice way to unwind and, as a bonus, I don’t have to cook! I also keep my weekends free for rest, recharging, and spending time with the people who matter to me. I avoid working on weekends because I truly believe you can’t start a new week at your best without proper rest.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
I’m currently learning Dutch so I can communicate with my sister’s fiancé and his family in Belgium. I also enjoy hiking now and then, it’s a great way to clear my head and stay active. On top of that, I have a real passion for teaching and spend some of my free time tutoring high school students in Accounting and Economics.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I have a real passion for teaching, and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that moment when something clicks for a junior colleague. I take my role as a mentor seriously, not just for those who report to me, but for anyone who reaches out for help.
The students I tutor outside of work are all interested in pursuing careers in accounting. When I teach them, I make a point to use real-world examples to give them a deeper understanding of the industry, something you don’t always get from a school textbook.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Yes, I’m currently a mentor with Milpark Education and have been assigned a mentee who’s working toward her PGDA. My role is to support her and offer advice on balancing full-time work with her studies.
On a lighter note, our local lawn bowling club runs a business league twice a year. Our firm takes part by entering two teams, it’s a fun weekly event that gives us the chance to relax and connect with other businesses in the community.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
Although I’m not a firm owner myself, based on what I’ve seen, I’d say it’s important not to underestimate the value of every role and employee in a firm. Established firms have dedicated departments for administration, secretarial work, and accounting, with teams of both senior and junior staff. When you start your own practice, you may need to handle many of these tasks yourself. Planning carefully is key. Also, remember that while someone on a salary typically works 9 to 5, running your own business often means putting in long hours, especially in the beginning.
“God’s timing is always perfect.”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
My leadership lesson comes from my experience as a senior employee rather than a firm owner: Being firm doesn’t mean being rude or harsh. Setting clear standards early on is important because without them, employees may not fully appreciate the value of quality work and might take shortcuts.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising that’s not in my business bio is that I used to play chess competitively for South Africa.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower to help in my work, it would be the ability to resolve all our SARS queries in just one day!
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
During busy times like tax season, working overtime might be needed, but it’s important to listen to your body and mind. Skipping lunch to keep working might seem productive, but sometimes taking a break to chat with a colleague can actually help you refocus.
I also make sure to eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated, though I try to avoid too much coffee. And don’t forget to spend time with loved ones; it’s amazing how much energy that can give you.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
It’s hard to pick just one day to relive because I’m passionate about my work, and every day brings something meaningful and special.
Riekie doesn’t just clock in, she shows up with heart, brains, and backbone. She’s helping SMEs build their futures while mentoring the next generation to rise with her.
She may still be awaiting her CA(SA) title, but make no mistake, she’s already earning the respect it’s supposed to guarantee.
Riekie Wolmarans is the future of the profession, and she’s already here.
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