Juggling finance at Old Mutual
Setting a high bar to realise her dreams
Determined to grow within her career and reach her goals, newly appointed Old Mutual finance manager Johanna Salkeus shares her career experiences.
Old Mutual Namibia finance manager Johanna Salkeus previously worked as an audit senior at BDO Namibia, where she completed her audit articles. Salkeus is the current finance manager of Old Investment Group (Namibia) (Pty) Ltd. and the finance manager of Old Mutual Holdings Namibia.
She also oversees the seven trusts controlled by Old Mutual Holdings. She is also the finance manager for the Old Mutual Foundation. Additionally, she is the company’s tax coordinator, who performs the tax group reporting.
While juggling her roles at Old Mutual, Salkeus frequently encounters both challenges and accomplishments.
Her career challenges encompass meeting tight deadlines and establishing a healthy work-life balance.
On the other hand, one of her greatest achievements has involved developing simpler methods to complete monthly deliverables in a less time-consuming manner.
Focused on acquiring new skills, Salkeus aims to obtain an in-depth understanding of investment management and broaden her accounting standards.
Why this career?
Initially, she wanted to become a doctor, but out of curiosity, young Salkeus discovered accounting in high school. “To my surprise, it ignited a fire within. Finance is ever-changing and challenges one to expand their thinking and adapt new ways to tackle old or recurring problems,” she said.
Salkeus greatly enjoys working with numbers, so she stays fulfilled each day. “I also appreciate my colleagues; they make the work environment more pleasurable,” she said.
Throughout her career, Salkeus has learnt valuable lessons that have allowed her to move forward.
Some of these lessons include the belief that attitude equals altitude, that investing in oneself academically, psychologically, and spiritually yields significant results in one’s professional career, that pressure encourages one to grow, and that being open to learning from anyone (not just your team members or department) can lead to unexpected and surprising encounters with brilliant minds.
Her future plans within the company and career are centred on growth. She says that to achieve the company’s goals and objectives, she plans on utilising the many growth opportunities presented to her.
The ability to continuously improve the quality of work produced and meet deadlines consistently is an indication of her growth, and she uses this as a way to measure her success.
Advice
Offering advice to youth who wish to pursue a similar career path, Salkeus emphasises the importance of turning dreams into action; thus, it is important to have a clear plan and work diligently towards it.
“Consider challenges and 'failure' as temporary setbacks and never give up,” she said.
In her free time, the finance manager enjoys playing netball and karate training.
Salkeus’ qualifications
1. Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accountancy), University of Namibia
2. Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences, University of South Africa
3. Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, Milpark Education
4. Qualified Chartered Accountant (Namibia), Institute of Chartered Accountants of Namibia
Salkeus is currently enrolled in an investment management online short course with the University of Cape Town.