Trisha Rajkumar, Professional Accountant
Professional Accountant
Current Experience:
Junior Auditor at BDO South Africa · Full-time Feb 2025 - Present · (7 mos)
Tax Consultant at The Forensic Firm · Contract Apr 2022 - Present · (3 yrs 5 mos)
Past Experiences:
Accountant at Accounting Solutions · Full-time Feb 2016 - Mar 2022 · (6 yrs 2 mos)
Qualifications:
BCom Accounting
Post Grad in Taxation
Post Grad in Forensic Auditing
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From karate champion to Johannesburg firm leader, meet the accountant fighting for SMEs like a pro.
When Trisha Rajkumar enters a room, or a financial statement, she’s already done the groundwork. With black belt discipline and a family legacy rooted in service, Trisha’s journey is more than accounting. It’s about honouring her father’s vision, empowering SMEs, and building trust in a sector drowning in red tape and missed opportunities.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
06:30 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
The first hour of my morning is dedicated to personal time, allowing me to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead. This time helps me start the day with focus and a clear mindset, setting a positive tone for the tasks and challenges to come.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My passion for accounting and helping SMEs was inspired by my dad, a professional accountant who founded our firm in 2003. Over the years, my mom joined the business, and together, through their hard work and dedication, they built the firm into what it is today. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the positive impact they had on their clients and their businesses. This experience ignited my passion for the field and my commitment to supporting SMEs in achieving their financial goals. Our firm specializes in providing accounting and tax services tailored to the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. We understand the challenges SMEs face and are dedicated to helping them navigate complex financial landscapes, ensuring they have the tools and insights needed for growth and success.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
One of the most defining moments in my career came in 2023, when my dad and I decided to open a new office in Johannesburg. This was a pivotal step for me, as it marked a major expansion of our firm and enabled us to better serve our growing client base in the region. While we’ve always worked with clients nationwide, having a presence in Johannesburg brought us closer to many of our key clients and strengthened those relationships.
Another memorable highlight was signing my very first client. That experience was especially meaningful because it validated my skills and the value I could offer. It gave me a strong sense of confidence and served as a milestone that fueled my passion for working with SMEs.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
Our clients are at the heart of everything we do. I focus on building strong relationships by maintaining open, honest, and transparent communication, making sure they feel listened to and understood. Since many clients don’t have a deep background in accounting or tax, I see it as our responsibility to guide them, breaking down complex concepts into simple terms and giving them the clarity and confidence they need to make informed decisions.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Our goals for the future include growing our presence and services, especially in key regions like Johannesburg, while still delivering the personalized attention and high-quality service our clients value. In addition, we’ve recently introduced estate planning and the winding up of estates, and we’re excited to expand this area further in the coming years. This growth reflects our commitment to offering comprehensive financial solutions that adapt to our clients’ changing needs.
What’s next on your professional journey?
I’m focused on driving the growth and success of our Johannesburg office. I’m especially excited about expanding our client base, strengthening our service offerings, and building on the momentum we’ve already created to ensure the firm continues to grow from strength to strength.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
Maintaining work-life balance is an ongoing journey for me. I try to set clear boundaries where possible, like setting aside specific times for work and personal activities. While there are weeks that demand longer hours, I focus on staying flexible and adapting as needed. I also make it a priority to schedule personal time for things that help me recharge, such as exercise or spending time with my loved ones and my furbabies, my dog Romeo, cat Raisin, and rabbit Zeus.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
When I’m off the clock, I like spending time at the gym. It’s my space to focus on both physical fitness and mental clarity. Working out helps me unwind, concentrate on personal goals, and recharge for whatever challenges lie ahead.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
At Accounting Solutions, we’re a registered SAIPA training center, committed to developing the next generation of accounting professionals. Recently, we’ve been engaging with high school learners through educational talks, encouraging them to see accounting as a rewarding career. Through mentorship and professional development, we aim to provide aspiring accountants with the guidance and support they need to succeed.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
In recent years, I’ve been actively involved with the Dundee SPCA Junior Program, which educates young schoolchildren about animal welfare and responsible pet care. Through this initiative, we aim to nurture compassion and awareness in the next generation, helping to build a community that values and protects its animals.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
I would advise aspiring accountants to focus on building a strong client base before starting their own practice. Establishing trust and solid relationships with potential clients early on creates a stable foundation and makes the transition to running your own business much smoother.
“Just keep swimming. It’s simple yet powerful and encourages me to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
One of the most important leadership lessons I’ve learned is the value of listening. Leadership isn’t about giving orders; it’s about understanding your team, encouraging open communication, and creating a space where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I’ve practiced karate for many years and hold a second-degree black belt, which gave me the incredible opportunity to represent my country internationally. My love for martial arts has since grown, and I now also train in Muay Thai, MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and Boxing, constantly challenging both my physical and mental limits.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose a superpower for my practice, it would be speed. Having the ability to work faster and handle tasks with lightning efficiency would make managing everything much easier.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
During busy periods, I focus on prioritizing tasks and breaking them into manageable steps. I also use time-blocking to stay focused, ensuring that each important task gets dedicated attention.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I qualified as a professional accountant and became a full SAIPA member is the one I would relive. The sense of achievement and excitement I felt reaching this milestone made it an unforgettable moment in my career.
Trisha’s story reminds us: This profession isn’t just numbers, it’s grit, growth, and giving back.
She’s not just running a practice, she’s building a platform for future professionals, supporting school learners, and expanding a legacy started in 2003. Whether she’s balancing books or mentoring the next generation, Trisha shows what it means to be a real CBAP, powerful, personal, and purpose-driven.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn your accounting practice into a business legacy worth fighting for.
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