Tinisha Naicker, Head of Financial Operations
Head of Financial Operations
Current Experience:
Head of Financial Operations at Rewardsco Nov 2025 - Present · (2 mos)
Past Experiences:
Senior Commercial Analyst at Rewardsco Apr 2023 - Oct 2025 · (2 yrs 7 mos)
Senior Financial Business Intelligence Manager at Rewardsco Jul 2022 - Mar 2023 · (9 mos)
Senior Consultant at SAPRO · Contract Jan 2021 - Mar 2021 · (3 mos)
Audit Supervisor at Ernst & Young Oct 2019 - Dec 2020 · (1 yr 3 mos)
Audit Senior at Ernst & Young Oct 2018 - Oct 2019 · (1 yr 1 mo)
Audit Trainee at Ernst & Young Jan 2018 - Oct 2018 · (10 mos)
Qualifications:
BCom Accounting
Bcom Accounting Honours
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Becoming a CA(SA) wasn’t just a career goal for Tinisha Naicker—it was the reward for a seven-year climb powered by grit, strategy, and a love for numbers that started in primary school. Today, as a Senior Commercial Analyst, Tinisha isn’t just reporting the past, she’s shaping real-time business decisions that move the needle.
But here’s what they don’t see on the CV:
A young woman breaking through boardroom dynamics where age, gender, and culture often silence voices like hers. She didn’t just earn a seat at the table—she made herself heard.
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 spend the first hour of my morning getting ready for the day ahead.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting and finance started in primary school, where I was strong in maths and first learned about accounting and related careers. I’ve always had an analytical mindset, and this field gives me the opportunity to apply those skills in a way that adds real value to businesses.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
One of the most meaningful moments in my career was receiving the SMS confirming that I had passed the APC exams and qualified as a CA. It marked the recognition of years of hard work and the culmination of a seven-year journey.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work in Financial Operations, which is different from traditional finance roles that focus on historical accounting and reporting. My role is centred on real-time financial information that supports day-to-day decision-making. This includes budgeting across all entities within the group and tracking weekly financial performance against set targets. Together with my team, we provide insights into sales mix, cost analysis, campaign profitability and other operational metrics to help the business maximise profitability.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I translate the Board’s strategic decisions into practical budgets and work closely with sales and operations to ensure those targets are achievable and on track. By monitoring performance throughout the year, I identify variances early and carry out further analysis where needed, allowing the business to course-correct and stay aligned with its goals.
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 was being a young CA in a room full of seasoned directors and executives, and finding the confidence to speak up. It can be intimidating to challenge people with far more experience, especially coming from a traditional Indian household where disagreeing with elders is often seen as disrespectful.
I had to consciously shift my mindset and remind myself that I was hired for a reason. My financial expertise is valued, and my input is expected in a business setting. Learning to separate cultural norms from professional environments and to see myself as an equal at the table was key to overcoming this challenge.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
One of the most effective strategies I use is maintaining constant alignment with the Board. By working closely with strategic directors to understand expectations, and with sales and operations leaders to understand what is realistically achievable, I’m able to bridge the gap between strategy and execution and ensure financial operations run effectively.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
I’m still working on finding the right balance, especially during busy periods. That said, I focus on small, practical habits, like prioritising home-cooked meals and avoiding takeout, which helps me feel more grounded and in control.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I enjoy walking along the Umhlanga promenade. The ocean views are calming, and it’s a great way to unwind while getting some steps in.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I do. I have two direct reports, and I make sure their roles align with their personal growth and career ambitions. Through working closely together, skills and knowledge are shared naturally. Beyond my direct reports, I’m always happy to support others with technical accounting matters or Excel-related skills.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Technical skills are essential, but what really makes you stand out is the ability to apply that knowledge and communicate it clearly to colleagues outside of finance. Anyone can look up formulas or use AI tools to find answers, but the real value comes from understanding those answers, applying them in a business context, and using them to make informed decisions.
“Follow your plan, not your mood”
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A fun side of me that doesn’t make it into my professional bio: I’m into thrill-seeking adventures. I’ve gone skydiving, bungee jumping, and even swimming with sharks.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I’d choose the ability to read minds. In a role where you work with all kinds of people, you quickly learn to distinguish what’s said from what’s really meant. Being able to know that instantly would help me align with needs more effectively and drive faster results.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
Lately, I’ve found that grabbing a Starbucks chai or hot chocolate helps me stay productive—it gives me a nice little energy boost during long workdays.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
I’d choose the first day of my first job after articles. It was the moment I truly realised I was stepping into the workforce as a qualified CA(SA), and that feeling of achievement made the day unforgettable.
Tinisha’s journey reminds us:
It’s not just about technical skill, it’s about courage, clarity, and knowing your worth. From bungee jumps to boardrooms, she’s not afraid to take the leap.
Her mantra? “Follow your plan, not your mood.”
Her advice to aspiring finance pros? Don’t just know the numbers, apply them with impact.
Follow Tinisha. Learn from her. And if you’re still waiting to feel ‘ready’, this is your sign to go anyway.
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