Yonela Gxabu, Financial Accountant
Financial Accountant
Current Experience:Financial Accountant at African Rainbow Minerals Limited · Full-time Jan 2024 - Present · (1 yr 6 mos)
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:CA(SA) Trainee at Deloitte South Africa Feb 2021 - Dec 2023 · (2 yrs 11 mos)
Qualifications:Bachelor of Accounting Science
Postgrad Diploma in Accounting Science
Country of Residence:South Africa
LinkedIn Profile: From board exam success to boardroom strategy, meet Yonela Gxabu, a dynamic Financial Reporting Accountant making waves in the mining sector. With only 1–2 years post-articles experience, Yonela is already redefining what early-career excellence looks like. His story is a blueprint for young professionals aiming to lead with precision, vision, and values.
What time do you usually wake up on weekends?
8:00 AM
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Night Owl
How do you spend the first hour of your day?
On a typical workday, I start by catching up on emails and making sure I’ve addressed anything that needs my attention. Then, I review the previous day’s to-do list to check for any unfinished tasks. Finally, I plan my day based on the priorities at hand.
What sparked your interest in accounting or finance?
My main interest was to understand how to run a profitable business, with the goal of one day managing my own. I was also drawn to the financial freedom that comes with becoming a CA(SA).
Can you share some key career milestones or defining moments?
At this stage, one of my key career milestones is becoming one of the youngest Chartered Accountants to be employed by a major listed mining company straight after completing my articles. I’d also consider passing both of my SAICA board exams on the first attempt as a significant achievement.
What is your role within your company’s finance department?
I’m responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, taxation, and compliance, as well as engaging with community stakeholders.
How do you contribute to the overall financial strategy of the business?
As part of the management team, I help identify and implement new financial reporting frameworks and compliance requirements. I also evaluate existing financial reporting tools to ensure they align with the relevant standards and frameworks.
What is one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge was navigating the complexity of the role, specifically, understanding which issues required escalation to executive level and which I should handle independently. Initially, I often resolved matters without involving my superiors, but over time, I learned to better judge what needed their attention.
I overcame this by consistently engaging in team discussions about significant issues and aligning on expectations around problem-solving and escalation.
What tools or strategies do you use to manage the financial operations of the company effectively?
I currently use the Sage reporting tool and will soon be transitioning to Oracle. These tools support an efficient and automated budgeting process, as well as the preparation of financial reporting packs and management accounts. This automation allows me to focus more on analysis and adding value to financial decisions, while also improving overall efficiency.
Share your strategies for staying balanced, especially during busy periods.
During busy periods, having a clear plan and sticking to it is essential. Avoid pushing tasks to the next day, as it can create unnecessary backlog and pressure. It’s also important to schedule some downtime, stepping away from work helps you reset and stay productive. Ultimately, it all comes down to planning your schedule well and following it consistently.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy playing soccer, going bowling, and playing FIFA video games.
Do you mentor or support other team members in the finance department?
I mentor and support finance interns and team members by helping them execute their roles effectively and grow in their careers as finance professionals.
I also assist with their academic development, including mentoring those pursuing undergraduate and honours degrees in finance. In addition, I guide candidates preparing for the SAICA board exams, many of whom go on to pass successfully.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to work in a finance department?
I would encourage them to be reliable and dependable team members. Developing strong data analytics skills and becoming proficient in Microsoft Excel is essential. They should also familiarize themselves with data visualization tools like Power BI. Additionally, gaining experience with financial reporting and recording systems such as Sage, SAP, and Oracle will be very valuable.
What’s your favourite quote or mantra that motivates you?
Be the change you want to see.
Share a leadership lesson or a piece of advice that’s been valuable to you in your career.
Be the leader you would like to have.
What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your professional bio?
I have a strong interest in staying updated on legislative changes and developments in South Africa.
If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?
Forecasting accurate commodity prices over an extended period.
What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?
I keep my focus on the end goal, the purpose of the day and the results to be achieved.
If you could relive one day from your career, which day would it be and why?
Receiving my SAICA final board exam results in 2023 was a special moment, as it confirmed I would become a Chartered Accountant.
Whether he’s mentoring future CAs(SA), rolling out automated financial systems, or staying sharp with a game of FIFA, Yonela Gxabu is proof that career growth and impact aren’t reserved for the seasoned. They’re built by consistency, purpose, and a clear end goal. Watch this space.
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