The opportunity to enter the Top 35-Under-35 competition in its maiden year came with a lot of anticipation and surprises for the first group of finalists.
For Cindy McKay, this opportunity inspired her to expand her business aspirations and cemented the fact that she was capable to achieve much more than what she thought she was able to. Being a finalist also helped her to gain respect from her peers for what she has built up from nothing.
Audit BEE, a company of which Cindy is a director, was only three years old when she was a finalist in 2014. Today, she and her team of 36 staff members have many milestones to be proud of.
My career highlights since I was a finalist
Over the course of 12 years, we have continuously adapted our practice to meet the changing needs of our clients. This has resulted in the addition of numerous service offerings which have helped to keep us relevant in the industry.
One such offering is Amphi, our training academy, which was established in 2015. The academy has since flourished and is now a successful business that empowers young people by giving them access to the economy. As a group, we are proud to have 36 permanent employees and a diverse range of clients, including blue chip clients. Our commitment to excellence has been recognised in the past, with our founder being a finalist in the PPS SA Professional Services Awards in 2014.
The reasons I have remained in the entrepreneurial space with Audit BEE
I find joy in utilising my creativity to solve problems and make a positive impact on the lives and businesses of others. Witnessing the positive changes that result from my work brings me immense satisfaction, and I am constantly striving to set and achieve even greater goals. Additionally, I am a firm believer in the importance of giving back and helping those in need, and I make a conscious effort to do so whenever possible. My desire to use my skills and resources to help others is rooted in my faith and commitment to hearing and following God’s word.
My tips for the next group of finalists
Starting small and dreaming big are crucial when it comes to achieving success, along with having faith in your professional abilities and trusting your gut feelings. It’s important to take risks and keep trying even if you encounter failure along the way. Grit is a crucial factor in making a success of anything, and when things go wrong, it’s important to do a root cause analysis to prevent it from happening again. Additionally, embracing new technology and staying relevant is essential for staying competitive in today’s fast-paced world.
How Audit BEE remains #DifferenceMakers in our society
The business provides support to learners through bursaries for further education and training to upskill themselves. Additionally, the company supports the Pretoria Lions club in their various charity drives. To address food security concerns and to develop much-needed skills in food production, the company has developed an agricultural focus in the business.
The most important business lessons I have learnt in the past 10 years
The success of any business relies heavily on maintaining good client relationships and delivering solutions that add value to clients. This has been a key factor in the success story of this business. Competent, loyal, and motivated staff is also critical for any business and are considered one of its biggest assets. It is important to remain true to one’s belief and value system as aspirations are driven by it.
Some of the key life lessons that I have learned in the past few years
Losing my oldest brother to brain cancer made me realise the importance of work/life balance and spending quality time with family. The COVID-19 lockdown allowed this to happen and gave me precious moments with my brother that I will always be grateful for. In business, the importance of key relationships, ethics, and maintaining a moral compass is a big deal. You need to rely on your inner core when in times of testing situations. Furthermore, it’s important to stay up to date with changes within clients and our industries to ensure that client relationships are maintained and that I add value to the clients.
Some of my exciting dreams for the next 10 years
Looking towards the future, my aspirations involve making a positive impact on the lives of young people, helping them to shape bright and successful futures. Additionally, I eagerly anticipate seeing my own children grow into vibrant adults, and I plan to prioritise maintaining a healthy lifestyle while creating cherished memories with my family. Another exciting adventure on the horizon is building a new house with my husband, which we both look forward to.
My one piece of advice to young CAs(SA) about being a CA(SA) is …
Be proud of what you have achieved and wear the CA(SA) badge proudly, representing all of us that are proud CAs(SA).
