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CFO CJ Kujenga is a finance chief for every season

BCX’s finance chief, Cheryl-Jane (CJ) Kujenga, favours a “bottom-up” approach, and is a firm believer in understanding the details first. But her true leadership style lies in her unique take on work-life balance.

Exclusive insights from the CFO Day survey

The annual CFO Survey has become tradition at CFO Day, and 2024 was no different. South Africa’s top finance leaders revealed how they use storytelling in their roles.

CFO Praneel Nundkumar’s modern take on finance leadership

From his early days in the retail industry to his current leadership role, Praneel Nundkumar, group CFO for Mr Price, has had the rare opportunity to tap into his full set of capabilities. Appointed at the age of 39, he is also the group’s youngest exco member.

Making the leap from CFO to CEO (part 2)

Becoming a CEO also entails much more involvement in the overall strategy direction of the organisation, say CFOs-turned-CEOs Ramasela Ganda from Avis Southern Africa and Zeda Limited, Jaco Maritz from Syspro, and Yuresh Maharaj from Liberty, to find out more about the traits required for a successful transition from CFO to CEO.

Making the leap from CFO to CEO (part 1)

CFO South Africa spoke to CFOs-turned-CEOs Ramasela Ganda from Avis Southern Africa and Zeda Limited, Jaco Maritz from Syspro, and Yuresh Maharaj from Liberty, to find out more about the traits required for a successful transition from CFO to CEO.

Mental health and EQ is crucial for male execs

As Men’s Health Month comes to a close, it’s important to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by male executives, particularly CFOs. While often seen as pillars of strength, these individuals may struggle with mental health issues due to the high-pressure nature of their roles.

CFO Fawzia Suliman builds self belief through endurance training

JSE CFO Fawzia Suliman’s key to work-life balance is “deciding which cylinders should burn brightest” at a given time. This approach gives her both the discipline and mental fortitude to lead her team in the fast-paced world of stockbroking – and fulfil her passion for endurance sports.

Photo Gallery: 13 November 2024, CFO Awards, The Polo Room, Johannesburg

The 'Oscars of Finance' were yet again a resounding success. Hosted by South African comedian Nik Rabinowitz, top finance executives from around the country celebrated financial excellence with their peers. Here's a look at some of the incredible moments from last night's extravaganza!

Marsh McLennan Africa backs 2024 CFO of the Year Award

Marsh McLennan Africa, a leading insurance broker and risk advisor that prides itself on protecting their clients with data-driven solutions, will be sponsoring the CFO of the Year award at the 2024 CFO Awards.

Darryn Solomon to head up Dubai office for Investec

Investec senior executive officer, Darryn Solomon has been in the banking industry for over three decades. CFO South Africa spoke to Darryn about a new chapter in his Investec career which involves relocating to the UAE and setting up a new branch in Dubai.

FASSET helps advance financial professional development

The Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) has as its vision to facilitate the achievement of world-class finance and accounting services skills. CFO SA asked its CFO, Zakariya Alli, about trends in the sector.

Finance Indaba 2024: a young professional’s eye-opener

Sitholile Sithole is a member of the outreach collaboration between CFO South Africa and the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation. This year, he attended his first Finance Indaba and reflects on his experience, which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Ethics or morals: Answering the age-old question

You are the driver of a runaway tram that is headed down a narrow road where a dozen school children are playing. The only diversion is to the right, where an elderly woman is selling vegetables. Would you let the tram continue on its path or divert it?

CFO Angel Mhlambi-Nqikashe focuses on workplace culture transformation

After performing audits on a number of public entities, Angel Mhlambi-Nqikashe was eager to experience life on the other side - and understand why the institutions she was auditing were not implementing auditor recommendations. This was the first step towards her growth into the role of CFO at Mayibuye Transport Corporations.

How AI empowers businesses to do more

Looking into how businesses can integrate AI tools as part of their daily duties, business leaders at the 2024 Finance Indaba, held at Sandton Convention Centre on 10 October 2024, shared how to make the most of these technologies. 

Dumisani Mlangeni shares his Zeda journey

Since joining Zeda, Dumisani Mlangeni has made great strides in the finance industry. He shares his journey from the classroom to working alongside the CFO.

Promoting diversity for stronger teams

Diversity in the workplace fosters creativity and critical thinking, according to financial leaders who spoke at the 'Innovation through diversity: welcoming different viewpoints' session at the 2024 Finance Indaba.

Eliminating silos and legacy systems

OneStream Software left a lasting impression at the 2024 Finance Indaba with compelling case studies presented by Lorraine Venter, sales director MEA, Michael Tyc director solution consulting EMEA, and Jean-Pierre (JP) Strydom, senior solutions consultant.

CFOs look beyond traditional risks

Risk is an issue that many companies operating across the world need to manage. In particular, when running a business in Africa, unique challenges need to be carefully managed, attendees at the 2024 Finance Indaba heard.

Charting an AI strategy for the African continent

According to Dr Mark Nasila, data is quickly becoming a primary resource. He took the stage at the 2024 Finance Indaba on 10 October, where he made an impassioned plea for AI strategies that cater to Africa’s unique situation.

People and purchasing power

When it comes to planning to purchase a company, it is important to understand the people and culture involved in that acquisition process, shared speakers at the 2024 Finance Indaba.

Being a startup CFO means having to do it all, even buying the milk

As delegates at the 2024 Finance Indaba heard, being a CFO at a startup means having to deal with every single aspect of the financial role, from tax returns and accounting, through to providing strategic direction. Sometimes, it also means going out and buying the milk.

Financial architects who shape South Africa’s iconic brands

Leading financial experts Zaf Mahomed, Oceana Group CFO, Bothwell Mazarura, Kumba Iron Ore CFO, and Nelisiwe Shiluvana, Famous Brands group FD, convened at the 2024 Finance Indaba to discuss the pivotal role of finance in shaping South Africa’s iconic brands.

Finance chiefs take their place on the global stage

Delegates at the 2024 Finance Indaba heard how Zeda, best known for Avis rentals, successfully unbundled from Barloworld, as well as how Bridgestone South Africa went from making a loss to being a key part of the global company.

Embracing the future of finance with confidence

Earlier this year, the Re-defining finance for a sustainable world white paper, the latest iteration of AICPA & CIMA’s Future of Finance global research programme, was released, . The white paper highlights that the accounting and finance profession is unequivocally changing, moving away from traditional rules-based approaches and towards a more inclusive, expansive and value-creation mindset, writes Tariro Mutizwa, ACMA, CGMA, vice president – Africa at AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

FD Simbarashe Madzana found his passion in feeding the hungry

Simbarashe Madzana has found his niche at Meals on Wheels Community Services, where he is finance director of the Western Cape region. A humanitarian at heart, here he shepherds money to greener pastures – the intended beneficiaries – and is accountable to various stakeholders.

CFOs and their roles in the audit committee

The financial integrity of a company often lies in the hands of an independent board of directors known as the audit committee. As chief financial officers, it is important to know your role when it comes to dealing with this committee, writes Vodacom CFO Raisibe Morathi.

Press release: The future of finance is AI-powered

Financial departments face significant challenges during month-end, year-end, consolidations, budgeting and forecasting, often resulting in extended hours and frustration for CFOs and their teams.

 

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