Shaun Green, Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Current Experience:
Senior Accountant at Moore Southern Cape · Full-time Aug 2021 - Present · (4 yrs 7 mos)
Education:
CTA, Accounting and Finance
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
He failed APC. Then came back and passed it.
This week we feature Shaun Green, Senior Accountant at Moore Southern Cape Incorporated, a professional shaped more by setbacks than smooth victories.
From 5am starts and coffee-fuelled client emails to mentoring juniors and managing tight deadlines, Shaun knows the pressure of practice life. But what defines him isn’t workload, it’s resilience.
His message is simple: take responsibility for your growth, learn from failure, and don’t quit.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
05:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually spend the first hour of my morning getting ready for the day ahead. That includes a strong cup of coffee and going through client emails so I’m clear on priorities before things get busy.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
I was fortunate to have excellent teachers at school, even though they were clearly underpaid for the work they did. At first, I struggled to understand accounting, but that challenge is exactly what drew me in. The difficulty of it pushed me to pursue the CA(SA) path. I’ve always felt that if something is truly worth doing, it’s usually the thing that stretches you the most, and in this case, that belief proved right.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Looking back, the moments that shaped me most were actually the setbacks. I’ve had to learn how to handle disappointment and the frustration of waiting another year to reach a goal after a poor result. That process-built resilience and patience in a way success alone never could. In the end, achieving those goals after delays felt far more meaningful, because I knew I had earned them by refusing to give up.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work in the Economic Advisory Division at Moore Southern Cape Incorporated, where our team handles a broad range of services, including audits, independent reviews, compilations, and general tax compliance. In short, we’re involved in most aspects of our clients’ financial reporting and regulatory requirements.
As a senior in the department, I also support and guide junior team members, helping them work through technical queries and any sections they find challenging.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I help ensure that the monthly plans set by the directors are followed and kept on track. If any delays or issues arise, I communicate them to management early so the right support can be provided and deadlines are still met.
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 balancing competing priorities while keeping all stakeholders aligned and satisfied. I’ve managed this by staying disciplined with planning, communicating clearly, and making sure timelines are respected so expectations are met across the board.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
This doesn’t form part of my current responsibilities, as I’m not directly involved in managing the company’s financial operations.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I try to stay balanced by prioritizing quality time with my wife and daughter. When I’m off work, I switch off from social media and limit cellphone distractions so I can be fully present with my family. They are my source of energy and motivation and having them in my life inspires me to work hard and stay focused.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Being in George gives me plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. I like mountain climbing, hiking, spending time at the beach, and exploring new restaurants when I have the chance to unwind. These activities help me relax and recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I actively support and mentor other team members in the department. Our team learns from one another, as different people bring different strengths. For example, some may be more technically strong in taxation while others excel in audit. By sharing knowledge and working collaboratively, we help develop each other’s skills and improve areas where we may be less confident.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I would encourage anyone aspiring to work in finance to be attentive to detail and remain open to continuous learning. Focus on doing your work to the best of your ability, and view mistakes as opportunities to grow and improve your skills.
“In the midst of winter. I found that within me, there was an invincible summer.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Own your growth and take responsibility for developing your skills and knowledge throughout your career.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
I have a strong interest in farming. Although I don’t know exactly how to start yet, I see it becoming a hobby I would like to pursue in the future.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
The ability to clone myself would be incredibly helpful.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I make an effort to stay fully focused and engaged in the task I am working on. When I stay absorbed in my work, the day tends to feel more productive and passes faster than expected.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
The day I passed the APC was very special to me, especially because I had failed it the previous year in a very disappointing way.
Shaun says the most defining day of his career was passing APC. That win meant more because it was earned.
For every accountant waiting on results, rebuilding after a setback, or quietly doubting themselves: keep going.
Resilience is a professional advantage.
And if you want the backing of a designation and community that strengthens your standing while you climb.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to build a career that’s respected, resilient, and worth the effort.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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