Tanya van der Westhuizen, Group Management Accountant
Group Management Accountant
Current Experience:
Group Management Accountant at Willie Burger Group Mar 2014 - Present · (11 yrs 8 mos)
Past Experience:
Accountancy Manager at Abeinsa EPC Aug 2012 - Feb 2014 · (1 yr 7 mos)
Senior Accountant at Vodacom Aug 2008 - Jun 2012 · (3 yrs 11 mos)
Senior Account Coordinator at Vodacom March 2007 - July 2008 (1 Yr 5 mos)
Accountant at ARC-GC Dec 2005 - Feb 2007 · (1 yr 3 mos)
Cost Accountant at Tiger Brands Jun 2004 - Nov 2005 · (1 yr 6 mos)
Qualifications:
Bcom Cost and Management Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Meet Tanya van der Westhuizen, Group Financial Manager at Willie Burger Group, night owl by nature, firecracker by necessity. She started at the bottom, climbed with grit, and now runs the financial engine of a multi-entity group like it’s second nature.
Tanya doesn’t just close books, she builds belief. In a world where finance is often isolated from operations, she’s bridged the gap. She trains, she mentors, and she’s proof that project management skills and people skills are just as important as accounting software.
Her journey is real, raw, and packed with lessons for any business accountant wondering how to lead from the ledger.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
07:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start my morning with a cup of coffee, some quiet time to pray and relax, and then get ready for work.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I’ve always been drawn to numbers from a young age. I found it fascinating to track how money was spent and to see how investments could grow over time.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I started from the ground up, staying dedicated, goal-driven, and motivated through every challenge. I’ve always focused on continuous learning and maintaining a positive mindset while supporting and believing in my team. One of my key milestones has been managing the full accounting function for nine companies, leading staff, and strengthening my leadership skills along the way.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I serve as the Group Financial Manager and Accountant, overseeing and managing the complete financial operations for nine companies within the group.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by strengthening the company’s financial structure, ensuring compliance, and maintaining accurate and effective financial reporting.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was helping the non-financial teams understand how important their roles are in the company’s overall success and how they fit into the financial process. I addressed this by holding meetings to explain the impact of their work and how it contributes to the bigger picture.
Another ongoing challenge is keeping up with constant changes in the field. I overcame this by reading regularly, staying informed, and continuously motivating myself to see how each change fits into the broader goals of the business.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I manage the company’s financial operations through effective time management, focus, determination, and attention to accuracy. I make it a priority to stay informed about the latest financial regulations, tax laws, and economic trends.
For day-to-day operations, I rely on project management tools to stay on top of deadlines and ensure efficiency. I use various accounting systems such as Pastel, Sage 300, OPERA, Oracle, and SAP, with Excel being a key part of my daily work. Regular reconciliations are also essential to maintain accuracy and reliable reporting.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential, even though it can be challenging at times. It’s important to avoid burnout by setting boundaries and remembering that while work matters, your family and personal well-being matter too. I try to follow the principle of dividing my time into three equal parts, eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for family and self-care. Regular exercise and healthy eating also help me stay grounded and energized.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. Whether it’s watching a movie with my daughter, exercising together, or simply relaxing on the couch or by the pool, those moments help me unwind and recharge.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Yes, I make an effort to mentor my team by teaching them new skills, for example, how to prepare accurate reconciliations and find more efficient ways to work. I believe in helping others grow by sharing practical knowledge and encouraging smarter, more effective approaches.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
My advice would be to stay adaptable and keep up to date with regulations. Accuracy and time management are essential. It’s also important to develop skills like empathy and communication to build trust with colleagues and clients. Lastly, focus on staying motivated and goal-oriented to drive success in your role.
“Practice makes perfect!”
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 not to fear failure, but rather to fear not trying at all. Failure is a stepping stone to success. This mindset has taught me to never give up, always give my best effort, and to learn from my mistakes so I can keep improving.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I have a passion for dancing and a love for fast cars.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have a superpower to help me at work, it would be to have limitless knowledge. As Abraham Lincoln said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
During long workdays, I focus on prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency. I use a timetable to stay organized and on track. Listening to music helps me stay calm, motivated, and energized, and a strong cup of coffee always helps too!
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the day I received the Employee of the Mpumalanga Region Excellence Award at Vodacom in 2009. It came at a time when I least expected it and even doubted my impact, but it reminded me to stay positive, give my best, and trust that hard work is recognized and appreciated. It also reinforced the importance of teamwork, that we rely on each other to achieve our full potential.
Whether it’s reconciling a spreadsheet or rallying her team, Tanya shows up, with strong coffee, strong convictions, and stronger Excel skills.
Her advice for future finance leaders? “Be adaptable, stay accurate, and never forget the power of trust.”
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead like Tanya, across systems, across teams, across the finish line.
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