Tembela Tsutsu, Audit Manager
Audit Manager
Current Experience:
Audit Manager at BDO South Africa · Full-time Jan 2025 - Present · (1 yr)
Past Experiences:
Junior Audit Manager at BDO · Full-time Jan 2023 - Feb 2025 · (2 yrs 2 mos)
Audit Senior at SAPRO · Full-time Oct 2022 - Jan 2023 · (4 mos)
Audit Senior at SNG Thornton Jan 2022 - Oct 2022 · (10 mos)
Accounting Trainee at SNG Thornton 2020 - Dec 2021 · (2 yrs)
Qualifications:
BCom Accounting and finance
Certificate in the Theory of Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From gym at 5am to JSE-level sustainability audits, this young CA(SA) isn’t just checking boxes. She’s redefining what leadership looks like in audit.
Meet Tembela Tsutsu, Audit Manager at BDO Johannesburg.
Promoted early. Board exams conquered on the first try. Now mentoring four rising professionals while advising companies on how to clean up their financial reporting and climate disclosures.
She doesn’t just audit, she equips, uplifts, and leads. All while hiking South African trails and smashing stereotypes.
If you're still doubting whether impact and audit can coexist — read this.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
05:00 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 mornings at the gym, and on quieter days I spend that first hour reading a self-help book.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in finance and accounting grew through real exposure to the subjects. At university, I found myself especially drawn to financial reporting and corporate finance. Working on my minor dissertation about climate-change disclosures in JSE-listed mining companies also opened my eyes to how accounting supports transparency and long-term value. That experience really cemented my passion for the field.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I’ve had a few moments that really stand out in my career. One of the biggest was being promoted from Junior Audit Manager to Audit Manager, which marked a clear step forward in both leadership and technical skill. Completing my minor dissertation on climate-change disclosure in JSE-listed mining companies was another highlight because it strengthened my interest in financial reporting and sustainability. Passing my board exams — ITC and APC — on the first attempt was also a proud moment and a reminder of how much commitment the profession requires. Each of these milestones has shaped the way I approach my work, and they’ve made me even more excited about where my career is heading.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
As an Audit Manager, I work with different clients and their finance teams to assess their financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with accounting standards. I lead audit engagements, guide the teams on-site, review financial statements, and provide insights that support transparency and strengthen how the business operates.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
In my role, I support the financial strategy of the businesses I audit by giving independent assurance on their financial statements. This helps them improve their reporting, tighten internal controls, and make better financial decisions. I also share recommendations that strengthen governance, reduce risks, and help align their financial plans with both regulatory and operational needs.
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 is working through tight audit deadlines while still delivering quality work and meeting client expectations. There have been moments when unexpected issues or last-minute changes added extra pressure. I managed this by sharpening my time management, working more closely with clients from the start, and planning ahead so I could spot potential problems before they became bigger.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To manage financial oversight and audit processes effectively, I rely on a mix of audit software, data analytics tools, and financial reporting systems. For example, I use DataSnipper to pick up calculation errors and spot inconsistencies from prior years, which helps me review financial statements more efficiently and accurately.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
One way I stay balanced during busy periods is by managing my time carefully. I focus on the tasks that matter most and tackle them in order of urgency. I also break bigger projects into smaller, manageable steps, which helps me keep moving forward without feeling overloaded.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy reading self-help books because they offer practical ideas on mindset, growth, and productivity. Continuous learning keeps me motivated in both my personal and professional life. I also love hiking and going for walks. Spending time outdoors helps me switch off, reset, and come back to work with a clearer mind and renewed energy.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I currently mentor four team members, supporting them in managing their workload, balancing their studies, and developing their professional goals. I guide them on task prioritization and time management, particularly during busy periods, and hold regular one-on-one check-ins to discuss their progress, challenges, and future aspirations.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
For anyone looking to work in a finance department, I’d suggest building a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills. Technically, it’s important to understand financial reporting, accounting principles, and relevant regulations, while also being detail-oriented and able to evaluate risks and financial performance. Equally important are soft skills, being able to communicate clearly, collaborate across teams, and present complex financial information in a way that’s easy to understand.
“Prepare like you have never won and perform like you have never lost”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A key leadership lesson I’ve learned is the value of empowering and trusting your team. Moving from Junior Audit Manager to Audit Manager taught me that leadership isn’t just about giving instructions—it’s about creating an environment where team members feel confident, take ownership of their work, and are encouraged to grow. By delegating effectively and supporting their development, I’ve seen my team perform at their best and become more invested in the success of our audits.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I really enjoy hiking.
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 the ability to master multitasking.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I use a mix of time-blocking, short breaks, and prioritizing tasks. I divide my day into focused segments dedicated to high-priority work, which helps me stay organized and prevents me from feeling overwhelmed.
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 appointed Junior Audit Manager at BDO Johannesburg. It felt like a validation from God that all my hard work and dedication had truly paid off.
Tembela’s story is proof that the next generation of finance leaders isn’t waiting for permission. They’re building the future with purpose, precision, and grit.
She’s not just surviving audit deadlines — she’s shaping strategy, mentoring talent, and making audit count.
You’ve already got the drive. Now get the recognition.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your audit role into influence, income, and impact.
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