William Kannapathi, Director
Director
Current Experience:
Director at KA Consult May 2021 - Present · (4 yrs 3 mos)
Past Experiences:
Tax Manager at GJM Ultra Holdings Sep 2019 - Apr 2021 · (1 yr 8 mos)
Accountant/Tax Consultant at SB Consulting May 2019 - Aug 2019 · (4 mos)
Audit Clerk at C And S Chartered Accountants Apr 2017 - Mar 2019 · (2 yrs)
Accountant/Tax Consultant at SB Consulting May 2015 - Mar 2017 · (1 yr 11 mos)
Qualifications:
BCompt Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
What does it take to help build a business from a backroom idea to a fully operational company serving clients across borders?
Ask William Kannapathi, a CBAP(SA) who didn’t wait for permission to lead. With over a decade in the game, he’s not just helping SMEs stay compliant, he’s helping them flourish.
From burning the midnight oil to self-fund his BCom degree, to sitting on multiple NPO boards while running a tech-forward firm, William is proof that faith, grit, and good systems can take you anywhere. And he's not gatekeeping the lessons.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
6:30 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 with a shower, followed by some reading and prayer, then I have breakfast.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My interest in accounting started back in high school. Over time, I found real satisfaction in supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs, it’s rewarding to help them grow and succeed.
Can you share some career highlights and defining moments as an accountant for SMEs?
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been walking alongside an entrepreneur from the early stages of a business idea, offering guidance and support, and seeing that idea grow into a thriving, self-sufficient business.
How do you build strong relationships with your clients?
By staying in regular contact and focusing on providing genuine value in every interaction.
What are some future goals for your firm?
We’re aiming to build a self-sufficient, multi-partner firm that operates fully online and serves clients internationally.
What’s next on your professional journey?
Next on my path is pursuing further studies to specialise in taxation, with a focus on expat and international tax.
Share your strategies for maintaining balance between personal and professional life.
I maintain balance by mentally separating work and personal life, keeping them in their own spaces helps me stay focused. I also rely on various online tools and apps to organise, schedule, and prioritise tasks across both areas.
What do you enjoy when you’re off the clock?
I enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s hiking, fishing, going on day drives, having a braai, or just being outside in nature.
How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?
I contribute by organising informal meetups and gatherings with peers, where we share ideas and discuss all things related to accounting, tax, and practice management.
Are you involved in mentorship or local business initiatives?
Yes, I’m actively involved in several community initiatives. I serve as a board member at our local church, where I also help lead the youth and children’s ministry. I’m also on the board of another church, supporting them with financial matters, and I serve on the board of a local NPO focused on social development and drug abuse rehabilitation.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to start their own accounting practice?
My advice would be not to fear the unknown. Hard work, combined with working smart, will pay off. Focus on meeting the real needs of your target clients, rather than assuming what they want.
“Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Share your favorite leadership lesson as a firm owner.
My favorite leadership lesson is to always lead by example and inspire others, rather than just giving orders like a boss.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Something you might not know from my business bio is that I play guitar and sing at our local church.
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 work, it would be the ability to be in two places at once.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during tax season or busy periods? Any tips for keeping energy levels up?
My go-to strategy is to take regular breaks. It might feel like it slows you down, but it actually boosts focus and helps you work more efficiently.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
If I could relive one day from my career, it would be the day I graduated with my BCom degree. Coming from humble beginnings, I worked full-time while studying part-time and funding my own education. It was a tough journey but crossing that finish line was incredibly rewarding.
William isn’t just running a practice, he’s raising the next generation, mentoring peers, and showing us that “servant leadership” isn’t just a phrase.
This is what a modern CBAP(SA) looks like.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to lead with purpose and still have time for a braai.
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