CFO Club

12/02/2025

🚨 New Podcast Episode Alert 🚨

How prepared is your business for the unexpected? In this episode of the CFO Club Podcast, we sit down with Chris Weeks from CFO Center UK to discuss effective risk management strategies, from prioritizing risks to embedding a culture of resilience.

Key takeaways:
✅ Plan for consequences, not just causes
✅ Prioritize risks using a simple model
✅ Make risk awareness a company-wide initiative
✅ Test your crisis response before disaster strikes
✅ Use technology wisely—but keep it simple

🎧 Tune in.

03/02/2025

🚀 New CFO Club Podcast Episode🎙️

How do great leaders inspire teams, manage change, and drive success? In this episode, Leana van der Merwe speaks with Paula Amesbury from CFO Center UK about the art of leadership and navigating business transitions.

💡 Key topics:
✅ Leadership styles & team motivation
✅ Navigating mergers & system changes
✅ Addressing underperformance while maintaining morale
✅ The rise of the Fractional CFO model

30/01/2025

🎙️ New CFO Club Podcast Alert

Kick off 2025 with expert insights from Roger Castle, a seasoned CFO from CFO Center with decades of experience in industries like cloud management, online advertising, and telecommunications.

Roger joins host Leana van der Merwe to share actionable strategies on:

✅ Crafting a strategic vision that drives growth
✅ Aligning teams with incentives and KPIs
✅ Balancing short-term wins with long-term goals
✅ Navigating resistance to change in the corporate environment

This episode is packed with practical advice for CFOs and finance professionals ready to take their organisations to the next level. 🚀

20/01/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert

Join us for the latest episode of the CFO Club Podcast as we sit down with David Ray, a global expert in ESG and sustainability. 🌍

🔑 What to Expect:
✔️ The evolving role of CFOs in navigating ESG challenges.
✔️ Insights on global sustainability standards.
✔️ Practical strategies for resilience and agility in a changing world.

📅 Don’t miss this insightful conversation, premiering soon
📌 Follow us to stay updated and be the first to listen.

💬 Are you prepared for the new era of ESG reporting? Share your thoughts below.

07/01/2025

Who We Are and What We Believe 🤝

💼 At CIBA we believe in the power of accountants to drive GDP growth, we empower our members through innovative methods and encourage volunteering as a pathway to community transformation and career success.

Our recent blog https://myciba.org/blogs?p=who-we-are-and-what-we-believe highlights how we ensure that our members deliver professional services with transparency and integrity, meeting the expectations of the communities and organizations they serve.

06/01/2025

🌍 Why GDP is Important: A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats 🌊

For Africa, the stakes are clear: shifting from raw material exports to industrialization can unlock immense potential.

By investing in value addition, job creation, and economic resilience, we can harness GDP growth to lift communities, build infrastructure, and strengthen social services.

The Role of Accountants in Africa’s Economic Transformation
CIBA-designated accountants are at the forefront of this change, acting as:

✅ Strategic advisors for businesses, fostering growth and innovation.
✅ Advocates for industrialisation policies that create sustainable value.
✅ Stewards of transparency and governance, building trust and stability.

Read more about this impact on the accounting industry in our latest blog: https://myciba.org/blogs?p=why-gdp-is-important-a-rising-tide-lifts-all-boats

01/01/2025

As we close the books on 2024, let’s celebrate the year ahead. Cheers to 2025 and to accountants - the assets who keep everything balanced. Happy New Year! 🎉📊

25/12/2024

It's time to swap calculators for candy canes and embrace the joy, love, and hope that Christmas brings. Merry Christmas and a season filled with peace and blessings.

18/12/2024

CIBA's command center will take a tactical pause and cease operations from Friday, 20 December 2024, at 13:00 and will reopen on Monday, 6 January 2026, at 07:30.

The break will allow our staff a chance to rest and refuel ensuring they return to the frontline stronger, and ready to serve you, our members.

Please contact our staff well in advance with your queries.

Self-help options will continue to be accessible through your online membership profile during this period.

Tasks to complete on your membership profile before 20 December 2024:

1️⃣ Under My Compliance: Complete your outstanding Annual Declarations here: https://accounts.myciba.org/annual-declarations/index
2️⃣ Under My Account: Pay your outstanding membership fees on your account statement here: https://accounts.myciba.org/member/current-statement
3️⃣ Under My Compliance: Load your outstanding CPD points, under CPD Entries: https://accounts.myciba.org/member/my-cpd-entries

CIBA’s technology is available 24/7 for your convenience:
1️⃣ The CIBA Chatbot on www.myciba.org
2️⃣ For Membership FAQ: https://myciba.org/info or https://myciba.org/faq
3️⃣ For CIBA Academy: https://cpd.myciba.org/
4️⃣ Access to CIBA’s Practice Support Library: https://myciba.org/share/practice-support/practice-support-library

We look forward to reaching new heights with you in 2025 👋🏽🌟

10/12/2024

🌟 CFO Club Africa Members’ Spotlight: Jerome Reip

😍 In this edition of the CFO Spotlight, we’re introducing Jerome Reip, Global Finance Team Leader at Fracht Group.. With experience across Africa, Europe, and beyond, Jerome’s career exemplifies leadership and innovation.

💡 Fun Fact: Jerome is based in the beautiful island nation of Mauritius, where he seamlessly blends his global responsibilities with a passion for fostering local talent and opportunities.

🚀 Career Highlights: Jerome’s financial journey began as an Audit Manager at PwC Luxembourg before leading transformative initiatives as Group CFO at Afritalia Trading Ltd and Alistair Group. As an Ambassador for HEC Liège, he also dedicates time to mentoring and supporting the next generation of business leaders.

👥 Leadership Insight: “In finance, clarity and precision are crucial, but so is the ability to think creatively. True leaders know when to rely on analytics and when to trust their instincts.”

👉 Discover Jerome’s journey and insights: https://cfoclub.co.za/members-profile-jerome-reip/

Members’ Profile: Jerome Reip In this edition of our CFO Spotlight series, we are featuring Jerome Reip. Currently the Global Finance Team Leader for the Fracht Group Jerome is responsible for steering complex financial operations and delivering innovative solutions across borders. Jerome’s prof...

10/12/2024

🚀 Curiosity: The CFO's Secret Weapon for Growth

In a role often defined by numbers and data, curiosity might seem like an unexpected superpower for a CFO. Yet, asking "why," challenging assumptions, and connecting financial data to real-world behaviors can spark transformative growth.

👉 Why are certain products thriving while others stagnate?

👉 What untapped opportunities lie hidden in the "way things have always been done"?

Curiosity leads to better strategies, innovative solutions, and a culture that embraces change. It’s not just a mindset—it’s a competitive edge.

💡 How are you leveraging curiosity in your leadership approach?

Read more on how inquisitive CFOs are driving business success: https://cfoclub.co.za/the-inquisitive-cfo-leveraging-curiosity-for-company-growth/

Discover how curiosity can transform the CFO role into a driver of company growth. Learn why asking "why," challenging assumptions, and connecting data to human behavior can unlock innovation and strategic insights.

10/12/2024

Ntombi Melamu, member of CFO Club | CIBA, Managing Director and Founder of FinAscend

https://cfoclub.co.za/members-profile-ntombi-melamu/

10/12/2024

⚖️Adaptability: The Hidden Power of Successful CFOs

💼In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, being a flexible leader is one of the most powerful tools a CFO can possess. Whether you're facing a sudden financial crunch or adapting to a new market reality, your ability to shift strategies and embrace new ideas can make all the difference.

🌱 Flexibility isn’t just about being reactive—it’s about proactively creating solutions and fostering a resilient organization. Here’s why it’s essential:

☝ Managing Uncertainty: In an unpredictable world, flexibility keeps you prepared for any scenario.
☝ Building a Resilient Team: Your adaptability inspires innovation and strengthens your team's ability to thrive in change.
☝ Informed Decisions: Listening to new ideas and adjusting plans leads to smarter, more sustainable choices.

Flexibility is a critical skill for CFOs, enabling effective leadership in times of change. Learn how being adaptable, open-minded, and empathetic can help CFOs navigate challenges, make better decisions, and build stronger teams. Discover practical steps to develop flexibility in your leadership st...

10/12/2024

🌟 CFO Club Africa Members’ Spotlight: Christopher Holton ACMA, CGMA

😍 In this edition of the CFO Spotlight, we are introducing Christopher John Holton, Financial Director at Denso South Africa (Pty) Ltd , whose leadership philosophy compares the CFO to the jockey on a racehorse—knowing when to take control and when to let the business lead.

💡 Fun Fact: When he’s not leading financial strategies, Christopher channels his creativity into building Lego’s Technical series—an activity that helps him focus and unwind while fueling his problem-solving mindset.

🚀 Career Highlights: With a career that spans roles from Managing Director at Bridge Marine to CFO at Vopak, Christopher’s strategic vision has been crucial in driving growth across multiple industries, including logistics, manufacturing, and fuel. His ability to balance financial oversight with business agility has set him apart as a transformative leader.

👥 Leadership Insight: “As a CFO, you’re not just managing numbers. You’re the Jockey—you must guide the business but also allow it to take the lead when the time is right. Understanding when to control and when to release is key to success.”

👉 Learn more about Christopher’s journey here: https://cfoclub.co.za/members-profile-christopher-holton/

Members’ Profile: Christopher Holton In this edition of our CFO Spotlight series, we are featuring Christopher Holton, whose career reflects a deep commitment to both personal and professional growth. As the current Financial Director at Denso South Africa, Christopher has held key positions that ...

10/12/2024

💡 What’s the cost of cutting costs?

Every cent saved in business should have a purpose, but how often do we consider the hidden price of those savings? 🚨 Whether it's strained service quality, lost customers, or burned-out teams, reckless cost-cutting can leave a lasting mark.

On the flip side, overinvesting without a clear strategy? That’s a fast track to financial trouble.

🎯 CFOs walking a tightrope daily: balancing financial discipline with delivering value where it matters most.

In our latest blog, we dive into:

✅ The 3 pillars to mastering cost-service balance
✅ Real-life lessons from South African businesses
✅ How technology can be your secret weapon
💬 Ready to rethink your approach?

👉 Read the full article here: https://cfoclub.co.za/balancing-cost-and-service-in-financial-management-a-cfos-perspective/

Let’s redefine what smart financial management looks like in today’s challenging environment.

Discover how CFOs can navigate the delicate balance between cost control and service excellence in financial management. Learn practical strategies, real-world examples, and insights tailored for South African businesses to drive sustainable growth and resilience.

03/12/2024

Rofhiwa Irene Singo ACMA, CGMA, member of CFO Club | CIBA, CFO at Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.

https://cfoclub.co.za/members-profile-rofhiwa-irene-singo/

03/12/2024

🌟 CFO Club Africa Members’ Spotlight: Rofhiwa Irene Singo ACMA, CGMA

😍 Today, we shine the spotlight on Rofhiwa Irene Singo, a dedicated leader in public finance and the CFO of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. Her career exemplifies the impact of strategic financial leadership in the public sector.

💡 Fun Fact: Rofhiwa is passionate about mentorship and believes that investing in the growth of others is key to building stronger organizations and a better future.

🚀 Career Highlights: With her extensive experience in financial management, Rofhiwa has introduced innovative solutions to complex public sector challenges, ensuring resources are directed toward impactful service delivery.

👥 Leadership Insight: “Finance isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the lives we touch through our work. Every decision we make has the power to uplift communities and inspire change.”

👉 Learn more about Rofhiwa’s journey here: https://cfoclub.co.za/members-profile-rofhiwa-irene-singo/

Discover the inspiring journey of Rofhiwa Irene Singo, CFO of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. From her roots in finance to her leadership in public sector governance, Rofhiwa shares career highlights, challenges, and advice for aspiring CFOs in this latest edition of the CF...

03/12/2024

🎙️🌍 The Future of Finance and Sustainability with Elizabeth Burns

How are CFOs redefining their roles to tackle the dual challenge of financial growth and sustainability? In our latest podcast episode, Elizabeth Burns, CFO of Gas du Cameroon, shares her journey of
aligning strategic financial management with bold ESG goals.

🔑 Highlights from the conversation:
✅ Achieving remarkable environmental milestones, including significant reductions in carbon emissions and pollutants.
✅ Balancing the high capital costs of energy transition with financial discipline.
✅ Avoiding greenwashing by embedding sustainability into the core of the business.
✅ The evolving role of CFOs in driving energy transition and stakeholder trust.
Elizabeth's insights demonstrate how finance leaders are shaping Africa’s energy sector while making a meaningful impact on communities.

🎧 Listen to the podcast here: https://cfoclub.co.za/the-future-of-finance-and-sustainability-with-elizabeth-burns/

Let us know your thoughts in the comments—what do you think is the CFO's biggest challenge in driving sustainable growth? ⬇️

Explore the evolving role of CFOs in sustainability and financial leadership in The Future of Finance and Sustainability with Elizabeth Burns. Discover how the CFO of Gas du Cameroon is aligning strategic financial management with ESG priorities, driving energy transition, and fostering sustainable....