Nurturing the soft skills in a hard technical career
Irene Chikobvu is a senior management accountant at Sasol
Tell me about the work you do.
I am a chartered accountant, so I work with numbers. I used to be in audit with one of the big four firms. I spent a lot of time working with logistics and tech companies, assessing valuations and the efficiency of their internal control procedures and so on.
I have subsequently moved into the chemicals and mining industry and to the type ofwork I do now. I prepare assessments over actual results versus budgeted results.
I also focus on implementing new accounting legislation.
What drew you to chartered accounting?
The expectation from family was actuarial science because I was good at maths, but I was not interested, so accounting seemed like the next best thing. I also love the business aspect of accounting.
We know the technical skills needed to be an accountant, but how important are the softer, people-type skills?
I always say employers see your soft skills before they see your technical skills. It’s easier to teach someone how to do a job than it is to teach them how to communicate, be respectful, handle conflict and build working relationships. Soft skills are extremely important because these normally set you and the company apart from others.
How has lockdown affected your work?
I have had the privilege of working from home. In the beginning it was tough because I started a new job during lockdown, but with the right support everything eventually began to flow. I thoroughly enjoy working from home; I think it offers a better work-life balance. I do miss engaging with people and getting to know them on a more personal level — it’s a bit difficult to do that via e-mails and team meetings.
What are your biggest takeaways from lockdown?
My biggest takeaway is the fact that “no man is an island” — we are not as self-sufficient as we sometimes believe ourselves to be. Everyone relies on others. And because of that, a support structure is important for your personal life and your working life — the people you can rely on to hop onto their laptops and share your screen with, and those you can call when you’re feeling a bit under the weather.
I have also learnt the importance of discipline — working from home means you are responsible for how you spend your time. You are no longer restricted to being in the office from 8am to 5pm. You really need to prioritise and separate your work and your personal interests and commitments so that you can meet deadlines without neglecting other things that may be important to you.
What makes you good at your work?
My ability to engage and interact with people. Two important characteristics for me at work are to be happy and to be kind, no matter how I’m feeling. Most of the work I do requires information from other people — the sooner they give it to me, the easier it is to meet my deadlines. It also requires good communication skills; if they are running late, I can’t be angry and condescending. People are more willing to help you or go above and beyond their usual routine if you treat them well.
What did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be Beyoncé. It’s so clichéd, but her confidence, work ethic and self-belief are characteristics I found admirable.
What important career advice have you gathered during your career?
In everything you say, always sound confident. My high school principal once told me to be like a sponge during the daywhen I am with people. Take in their opinions for “consideration”, but when I’m alone I should sift through and decide what might be constructive criticism and positivity, then drain out the rest. I think this is more general life advice. People always have something to say about you and what you are doing, but you can decide what is relevant and true to you.