Talent Manyonga, Management Accountant
Management Accountant
Current Experience:
Management Accountant at RCL Foods Sugar and Milling · Full-time Apr 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 9 mos)
Past Experiences:
Cost Accountant at RCL Foods - Baking division · Full-time Aug 2021 - Mar 2023 · (1 yr 8 mos)
Accountant at RCL FOODS - Groceries · Full-time Aug 2020 - Jul 2021 · (1 yr)
General Ledger Assistant Accountant at RCL FOODS - Baking Division · Full-time Jul 2019 - Aug 2020 · (1 yr 2 mos)
Admin Clerk at Vector Logistics · Full-time Mar 2012 - Oct 2018 · (6 yrs 8 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree Management
Diploma in Management Accountant
Advanced Diploma in Management Accountant
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From GL clerk to Management Accountant, Talent Manyonga didn’t follow the “traditional” route. She carved her own.
Starting her BCom at 27 and qualifying with CIMA in her 30s, she rose through grit, clarity, and an unwavering belief that it’s never too late to bet on yourself.
Now at RCL Foods, she’s not just crunching numbers. She’s using Power BI and SQL to drive cost-saving decisions, and mentoring the next generation while doing it.
If you've ever felt like you're “late” or not “qualified enough,” read this.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
08:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my day with a bit of quiet time. I meditate, do some journaling, and spend a little time reading to set the tone for the day ahead.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting started early. In Grade 5, I heard about accounting from my older sister when she began taking it in secondary school, and from that moment, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I’d describe myself as a late bloomer. I started my BCom degree at 27 with a clear determination to build a career in accounting. At 33, I began my professional certification with CIMA, which marked a major turning point and led to my promotion from GL Clerk to Assistant Accountant.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as a Management Accountant within the finance department.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I support the business by identifying cost-saving opportunities and providing management with clear financial insights to help drive profitability.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?8
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is imposter syndrome. I’ve been working through it by building confidence in my abilities and reminding myself that I’ve earned my place and deserve to be in this role.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I use tools like Power BI and SQL to manage and analyse the company’s financial operations effectively.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I stay balanced by being mindful of my workload and keeping a clear list of priorities, especially during busy periods.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy activities that help me slow down and recharge. I practise yoga once a week, enjoy writing and reading, and I’m passionate about financial literacy education. I’m also the author of two children’s books on financial literacy. More recently, I’ve taken up dressmaking, which I usually enjoy on Sunday afternoons.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I mentor a graduate trainee in the finance department. I enjoy sharing my personal journey and encourage self-awareness, helping others understand their strengths and areas for growth.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
If someone wants to work in a finance department, I’d advise having a clear career plan, finding a mentor to guide you, and pursuing any additional qualifications that will strengthen your expertise. This not only builds your knowledge but also gives you more leverage when negotiating opportunities or advancement.
“If you aim at nothing you will always hit nothing by Zig Zagler”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
A valuable leadership lesson I’ve learned is to truly know yourself and pursue your goals without limits. Believe in yourself first, and others will follow your lead.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that I become much more vocal and passionate when discussing topics related to financial literacy.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower for my job, it would be the ability to instantly master building dashboards.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is practicing breathwork and accepting that I can’t do everything at once. I focus on prioritizing tasks and making sure deadlines are met.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the day I was promoted to Management Accountant.
Talent proves what so many Business Accountants in Practice need to hear: You don’t need a perfect journey, you need purpose.
Her advice? Be self-aware. Have a plan. And know you deserve the seat you’re in.
Whether it’s battling imposter syndrome or building dashboards that unlock profitability, she’s doing the work, and showing others how to do the same.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your experience into real professional power.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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