New hire Q&A: Phiona’s journey

Q: How did you start your career in accounting?
A: After graduating with a Business Administration in Accounting degree, I immediately enrolled for my CPA while looking for real-world work experience. I struggled to find a job, so I decided to volunteer at an auditing firm to gain practical skills. At the same time, I was juggling my studies and providing for my two young toddlers, it was an extremely difficult period for me.

Q: What challenges did you face in securing a job?
A: There were preconceived norms that women were less capable of filling finance positions than men, particularly at senior levels. My gender, age, and limited experience made it even more difficult. However, within a month of volunteering, a client was impressed with my work and offered me a bookkeeping position, I worked at an agricultural firm and then at a radio station. Though it was an improvement, working for these SMEs was challenging. Over time, my opportunities for further skill development and career growth plateaued.

 Q: How did you transition into the renewable energy sector?
 A: Handling financial structures at the two SMEs gave me hands-on experience, as I established everything from the ground up. However, after a while, opportunities for further skill development and career growth became limited. While searching for positions with greater growth prospects, I realized that women were often overlooked for high-level positions or promotions due to their age or experience. I came across a job posting for an assistant accountant position at Energrow on a job board. The renewable energy industry wasn’t on my radar, but I applied and was shortlisted. The recruiters at Shortlist supported me throughout the interview process, which helped boost my confidence. I later learned that I had secured the role through Shortlist’s ‘Women for Green Jobs’ program.

Q: What contributed to your professional growth at Energrow?
A: Unlike my previous roles, this was a firm with an established financial structure and experienced professionals, allowing me to focus on building my accountancy and financial skills. My manager encouraged me to take a two-month trial for a senior role, which I completed.

Q: How did Energrow support your career advancement?
A: After completing my trial period, I was promoted to Senior Accountant with a 53% salary increase, from $788 to $1,215 per month. The company also supported me in completing my CPA by providing study leave during my exam period. This has been my most valued career experience so far, and I now aspire to grow into a leadership position in the finance industry.

Q: What advice would you give to professionals seeking career growth?
A: "Be confident enough to converse with your boss and other leaders. Have confidence in what you have to say, and back it up with facts and knowledge - never give up!"

Silent signals - Who might hire you soon?

• Pele Energy gains $30m from Nedbank and Norfund to boost SA renewables.

• The African Development Bank (AfDB) is mobilizing $800 million for energy infrastructure projects in Africa.

• EBID, EIB announce $105m partnership to boost climate action in ECOWAS region.

• Emerging Africa & Asia Infrastructure Fund (EAAIF) contributes $45m to CrossBoundary Energy’s renewables expansion.