EXCLUSIVE: Influential Ncumisa Nodaka addresses the shortage of black female accountants in SA

Ncumisa Nodaka is a perfect example of a woman who has defied the odds as she owns her accounting firm in the province of the Eastern Cape. 

Nodaka exclusively spoke to BusinessTech Africa and explains what really inspired her to follow a career route, mostly thought to be reserved for a selected few. 

Having matriculated at Nico Malan High School, being born and bred in Humasdorp, just outside of Gqeberha, Nodaka holds an accounting sciences degree from the University of Stellenbosch.  

She is bold enough to say she gets the meaning and purpose in life by lending a helping hand to others by imparting her skills. 

“I am a family-oriented individual, an introvert, and prefer to keep my social circles very small. I was born and bred in Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape, matriculated from Nico Malan High School, and graduated with a degree in Accounting Sciences at Stellenbosch University in 2010,” she said. 

Speaking about her influence and many would think following a career in accounting needed external influence, but Nodaka says hers came intrinsically. 

“As a young girl I loved Maths and my dad would take time to teach and explain some concepts to me in a way I would understand,” she added. 

“When I had accounting as a subject for the first time in Standard 7 (Grade 9), it all made immediate sense to me and I enjoyed the subject ever since hence it was my first choice to study.  

“I think though over time and through life experiences based on what I thought or understood what it took to be an Accountant back in Grade 9 it is very different today.” 

As she currently occupies the challenging role of a managing director of Ncumisa Chartered Accountants and Auditors, she reveals their future plans as they look to help businesses within the country and beyond. 

She is proud of her team as they are the only 100% black-owned accounting firm within the Eastern Cape offering SAIPA and SAIT Articles. 

The Xhosa-speaking businesswoman explained that they have set their sights on becoming a preferred business partner for all accounting, tax, and business compliance including governance matters. 

Furthermore, they boast of a massive accomplishment after coming second in the Services Sector of the Eskom Foundation Business Investments Competition and winning staggering prize money. 

“I am the managing director of Ncumisa Chartered Accountants, we provide solutions to financial reporting and compliance challenges faced by companies, both new (startups) and existing,” continued the ambitious woman. 

“The company contributes to the transformation in the accounting and taxation industry by producing the finest in black professionals through its graduate 3-year articles programme in Accounting and Tax. 

“The company hopes to have a separate division which would be a School of Entrepreneurship an academy that will focus on providing accredited training relating to business management to individuals. We would like to franchise the business nationally and across SADC.” 

When looking at the current numbers of unemployment and shortage of black accountants especially women, Nodaka hopes there will be changes in the society in moulding the perceptions of a young child. 

“No, I don’t think there are. I think exposure, society, and representation play a big role in moulding the perceptions and thoughts of a growing child,” she stated. 

“The intentional development of young girls within schools is critical and this can be done through having competent Accounting teachers to lay the foundations of the subject, guidance counsellors to assist with navigation of the impact of personal decisions on your career, and the parents or guardians – family relations influence your values, self-esteem, cultural identity, etc.  

“It may sound like a cliché, Black Child, but it is possible and you can do it, be consistent and do not be afraid to ask for help, surround yourself with mentors – people who inspire you. Be a doer it does not matter how many times you fail because with each event there are lessons learnt and more information gained which may be used to alter your approach/strategy.” 

Among her achievements in the sector, Nodaka was also nominated as one of Santam Business Women of the Future while also featuring in the Amazing Matie Women of Stellenbosch University Woman Alumnae Network. 

“I continue to mentor businesses through The Hope Factory, The National Mentorship Challenge, and The National Mentorship Movement,” she concluded. 

“Looking at challenges in my journey as an accountant first generation entrepreneur and in a male-dominated industry as a black female, I still get picked last.  

“How I overcome this, I try to be the best that I can be, work hard to prove them wrong, and surround myself with individuals who would have picked me first, to begin with.” 

Main Image: Ncumisa Nodaka/Supplied