The CFO Mindset: Why Accounting Grads Make Exceptional Entrepreneurs and Executives

2 Min Read | 440 Words

No current affairs this week — just keeping you on your toes. On a more serious note, this is a topic we feel strongly about and wanted to get you thinking.

BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST. Please follow the steps below and mark our emails as important, it really helps us out:

1. Select the three dots(on the right).

2. Select “Mark as important”.

Okay, now that we’ve sorted that let’s get into the good stuff.

Entrepreneurship is having a moment — especially among Gen Z. A recent survey shared by shows that 60% of young people want to start their own business, something I think is partly driven by social media trends. But what makes a great entrepreneur or executive? Is it bold vision? Strategic thinking? Financial discipline? As it turns out, accounting graduates are uniquely equipped with all three.

Fun Fact
Starbucks uses round tables ☕️🪑 specifically so customers won’t feel alone. The lack of edges makes it seem less like people are missing 👥.

Built-in Business Fluency

Accounting students don’t just learn how to crunch numbers — they learn how businesses work. From understanding cash flow to decoding tax laws, they develop a 360° view of the business machine. Whether it's pricing a product, securing funding, or scaling operations, accounting grads can translate ideas into financially viable realities.

Knowing how to read a balance sheet is like understanding the language of business. Entrepreneurs who speak that language make better decisions — and fewer expensive mistakes.

Risk? Calculated.

Entrepreneurship involves uncertainty, but accounting equips you to assess risk rationally. Instead of going with gut feel, accounting grads can forecast returns, model different scenarios, and weigh opportunity costs with precision. That makes them less likely to overextend — and more likely to build sustainable, profitable ventures.

Leadership with Integrity

Executives are essential when it comes to setting the tone for company culture. And when your foundation is built on ethics, transparency, and accountability (hello, SAICA Code of Professional Conduct), you’re more likely to lead with integrity. It’s no surprise many CFOs and finance heads go on to become CEOs — they’ve already mastered the art of balancing performance with compliance.

From the Lecture Hall to the Boardroom

The CA(SA) journey — with its blend of academic rigour, articles experience, and board exams — fosters resilience, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. These aren’t just traits of a good accountant; they’re the hallmarks of a high-impact leader. Whether you're launching a fintech startup or running a corporate division, the skills you build along the CA path are a launchpad for leadership.

Roundup

The entrepreneurial dream isn’t just for mavericks with big ideas — it’s for those who can make those ideas work sustainably. Accounting graduates bring discipline to vision, structure to chaos, and strategy to ambition. So, the next time someone says accountants just "count the beans," remind them: we know how to grow the business that plants them.

Video Suggestion

For those of you that have a business idea, no matter how crazy. We believe in you. JUST START.

Our Recommended Investment Platforms

VALR - Crypto

As crypto continues to gain mainstream industry adoption, it has never been a better time to start investing in the revolutionary technology behind crypto. So, If you're into crypto or interested in getting started, you need a platform that offers simplicity, low fees, top security, and awesome rewards—and that’s exactly what VALR delivers.

Sign up today through our referral link to kickstart your journey.

Why trade on VALR?
✅ Super-low trading fees
✅ Instant deposits & withdrawals
✅ A massive selection of crypto assets
✅ Staking & passive income opportunities

EasyEquities - Stocks, ETFs and More

We believe that starting early and consistency is key to building wealth. If you’re looking to take control of your finances, now is the perfect time to invest any disposable income you have. By making small, consistent investments, you can unlock long-term financial growth.

With EasyEquities, investing in stocks, ETFs, and more has never been simpler or more accessible. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, you can start building your portfolio with as little as R50.

Sign up through the link below and receive R50 free to kickstart your investment journey. It’s an easy, affordable way to make your money work for you.

Start today—your future self will thank you! 🚀

Sign Up for Trainee Contract Opportunities

For those of you working toward your CA(SA) qualification, we’ve got great news! As a subscriber to The Journal Entry, we’re doing our best to find article program opportunities for you.

Don’t miss the chance to grow your professional network and take that crucial step toward your CA(SA) designation.

Be sure to fill out the sign-up form linked below to stay informed about upcoming trainee positions!

High Finance Courses

We've rounded up the most valuable high-finance courses from Wall Street Oasis to help give you a competitive edge.

As a valued member of The Journal Entry community, you get 20% off—just use the link below.

Take a look and level up your finance game!

Make Your Mark On “The Journal Entry”

Fill out the form below with any content topics you’d like to see us cover.

Share The Journal Entry

If you enjoy our content we’d love it if you showed your friends and peers!