This Founder Friday, we spotlight KC Rottok Chesaina, a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) whose innovative approach to finance, sustainability, and leadership is transforming how organizations in South Africa and beyond navigate complex financial landscapes. Recognized as one of SAICA’s Top 35 under 35 in 2015, KC combines technical expertise with strategic vision, making him a trailblazer in financial advisory, reporting, and thought leadership.
Building Financial Minds South Africa
KC is the founder of Financial Minds South Africa, a company providing quality IFRS and ESG advisory services across multiple industries. Accredited as an IFRS advisor by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, he specializes in accounting opinions, training, IFRS review, and sustainability consulting. Through Financial Minds South Africa, KC helps organizations interpret financial reporting requirements, optimize governance, and implement sustainable business practices.
Empowering Women in Tech and Finance
A key focus of Financial Minds is supporting women in technology and finance, equipping them with the skills, mentorship, and guidance needed to succeed in traditionally male-dominated industries. Through initiatives, training programs, and collaborations, KC and his team are actively promoting gender equity, ensuring more women have access to leadership opportunities and can thrive in finance, ESG, and tech-driven sectors.
Merging Expertise and Creativity
Beyond his advisory work, KC is a prolific author and journalist, leveraging his accounting expertise to produce engaging, informative content. He has authored four books’ Masters of Money, The CEO X Factor, Beyond the Beans, and The FM Pocket Book on IFRS & Sustainability Reporting bringing complex financial concepts to life for a broad audience.
KC is also the founding editor of Financial Minds Magazine, a platform under his company that fosters interactive conversations between financial reporting experts and finance teams. The magazine aims to deepen understanding of financial reporting, leadership, and sustainability, bridging the gap between technical knowledge and practical application.
Championing Impact and Influence
Recently, KC was commissioned by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange to produce Architects of Influence (Women in Business), a full-colour, large-format coffee table book celebrating South Africa’s most influential women leaders. This project reflects his dedication to amplifying impactful stories and inspiring future generations.
As Chief IFRS Officer at Financial Minds SA and Co-Founder of CFO East Africa, KC continues to lead with a rare combination of technical mastery, creative insight, and strategic vision. His work demonstrates that financial expertise, when paired with leadership and storytelling, can drive real change in business, society, and for women in finance and tech.
KC Rottok Chesaina’s journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, innovation, and influence. Through Financial Minds South Africa, he empowers organizations and individuals including women in tech and finance to navigate the complexities of finance while shaping a more sustainable and impactful future.
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