Yolanda Putter, Assistant Financial Accountant
Assistant Financial Accountant
Current Experience:
Assistant Financial Accountant at Collinson Full-time Apr 2025 to Present · (5 mos)
Past Experience:
MSD Data Cleanse Lead at Collinson Nov 2024 - March 2025 (5 mos)
Accountant at JGco Charted Accountants · Full-time Apr 2024 - Oct 2024 · (7 mos)
Accountant at Audax Accounting Solutions Inc. · Full-time Oct 2022 - Feb 2024 · (1yr 5 mos)
SAIPA Clerk at Finleys Outsourced Business Services (Pty) Ltd · Full-time Jan 2020 - Sep 2022 · (2 yrs 9 mos)
Jnr Accountant at Enslins Auditors Mar 2019 - Sep 2019 · (7 mos)
Qualifications:
BCom Accounting
Bachelor’s Degree Accounting
Country of Residence:
South Africa
LinkedIn Profile:
“I actually am very funny, just don’t ask my co-workers.”
Yolanda Putter didn’t follow the typical accounting path. She didn’t need to. When your Grade 3 teacher tells your parents you’ve got a head for numbers, the seed is planted early. But her real growth? That came through fire, surviving a toxic work environment, choosing therapy and self-love, and finding a leader who reignited her passion for the profession.
Her superpower? Clarity. Whether it's fixing broken billing data or walking her dogs in the park to clear her mind, Yolanda believes leadership starts with kindness and ends with precision.
This is the kind of CBAP story we need more of, raw, relatable, and real.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
09:00 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 morning by making coffee and breakfast, then getting ready for work.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
In grade 3, my teacher told my parents during a parent evening that I had a head for numbers. That encouragement made me enjoy maths, which later grew into an interest in accounting.
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
I believe the people you work for and the type of manager you have can make a huge difference in your career. I spent a few years in a very toxic workplace but eventually moved to a manager who was truly supportive and inspiring. Her leadership style reignited my passion and motivation for accounting and for my career as a whole.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
My role involves data cleansing to ensure accuracy in procurement, billing, payments, and other financial activities.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
I’m not directly involved in the strategic team, as that’s handled at a more senior level in the company. We have around 33 offices across 7 countries, so the strategy is managed at that scale.
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 was working in a toxic environment, which had little to do with the actual work itself. Overcoming it took a lot of therapy and practicing self-care, which helped me regain my confidence and focus.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
For me, it starts with respect and compassion for my co-workers, the people I manage, and my leaders. When you build that foundation, communication improves, which naturally leads to better planning and idea-sharing. That collaboration strengthens both company operations and employee wellbeing. I truly believe the saying, ‘Your people are your greatest asset,’ is the most accurate statement
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
I tend to stress easily, so I have to be intentional about maintaining balance. Prioritising tasks helps a lot, and I remind myself that not everything can be done in one day.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and our fur babies, whether at the park or on a wine-tasting outing in nature. I also like to unwind by playing video games, which helps me recharge.”
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
No, I don’t currently mentor or support other team members.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
Completing your degree to the best of your ability will take you far on its own. Beyond technical knowledge, developing strong people and leadership skills is also crucial, as these are often lacking in the workplace
“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind. —Mister Rogers”
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your caree
A key piece of advice I’ve found valuable is to always keep learning and growing. Continuously seek new skills and knowledge to stay relevant, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone to embrace new challenges and opportunities for advancement.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
Although my co-workers often describe me as reserved and shy, I actually have a very good sense of humor.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
I would love to have a photographic memory.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I like to take a quick walk outside, being in nature always helps me recharge and stay productive.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
The day I got the job in Cape Town stands out for me. As a child, I always said that securing a job there would be one of my major career milestones. Achieving a goal, you’ve set for yourself, no matter how big or small it seems, is always a special moment.
Want to turn your pain into power like Yolanda?
Join CIBA and we’ll show you how to get the title, tools, and support to thrive, even when the odds are stacked against you.
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