Unathi Charleze Mhlanga, Director
Director
Current Experience:
Director at Khabako Finance Consultants Apr 2025 - Present · (9 mos)
Past Experiences:
Accountant at Jalusi Corporation · Full-time Sep 2024 - Present · (1 yr 4 mos)
Finance Administrator at Mindful Accounting Services · Contract Dec 2023 - Aug 2024 · (9 mos)
Outbound Call Center Agent at Do It Contract Centers Jun 2024 - Jul 2024 · (2 mos)
Finance Intern at Qwabe Accountant · Internship Jan 2023 - Nov 2023 · (11 mos)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Accounting Science in Financial Accounting
Diploma Financial Management
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
From filing papers in her mother’s government office to training future entrepreneurs, Unathi Mhlanga’s journey is anything but typical.
She’s young. She’s underestimated. And she’s taking the finance world by storm. At just 23, Unathi runs her department, mentors her team, and closes deals with giants like Rand Water and Sun International.
But this isn't just a success story, it's a story of grit. Of late nights, overlooked potential, and a relentless pursuit of the Chartered title.
Unathi isn’t waiting for recognition. She’s earning it, one spreadsheet, one breakthrough, one training session at a time.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
10:00 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 a prayer, have breakfast, and then map out my tasks to get ready for the day.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
My interest in accounting started with my mom. She’s been an Accounts Clerk in government for nearly three decades, and from the age of 10 I often went to work with her and helped with filing. That early exposure made the field feel familiar and sparked my interest, which led me to choose Accounting in high school and continue with it after school.
The path wasn’t smooth, though. My final year of high school came with personal challenges that delayed my studies, but it didn’t affect my drive. I went on to study Financial Management at Gauteng City College, graduated top of my class, and soon after started working in the field I love.
I’ve since taken another step forward by enrolling at Unisa for a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences while working. Becoming a Chartered Accountant once felt out of reach, but now it feels genuinely attainable.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
A few moments stand out in my career so far. I graduated top of my class in Financial Management at Gauteng City College and landed a job two months later. Another major milestone was becoming the youngest employee in my office and taking responsibility for an entire department. That role opened doors for me, including attending events like the Finance Indaba and Xero Expos, and working with well-known organisations such as Rand Water and Sun International.
As I work toward my Bachelor of Accounting Sciences at Unisa, I’m also preparing to lead a training session with the National Empowerment Fund. Each step has moved me closer to my goal of becoming a CA(SA).
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I work as an Accountant and also serve as a supervisor within the finance department.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As an Accountant and Supervisor, I support the company’s financial strategy by reviewing financial data, managing budgets, and making sure we stay compliant with all regulations. I keep an eye on cash flow, look for ways to reduce costs, and improve processes to keep things running smoothly. I also work closely with senior management to ensure our financial plans match the broader goals of the business. On top of that, I oversee internal controls to reduce risk and share insights that support growth and long-term stability. Mentoring junior staff is also part of my role, helping strengthen the team and the company’s financial foundation.
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 has been dealing with assumptions about my age. As the youngest person in the office, I was often overlooked and not taken seriously at first. I had to put in extra effort to earn trust and show that I was capable. I spent late nights finishing work, preparing for the next day, and making sure the quality of my work spoke for me. Over time, that dedication paid off. I secured deals with major clients and am now gearing up to train and support entrepreneurs in growing their businesses. This experience taught me that success isn’t tied to age—it comes from resilience, hard work, and the results you deliver.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
To manage financial operations effectively, I rely on tools like Xero and Sage for accurate bookkeeping, reporting, and automation. I use solid budgeting and forecasting methods to keep the business financially stable, and I track cash flow closely to maintain liquidity and manage costs. Strong internal controls and compliance checks help reduce risk and ensure we meet regulatory requirements. I also review financial data to offer insights that support decision-making. On top of that, I run training sessions to help teams and entrepreneurs build their financial skills so they can make informed choices. All of this contributes to better efficiency, growth, and long-term stability.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
During busy periods, I stay balanced by planning my tasks ahead of time and setting clear deadlines so I can stay organized. I break larger projects into smaller steps to keep myself focused and productive. I also take short breaks and try to be mindful of my well-being to avoid burnout. When possible, I delegate tasks and use automation tools like Xero and Sage to lighten the workload. Staying connected to my long-term goals also helps me stay motivated, even when things get hectic.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Outside of work, I like spending time with friends and family, usually over lunch or dinner to switch off and relax. Reading helps me unwind and keeps my mind open to new ideas. I also stay active by walking my dog, Zeus, playing soccer at a local club, and fitting in runs and gym sessions. These routines keep me grounded, recharged, and balanced.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, I mentor and support team members in the finance department. I run training sessions to build their knowledge and make myself available when they need guidance. To support their growth, I create tests to check their understanding, review their mistakes, and encourage an environment where feedback goes both ways. I also use demo systems so they can practice real financial tasks and build confidence. My aim is to create a collaborative space where everyone develops their skills and contributes to the team’s success.
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 recommend focusing on both technical and soft skills. A solid understanding of accounting principles and financial analysis is essential, but adaptability, attention to detail, and critical thinking are just as important. Finance professionals need to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently, so strong organizational skills are key. Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time roles, staying up to date with industry trends, and building a professional network will also help you stand out. Above all, maintaining integrity and a strong ethical foundation is crucial in this field.
“My favorite verses that motivate me are Romans 8:18 and John 15:13. Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us,” reminding me that challenges are temporary and greater things lie ahead. John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” is inscribed on my father’s grave, highlighting the selflessness and love he showed throughout his life. His character deeply inspires me, and I aspire to live with the same level of compassion, dedication, and care for others. Together, these verses remind me to keep pushing forward with faith, love, and perseverance, while honoring the legacy of my father.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career
A leadership lesson that has greatly shaped my career comes from South African entrepreneur Vusi Thembekwayo, who highlights the value of continuous learning and humility:
“Everybody knows something you don’t. Stop trying to be right, try to learn.”
This mindset has taught me to focus on growth and collaboration, appreciating that everyone brings unique insights that can enhance both personal and professional development.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
A surprising fact not included in my professional bio is that I practice gymnastics. It’s a hobby that demands discipline, strength, and flexibility, and I enjoy it as a way to keep both my mind and body sharp.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could choose a superpower for my work, it would be the ability to predict financial trends. As an accountant, forex trader, and business owner, being able to anticipate market movements would allow me to make smarter decisions, stay ahead of the competition, and fully capitalize on opportunities in my professional life.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
To stay productive during long workdays, I break tasks into smaller, manageable parts and prioritize them by urgency and importance. I set short, achievable goals throughout the day and take brief, purposeful breaks to recharge. Staying organized with a to-do list or project management tools helps me keep on track, and I minimize distractions while keeping the bigger picture in mind to maintain focus and momentum.
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 in my career, it would be the day I attended the Finance Indaba. Meeting the Vodacom CFO and connecting with finance professionals and entrepreneurs was an incredible experience. The insights I gained offered a new perspective on the industry and helped shape my approach to my career. It was inspiring and reaffirmed my passion for finance while equipping me with knowledge to navigate my own path.
Unathi’s story shatters the myth that you need age or pedigree to lead in finance. What you need is vision, sweat, and a spine of steel.
She’s proving that accounting isn’t just compliance, it’s power. Power to train, to transform, and to lead the next wave of South African business.
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Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to stand out, serve better, and scale with impact.
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