Vusi Matse, Chief Executive Officer
CEO
Current Experience:CEO of Kesho Chartered Accountants · Full-time Jul 2010 - Present · (15 yrs 1 mos)
Lecturer | Economics & Finance at Tshwane University of Technology · Part-time Jul 2023 - Present · (2 yrs 1 mo)
PAST EXPERIENCES:Managing director at Sitiba Logistics
Managing Director at Guru Dot Com Technologies
Qualifications:BCom Accounting
Post graduate Diploma in Accounting
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: Vusi Matse, founder of Kesho Chartered Accountants, built his firm around one belief: that SMEs deserve more than compliance, they deserve transformation.
With over a decade of experience, Vusi has helped clients scale from R10 million to R200 million, guided professionals into new industries, and proved how strategic financial guidance changes lives and livelihoods.
At the heart of it all? A commitment to long-term partnerships and a passion for building firms that outlast their founders.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I usually start my day by reviewing my schedule and organizing my priorities to set a clear plan for the day ahead.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
As the CEO of an accounting firm, my interest in accounting began with a genuine curiosity about how numbers reveal the story behind a business. I’ve always been drawn to the idea that financial data isn’t just about compliance, it’s a powerful tool for making better decisions and driving growth. That curiosity naturally led me to a career where I could blend problem-solving with meaningful impact.
Supporting SMEs became an extension of that. These businesses form the core of our economy, yet many struggle with financial management and navigating regulatory demands. I saw a chance to step in and offer the kind of support that helps them grow with confidence.
At Kesho Chartered Accountants, our motto is “partnering for tomorrow,” and that perfectly sums up our mission, helping SMEs build stronger, more sustainable futures. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference the right financial support can make, both for the business and the people behind it.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
One of the standout moments in my career has been working with a client for over 14 years, helping them grow from a R10 million turnover to over R200 million annually. We've supported them through ongoing changes in the tax environment, and this long-term relationship really highlights how strategic financial guidance can drive sustainable growth.
Another defining experience was advising a professional services client to consider investing in the township property market. That decision led them to successfully pivot into property development, a move that’s paid off significantly. It’s a great example of how tailored advice and a willingness to diversify can open up entirely new avenues for success.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
We build strong client relationships by approaching their businesses with the same level of care and dedication we would give our own. It’s important to us that our clients know their success is a priority and that we’re genuinely invested in helping them achieve it.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Our goals for the future include growing our presence across South Africa, attracting and retaining top talent, and expanding into international markets, with a particular focus on the US and UK.
What’s next on your professional journey?
Next on my professional journey is continuing to lead innovation and growth within my firm, while exploring ways to expand our reach into international markets. I'm passionate about helping SMEs thrive, and I see myself playing a more strategic role in shaping initiatives or policies that support small businesses on a broader level. Ultimately, I hope to leave behind a legacy built on meaningful partnerships and long-term, sustainable growth for the clients we serve.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
To maintain a healthy balance between my personal and professional life, I focus on activities that help me recharge. I play social soccer four times a week, which keeps me active and gives me a chance to connect with others outside of work. I also try to set aside one day each week as a ‘sabbath day’, a day to completely rest and switch off. It doesn’t always happen perfectly, but I’m intentional about making it a regular part of my routine.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
When I’m off the clock, I enjoy quality time with friends and family and really value the opportunity to build meaningful connections. I also like working with my hands, whether it’s tackling a practical project or getting into a hands-on hobby, it helps me relax and recharge.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
We support the growth of others in our field through our annual graduate programs for commerce and IT students. These programs offer practical, hands-on experience, and many participants are offered permanent roles within the firm afterward. Since 2020, we’ve helped over 150 graduates build strong foundations for their careers by giving them the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Yes, I’m actively engaged in mentorship and local business initiatives. For over two years, I’ve volunteered as a mentor through the SAICA Enterprise Development Program, supporting SMMEs by sharing my knowledge and helping them grow and sustain their businesses within the community.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
My advice for anyone looking to start their own accounting practice is to start with a clear vision of where you want to go. Build your firm to be sustainable and able to succeed well into the future, even without your direct involvement. This means putting solid systems in place, cultivating a culture of excellence, and focusing on lasting relationships with both clients and your team.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
“In the right time, God will make it happen.”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
One of my favorite leadership lessons as a firm owner is that people are willing to go the extra mile when they feel genuinely cared for.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I am a self-taught electrician 😊
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower to help with my practice, it would be the ability to hire the perfect employee every single time.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
During tax season or busy times, I stay productive by making my health a priority, regular exercise and working in a quiet environment help me stay focused, manage stress, and keep my energy up throughout the day.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive any day in my career, it would be the day I qualified as a CA. That day stands out because it was a major milestone that opened up countless new opportunities and allowed me to make a bigger impact in my field.
Vusi isn’t just running a firm, he’s shaping the future of accounting, mentorship, and SME growth in South Africa.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to scale with purpose, serve with impact, and lead a practice that lasts.
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