Wilbert Sibanda, Management Accountant
Management Accountant
Current Experience:
Management Accountant at BDR Group · Full-time Feb 2024 - Present · (1 yr 7 mos)
Past Experiences:
Managing Director at Bertny Accounting · Full-time May 2022 - May 2024 · (2 yrs 1 mo)
General Manager at Concentrate Carriers (Pty) Ltd Marikana · On-site May 2021 - Apr 2022 · (1 yr)
Finance Manager at Concentrate Carriers (Pty) Apr 2020 - Apr 2021 (1 yr 1 mo)
Financial Controller at Incredible Solutions Limited · Full-time Jan 2016 - Mar 2020 · (4 yrs 3 mos)
Accountant at African Butterfly Trading Co. Nov 2014 - Mar 2015 · (5 mos)
Qualifications:
CIMA Management Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
Before 6am, Wilbert is already up, not just for the grind, but for growth. A CIMA-qualified accountant who believes real-time information can change the game for SMEs, he’s building a practice that doesn’t just serve clients, it transforms them.
Many of his early SME clients thought accounting systems were “overkill.” He proved them wrong. Now, their businesses are thriving.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
05:00 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 day with some exercise.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
I was drawn to accounting and supporting SMEs because I believe accurate, real-time information is essential for a business’s success and enables better decision-making.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
One of the highlights of my career has been working with SMEs that initially saw formal systems as unnecessary or burdensome. With the right guidance, many chose to adopt these systems, and we’ve since seen significant improvements in their overall performance.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
I focus on clear, consistent communication to keep clients informed about developments and their organization’s financial position. Being transparent and providing timely updates helps build trust and confidence.
What are some future goals for your firm?
Our goal is to achieve 5% growth while continuing to serve small businesses that are often overlooked by traditional accounting firms.
What’s next on your professional journey?
I plan to pursue a qualification in business law to strengthen my expertise in both accounting and legal matters. This will allow me to offer a broader perspective in my work and make an even greater contribution to our organization.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
I believe a healthy work-life balance is vital for overall well-being. To support my physical and mental health, I make morning exercise a priority, as it helps me stay energized and focused for the day ahead.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
In my free time, I enjoy watching soccer and browsing Twitter.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I strongly believe in teamwork as a key to achieving collective goals. I make it a point to share both tacit and explicit knowledge with colleagues, creating an environment where everyone can grow their skills and knowledge. This approach helps ensure tasks and responsibilities are distributed more efficiently.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
I haven’t had the opportunity yet, but I would be eager to get involved if the chance arises. I strongly support corporate social responsibility and believe in its value.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
Patience is key when starting your own accounting practice, as it often requires significant financial investment.
“Real time financial metrics”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
Create a workplace where sharing ideas and ongoing collaboration are encouraged.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something surprising about me is that I have never smoked or consumed alcohol.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I would choose the ability for perfect client management.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
My key strategy is careful planning to stay productive and manage energy during busy periods like tax season.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I decided to start my own accounting practice stands out, as it was something I had always wanted. It was special because it gave me the opportunity to help other organizations grow.
He’s not just running a firm. He’s reshaping expectations, of what an accountant can be, and what a small firm can achieve.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to turn real-time insights into real-world impact, just like Wilbert.
Profile sponsored by the Chartered Institute for Business Accountants
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