Possessing extraordinary managerial skills

Wetumwene Shikage

Uises pursued a career at Pupkewitz Megabuild for career growth and has been employed at the company for four months now.

The financial manager proves to have been in managerial positions for a while as she reflects on her first working experience. After SGA, she started working at ABInbev Namibia as the planning and performance manager in June 2017. After about a year, she moved into internal controls as the internal controls manager for both Namibia and Botswana. Eight months before moving to Pupkewitz Megabuild, she was presented the opportunity to serve as the financial manager at ABInbev.

Uises was born and grew up in the capital city of Namibia, Windhoek. She matriculated at Windhoek High School. “I totally loved it and would want all my children to experience all the WHS traditions that I experienced. After high school, I started my audit articles at SGA Auditors while furthering my education through the University of South Africa,” she said.

Daily duties

Amongst other things, Uises’ daily tasks include: ensuring that the company’s general ledger is reconciled timeously and accurately and advise on potential risks; ensuring that annual audits are executed as planned; preparing monthly cashflow forecasts and monitor against actuals; review creditors reconciliations and ensure that payments are done accurately and on time and ensure good customer and internal relations.

“I start my day off with a cup of tea and start reading my emails. I then compile my to-do list from high priority tasks to less urgent tasks. My daily workload would include reviewing and approving supplier payments, managing the general ledger finance team to ensure that the financial records are up to date and accurate,” she said.

Uises says a new industry and a fast-paced working environment can become overwhelming, but she enjoys it a lot.

“My biggest accomplishment is passing CTA and my Board one exam on my road to becoming a chartered accountant. My challenge thus far has been the road to becoming a chartered accountant.”

Uises states that she is still new in the role with a few challenging aspects, but management is very supportive towards her.

She further defines success as providing accurate financial information to senior management.

Advising those who wish to venture in different career paths, Uises says one should be grateful for career opportunities by working hard and remaining humble. “Remember that there is a thin line between enjoying your youth and destroying your future.”