Tebatšo Aphane, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:
Financial Accountant at Thos Begbie & Co · Full-time Jan 2018 - Present · (8 yrs)
Past Experiences:
Financial Accountant at Airports Company South Africa Aug 2017 - Dec 2017 · (5 mos)
Audit Clerk at Auditor-General of South Africa Apr 2017 - Jul 2017 · (4 mos)
Trainee Auditor/ Accountant at Auditor-General of South Africa Jan 2014 - Jan 2017 · (3 yrs 1 mo)
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Accounting and Auditing
Bachelor’s Degree BCTA
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Tebatšo Aphane, Financial Accountant at Thos Begbie & Co. Pty Ltd. He’s not just balancing trial balances, he’s handling audits, tax deadlines, and the pressure of delivering decision-ready financials to the directors. With nearly a decade in the game, Tebatšo’s journey is built on ethics, consistency, and a mindset sharpened by early mornings and constant learning.
He studies before sunrise, mentors without ego, and recharges through music, family, and the open road. And when the spreadsheets blur, he turns up Kelvin Momo and keeps moving.
If you’re building a career in finance without the CA badge, this is the story you need to read.
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 by reading the news and planning my day. When I’m studying, I use that time to review my study materials instead.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting started in high school. I found the subject easy to grasp, and I enjoyed that it made sense to me right from the start.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Finishing my SAICA Articles was a major milestone and gave me a solid foundation for my career in accounting. Earning my degree was an added bonus.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I manage the trial balance and ensure all transactions are accurate and complete. I handle financial reporting for management accounts and annual financial statements, oversee the maintenance and safekeeping of fixed assets, and manage tax matters, annual audits, and budgets. I also take care of any ad hoc finance-related requests that come up.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support the company’s financial strategy by delivering accurate reports on time, giving the directors the information they need to make informed decisions.
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 learning how to manage people, since everyone is different and there’s no single approach that works for all.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I manage the company’s financial operations by following our policies, applying the relevant accounting standards, and keeping up with new developments through manuals, articles, and regular training. I also find peer discussions incredibly helpful.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced by putting in extra hours when needed, automating certain processes to lighten the workload, and delegating tasks where it makes sense.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching my favorite TV series or movies to unwind, jogging, and following sports.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I mentor and support my team by offering guidance and discussing any concerns they have. I share relevant articles and information, help them set and track goals, and recognise their progress and achievements. Understanding their current position makes it easier to help them reach their objectives. I also believe strongly in learning from those who seek my assistance, it’s a two-way process.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice would be to be reliable and consistent. Stay informed by reading and researching to keep up with statutory and legal requirements. Above all, maintain high ethical standards—integrity is essential in finance.
“Confidence comes from action”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A valuable leadership lesson I’ve embraced is from Grant Cardone: “Your potential is only as big as the investments you make in yourself.”
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that I enjoy cooking and love traveling. I also listen to Kelvin Momo and Babalwa M’s music every day.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose a superpower for my work, it would be the ability to read and process information from multiple sources simultaneously, because knowledge truly is power.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I like to take a walk to the shops at lunch instead of using the onsite canteen. I also find that listening to music helps me accomplish anything on my to-do list.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I don’t have a single day I’d choose to relive, as I value and appreciate every day as a meaningful experience in my career.
Tebatšo’s journey is proof that you don’t need a fancy title to lead. You need resilience, ethics, and tools that help you deliver real results.
You’re already doing the work. Now get the title.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your grind into growth, your skills into income, and your story into leadership.
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