Thapelo Kalekale, Accountant
Accountant
Current Experience:
Accountant at Thornybush · Contract Oct 2023 - Present · (1 yr 11 mos)
Past Experience:
Accountant at Bophelobontle · Full-time Jan 2019 - May 2023 · (4 yrs 5 mos)
Qualifications:
BCom Accounting
Honours in internal Auditing
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Cash flow chaos. Repetitive tasks. And the daily pressure to deliver.
That’s where Thapelo Kalekale found himself. But instead of burning out, he doubled down. With a prayer in the morning and precision in the ledger, this early bird accountant didn’t just crunch numbers, he carved out control. From battling revenue decline to rebuilding morale through internal audits, Thapelo is proof that resilience isn’t theory, it’s practice
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Early bird
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I start my morning with prayer, then get ready for work.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I've always had a knack for numbers, so accounting felt like a natural fit for me.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of the biggest milestones in my career was starting my own accounting business.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
Accountant
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I contribute by giving an accurate and honest view of the company’s financial position.
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 was dealing with the repetitive nature of the work. It started to feel monotonous, but I managed to make it more engaging by incorporating elements I enjoy. Shifting into Internal Auditing helped a lot, it gave me variety, boosted my morale, and renewed my confidence in my role.
On a more practical level, I also faced a major challenge during a time of unexpected revenue decline. Managing cash flow became a priority. I tackled it by doing a thorough cash flow analysis to pinpoint essential expenses and cut unnecessary costs. I renegotiated payment terms with suppliers to give us more breathing room and worked on speeding up receivables with better invoicing processes. I also tightened our budgeting and made sure resources were being used wisely. Keeping a close eye on financial metrics and improving our forecasting helped stabilise the cash flow and kept the business on track.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To manage financial operations effectively, I rely on a combination of tools and strategies. I use budgeting and cash flow forecasting to maintain liquidity and keep costs under control. For day-to-day tasks like bookkeeping, reconciliations, and reporting, I work with cloud-based accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero. I regularly monitor key financial metrics, perform variance analysis, and use automated dashboards for real-time insights.
To stay compliant, I use tax planning tools and make sure we follow all financial regulations. I also implement internal audits, fraud detection processes, and risk management strategies to safeguard the business. On a broader level, I focus on optimising capital by balancing debt and equity, and I use ERP systems to improve overall financial efficiency.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
During busy periods, I stay balanced by focusing on time management and staying organised. I break down big tasks into smaller, manageable parts to stay on track. Delegating effectively is also important; I make sure the workload is shared fairly across the team.
I set clear boundaries, schedule regular breaks, and try to maintain a healthy work-life balance. To manage stress, I turn to things like mindfulness and regular exercise, which help me stay clear-headed and productive. I also plan ahead as much as possible to avoid last-minute pressure and keep things running smoothly.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I sing in two choirs, which I really enjoy. Music is something I love, it’s my escape and a space where I feel at peace.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
Our finance department has a relaxed, supportive environment where we all contribute to each other's growth. We share knowledge, offer help when needed, and learn from one another along the way.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
If you're looking to build a career in a finance department, it's important to develop a solid understanding of accounting, financial analysis, and budgeting. Get comfortable using tools like Excel, QuickBooks, and ERP systems, they're key in day-to-day work.
Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication will take you far. It also helps to stay up to date with industry trends, tax laws, and new financial technologies. And if you're serious about growing in the field, pursuing certifications like CPA or CFA can really boost your career.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
This keeps me focused on problem-solving and making the best of any situation, especially in high-pressure financial environments.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your caree
A key leadership lesson I’ve learned is that clear communication and accountability are essential for success. In finance, accuracy matters a lot, so making sure everyone knows their roles and how their work fits into the bigger picture helps avoid mistakes and keeps things running smoothly. Leading by example, being organized, meeting deadlines, and basing decisions on data, builds trust and encourages the team to perform at their best.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun fact that’s not in my professional bio is that, besides singing for an internationally acclaimed choir, I’m also an aspiring opera singer.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose a superpower for my job, it would be the ability to predict financial trends. Being able to accurately anticipate market changes, economic shifts, and potential risks would help make smarter decisions, manage risks more effectively, and plan strategically to support long-term financial stability and growth.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I break my work into smaller, manageable tasks and spread them throughout the day. This approach helps me stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.
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 got the call confirming my job offer. It’s easy to forget how much of a privilege it is to have a job. Having financial stability and the chance to grow in your career really depends on that opportunity. So, that day stands out as one of the most meaningful for me.
Thapelo isn’t just balancing books, he’s balancing life, leadership, and legacy.
An aspiring opera singer who fights financial fires by day, he’s showing the next generation how to lead with clarity and survive with strategy. Want to know how to turn compliance into confidence? Join CIBA and we’ll show you how.
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