Purpose Fuelled by Passion

Responsible for a budget of R7.8 billion, Sarika Lakraj-Naidoo is a CFO who has always challenged the status quo and she continues to do so as she strives to ensure that state money is used for its intended purpose at Johannesburg’s Public Safety Department

Maverick CFO Thrives in the Music Industry

RiSA’s Nishal Lalla has solid financial experience, along with valuable skills that he’s gained throughout his career that enables him to be involved with all aspects of business at South Africa’s trade association for record companies.

From Farm Girl to Finance Executive

Having spent her career in the motor industry, Catherine Campbell-Ferreira admits that it’s an industry that’s in her blood and which she loves, but she also shares her views here on the role of women in accounting and how they can assist in the post-Covid recovery.

‘Emotional intelligence is key.’

Kulani Caroline Thuketane highlights the importance of soft skills, something that she finds is becoming essential for the modern finance executive, as this dynamic role is no longer defined by technical skills only.

A Passion for Authentic Leadership

Dhiren Maharaj has proven to be an adaptable and flexible finance executive, with extensive experience and a creative application of knowledge, while empowering and inspiring his team at LexisNexis.

‘The role of the CFO has increased substantially in the past couple of years.’

IMEF will be hosting a conference in November this year focusing on the economic reactivation for the post-pandemic era. National President, Angel Garcia-Lascurain Valero, confirms that the chief economist of the World Bank and two Nobel Prize winners will be providing presentations.

Balancing Technical Strength with Emotional Intelligence

Pedro De Matos brings a depth of experience to his position as Group CFO at Ingenia Polymers, and he provides insights into what makes a well-rounded CFO and how the next generation of CFOs can be developed.

‘There's a constant need for innovation when you're in financial services.’

Lynette Mutsekwa joined Europ Assistance earlier this year, and being an Africa specialist, Lynette is a CFO who has acquired substantial experience in South Africa, as well as other Africa markets, experience that she can draw on as Europ Assistance grows their presence into the continent.

‘I feel that SAIBA is a great platform to be on.’

Jace Subramoney of Goldline Industries highlights how the responsibilities of the senior finance executive go beyond the bottom line to incorporate a broader social responsibility, ensuring that staff and suppliers were not detrimentally affected during the recent lockdowns.

CFO Custodian of Zimbabwe’s Iconic Hotels

When the only certainty is the uncertainty of the economy, a CFO requires critical skills and stamina to manage in such a dynamic environment, skills that Believe Dirorimwe has honed over the past 12 years at African Sun Hotels.

‘I used the lockdown to pursue the business rescue licence and that opportunity was brought by SAIBA.’

Matome Modika has established a thriving accounting practice in Tzaneen, along with a college specialising in business studies, which is not surprising for a man who believes in continuous career development.

‘My career has largely been mining and finance and I haven't regretted it for one second.’

Thungela Resources was recently spun out of Anglo American as Anglo exited coal, CFO of Thungela, Deon Smith provides insight to the opportunities that lie ahead despite the longer-term uncertainty around fossil fuels.

A Career Journey to the Heart of Africa

Initially expecting to work in the Congo for a year, Raymond Chinyani fell in love with the culture and lifestyle of Kinshasa, where he has been head of finance at Bensiwe for the past six years.

‘I am not your typical grey accountant.’

Therese Cilliers lives by her own words of being adjustable and adaptable to remain relevant in the ever-changing finance profession, with an ability to multi-task with ease, Therese has gained a wealth of experience and skills in her career.

‘Every CFO or finance professional should do a secondment within sales.’

By her own admission, Sharon Naidoo has a very generalised personality that has led to a diversified career, most notably her experience in sales, which has provided her with valuable empathy for the functions and roles of all staff in an organisation.