Sesethu Qaula, Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:
Accountant at CFO360 UK · Full-time Aug 2025 - Present · (4 mos)
Past Experiences:
Assistant Accountant at SKG Properties · Full-time May 2025 - Jul 2025 · (3 mos)
Accountant & Auditor at A2A Kopano Incorporated · Full-time Feb 2022 - Apr 2025 · (3 yrs 3 mos)
Finance Department at Eastern Cape Gambling Board · Apprenticeship May 2021 - Aug 2022 · (1 yr 4 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Accounting
Advanced Diploma in Accounting Science
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
They didn’t teach her IFRS at home, but they did teach her hustle.
Sesethu watched her family run side businesses without proper financial systems. Instead of just observing, she made it her mission to change that. Today, she’s not just crunching numbers, she’s helping SMEs stay tax-compliant, make smarter decisions, and avoid the pitfalls that once tripped up those she loves most.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 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 at the gym to get my energy up. When I get back, I look over the to-do list on my wall so I’m clear on what needs my attention first.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
My interest in finance and accounting started with my family’s entrepreneurial efforts. I grew up watching them run side businesses without much formal financial structure, and I saw how challenging that could be. Realising there was a gap, I decided to pursue this career so I could eventually support them and others in a similar position.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I’m responsible for preparing annual financial statements in line with IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, and other required standards. I support external audits, handle VAT, PAYE, and income tax returns, and make sure all related accounts are properly reconciled. I also manage day-to-day transactions, keep the records accurate, and work closely with clients and managers to gather information and address any financial queries.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
By producing accurate financial statements and reports, I give senior management and clients clear information they can rely on when making decisions. I also support compliance with IFRS, IFRS for SMEs, and tax requirements, which helps minimise risk. Through preparing and reviewing VAT, PAYE, and income tax returns, I play a role in tax planning and help smaller businesses manage and improve their tax positions.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a SAICA trainee has been balancing work and studies while still meeting tight deadlines. I handled it by improving my time management. I set aside dedicated study hours outside of work, made the most of the times when I’m most focused, and relied on to-do lists and planners to keep client work and studying on track. I also reached out to colleagues, mentors, and study groups for support, which helped ease the pressure and strengthen my understanding.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I rely on tools like Xero, Draftworx, and Excel to keep records accurate and improve efficiency. I also use to-do lists, calendars, and clear deadlines to stay on top of multiple clients and audit engagements. Working closely with my team helps us share the workload effectively and keep everything moving smoothly.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
Staying balanced isn’t always easy, especially when things get busy. I start my day by checking what’s most urgent and important so I know where to focus. I use Outlook, Teams, and my Excel planners to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Getting a gym session in early also helps me feel grounded and ready for the day.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Going to the gym is my main way of relieving stress, especially during busy periods. I also enjoy heading home and spending time with my family, it helps me switch off from work and stay grounded.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
I support new trainees by walking them through audit procedures, financial statement preparation, and tax compliance whenever they need help. It’s a way for me to share what I’ve learned and help them build confidence in the core accounting concepts.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Don’t only memorise IFRS or tax rules. Focus on understanding how financial decisions influence the business as a whole.
Build a habit of asking the right questions when reviewing financials. Look for where money might be leaking or where there’s room to save or invest.
Get comfortable with Excel, especially tools like pivot tables and VLOOKUP. Strong Excel skills save time and help you work more efficienty and within budget.
“Knowledge is something no one can take away from you, because no economic downturn, job loss, or life challenge can take it away. It pushes me to keep going”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
Don’t just focus on completing tasks, take the time to understand why they matter. Real growth comes from seeing the bigger picture: how financial decisions affect the business, why specific accounting treatments are used, and how your work contributes to the company’s overall success.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I’m actually afraid of all kinds of animals, from ants and household pets to crocodiles. It always feels like they’re out to get me!
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I’d choose the ability to predict financial trends. It would let me foresee economic shifts and spot investment opportunities, giving both businesses and clients a significant edge in planning and decision-making.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I focus intensely for an hour at a time, then take a five-minute break. This method helps me stay sharp and prevents burnout during long workdays.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I’d choose the day I completed a particularly challenging NPO audit. Everything came together at the last minute, and the sense of achievement was incredible. What made it truly memorable was how the team came together, everyone stayed focused and contributed, even when unexpected challenges arose.
Sesethu’s story reminds us: knowledge is the only asset that can't be taken from you. But access to the right tools, titles, and support? That’s where CIBA steps in.
Ready to turn your own hustle into recognition, income, and influence?
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to stand out, serve better, and scale your career.
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