Yashoda Kisten, Audit Manager
Audit Manager
Current Experience:
Audit Manager at HLB CMA South Africa Inc. · Full-time May 2022 - Present · (3 yrs 10 mos)
Past Experience:
Technical Manager / Audit Manager at RWFC Financial Consultants Inc. · Full-time Jan 2019 - Apr 2022 · (3 yrs 4 mos)
Senior Audit Manager at IAPA Johannesburg Chartered Accountants (SA) Full-time Mar 2010 - Dec 2018 · (8 yrs 10 mos)
Article clerk at IAPA Johannesburg internship Mar 2008 - Feb 2010 (2 Yrs)
Education:
BCompt Accounting and Business Management
BCompt Honours Accounting
Advanced Certificate Risk Management
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
At 6:30am, while most of the profession is still asleep, Yashoda Kisten is already in motion, packing lunches, planning her day, and preparing to lead.
Audit Manager. Mentor. Mother. Night owl who gets it done anyway.
With over 10 years in finance and auditing, Yashoda didn’t “fall” into accounting. She built her career on a natural love of numbers and then backed it up with grit, leadership, and tough-love mentoring that shapes the next generation of professionals.
And if you’ve ever had to review complex journals, calm resistant clients, manage trainees, and still make it home in time for family — you’ll understand exactly what it took.
This is not just another profile. This is what modern leadership in practice actually looks like.
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?
I usually spend the first hour of my morning preparing for the day ahead. This includes making breakfast and packing lunches for the kids, doing some cooking, and getting ready for work.
What sparked your interest in accounting and finance?
I’ve always had a natural affinity for numbers, whether through mathematics, accounting, or technical drawing. This interest led me naturally toward a career in auditing and finance.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
Being promoted to Manager shortly after completing my articles was a significant milestone that helped build my confidence and leadership abilities. Mentoring and supporting trainees has also been very rewarding for me, especially through an approach that balances honesty with encouragement. Helping others grow and succeed has given me a strong sense of purpose and fulfilment in my role as a manager and leader.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I review management accounts and assist with complex accounting journals, tax computations, and provide guidance on general finance-related enquiries within the business.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
We focus on customer satisfaction by maintaining open communication and responding to queries in a timely manner. I make sure client needs are properly understood and addressed, staying informed on relevant technical topics so I can provide reliable guidance. This approach helps support the delivery of high-quality, billable services and encourages referrals through positive word-of-mouth.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Resistance to change has been one of the biggest challenges in my role. I’ve found that the best way to address this is through open and honest communication. It is important to clearly highlight problems and remain flexible in adapting solutions to ensure issues are resolved efficiently.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I focus on strong time management and keeping administrative tasks well organised. Effective delegation, supported by clear budgets and defined timelines, also helps ensure smooth operations. In addition, I hold regular check-ins and conduct needs assessments to make sure team members’ concerns are heard and addressed promptly.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods
Staying balanced during busy periods comes down to effective time management. While workloads can sometimes feel overwhelming, proper planning helps reduce stress and anxiety. I also make a point of scheduling short breaks, which helps prevent burnout and limits feelings of overwhelm or procrastination.
What do you enjoy outside of work? Any hobbies or activities that help you recharge?
Spending quality time with my family is what truly helps me recharge. I also value getting enough restful sleep, as it makes a significant difference to my overall energy and focus.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department? How do you help develop the skills of others?
Yes, mentoring and development are structured parts of our department. In-house training is mandatory, and the firm has a well-established training function with scheduled sessions. Relevant topics are discussed openly, encouraging participation and shared learning.
Managers demonstrate practical application during larger audit projects, and this is followed by performance feedback. We also focus on connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios so team members can better understand how to apply what they’ve learned.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
A strong understanding of accounting standards is an excellent foundation for anyone entering a finance department. When that knowledge is paired with practical thinking and a solid work ethic, it creates a strong platform for long-term success.
“Get it done sooner rather than later.”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
One valuable lesson I’ve learned is that you should always be developing someone to step into your role, while at the same time continuing to grow and upskill yourself so you’re ready for the next opportunity.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio? A hobby, interest, or fun fact?
I was raised to be well rounded, and growing up I tried my hand at almost every sport, even if I wasn’t particularly good at them. I’ve always enjoyed helping others and making time to have fun. I’m generally open to trying new experiences at least once, as I believe it keeps life interesting and fulfilling.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? Predicting financial trends? Master multitasking?
Having a photographic memory would be incredibly helpful, especially with a busy schedule and the amount of information I need to retain and apply daily.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I tend to use the pressure of a full workload to stay focused and push tasks to completion. I actually prefer being busy during the day, as it allows me to fully switch off and relax in the evenings.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why? What made that day special?
Signing off my SAICA articles stands out as a particularly special day. It marked the end of an intense and demanding three-year journey, and the sense of relief and accomplishment after all that hard work was incredibly rewarding.
Yashoda’s story is familiar to many of us.
Pressure. Deadlines. Client expectations. Staff development. Family responsibilities. And yet, she thrives in it.
Her mantra?
“Get it done sooner rather than later.”
She believes in training her replacement. In linking theory to practical execution. In open communication over silent frustration. In planning properly so burnout doesn’t win. That’s the mindset of a real Business Accountant in Practice.
Not just compliance-driven, but confidence-driven.
Not just managing numbers but building people.
If you see yourself in this story, you’re not alone.
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to strengthen your leadership, protect your practice, and position yourself as the expert your clients already believe you are.
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