Ncumisa Nodaka: Transforming the accountancy landscape

In an industry that was once considered a ‘boy’s club’ reserved for the high-powered and privileged few, Ncumisa Nodaka’s rise to success in the accountancy and taxation landscape is a nod to changing tides.

As the managing director of Ncumisa Chartered Accountants – an accounting practice and accredited training facility which was, not very long ago, the only 100% black-owned accounting firm in the Eastern Cape – Nodaka is committed to helping transform the profession.

“The profession needs to prioritise efforts to support young black women. This is possible through enterprise development initiatives sponsored by the corporate finance sector and other businesses,” says Nodaka.

“Some of the biggest opportunities I’ve received in my career were through enterprise development programmes, such as the ESD programme and grant benefit that helped me furnish my office. I also received one through SAGE, allowing us to access cloud-based software platforms so that employees could continue working remotely, uninterrupted, through lockdown,” she says. “I can’t over-emphasise the importance of these supportive measures in bringing true transformation and inclusivity into the industry.”

Alongside the support of the corporate world, Nodaka notes the value of industry bodies, such as the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA,) in breaking down barriers for women of colour by nurturing the growth and development of all who enter the accountancy profession.

“My SAIPA membership supports my efforts in ensuring transformation and true impact in the finance and taxation industry, where the demographics of South Africa are still not adequately represented. In this way, I am able to make my contribution to progress in the profession, which is something that is very close to my heart,” she says.

Having recently been awarded Member of the Year by the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa, Nodaka sets a shining example of what hard work, grit and determination can afford you, but says that entrepreneurship is no walk in the park.

“Something they don’t tell you is that being an entrepreneur is so lonely,” she says, adding that the importance of having a network to lean on cannot be overstated. “Make sure you have entrepreneurs around you. Wherever you go, make sure you talk. As an introvert, I know how difficult this can be, but I continue to work on it and my advice to other young, black, up-and-coming female professionals in this space is to do the same. You never know when you’re going to need each other to lean on.”

Nodaka says that business and accountancy have always been her passion, and that she never imagined herself working in a nine-to-five job for the rest of her life. Having studied and acquired her Bachelor of Accounting Sciences degree at Stellenbosch University, Nodaka worked her way through various accountancy and taxation roles to eventually start her own practice.

“It’s all a mental game. That’s what my mother and father taught and instilled in me. You can achieve whatever you want in this life, no matter where you come from or what your circumstances are, you just have to understand that’s it’s about your mindset.”

She hopes to see and be the change in the profession, and encourages more seasoned professionals to do the same, offering young up-and-coming accountants and tax practitioners the chance to grow and flourish too.

“Lastly, my advice to young accountancy professionals, especially minorities like young black women hoping to make a name for themselves in the field, is to go for it. You can do it! Be intentional about everything you do. Build your network. Remember that it’s okay to have not-so-good days; what’s important is that you get up in the morning and start again with your eyes set firmly on the goal.”