At Shoprite, one of Africa’s largest retailers, Phuti Senyatsi isn’t just another accountant, he’s redefining what it means to succeed in corporate finance. His journey is not about simply climbing the career ladder, but about rewriting the playbook for what a chartered accountant can achieve. Phuti’s story proves that breaking the mould and driving change isn’t just possible − it’s essential for progress and breaking out of the traditional ways.
Growing up in Moletjie, a rural area outside Polokwane in Limpopo where most people stuck to jobs like teaching or policing, Phuti Senyatsi always knew he wanted something more. He wasn’t about to follow the usual path − he felt this urge to explore beyond the norm. That’s when accounting caught his eye. It was different, challenging, and packed with potential. ‘I knew there had to be more than what was around me,’ Phuti recalls. ‘Accounting gave me a chance to step out and create my own way.’
Life in Moletjie wasn’t easy − there were struggles with money, being isolated, and not having a lot of resources. But Phuti took those challenges and turned them into strengths. He learned resilience and responsibility early on, skills that now drive his academic and career success. ‘In the village, we didn’t have room for mistakes,’ he shares. ‘There were no shortcuts, and that mindset still fuels my work ethic today.’
Passion sparked
Phuti’s first real taste of accounting came at Northern Academy – a secondary school in Polokwane −where he had a unique opportunity to study it as a standalone subject starting in Grade 7 − an offering that was rare in most schools. ‘Northern Academy did things differently, and that early exposure was a turning point for me,’ Phuti says. His enthusiasm only grew as his Grade 8 teacher, Mr T Dembo, brought the subject to life with passion and depth.
Phuti didn’t just excel in the subject; he dominated it. Consistently ranking as the top student in Accounting from Grade 8 to Grade 11, his academic success in the subject solidified his decision to pursue it as a career. ‘My curiosity pushed me beyond the textbooks. I was asking questions that were only answered in university-level studies, and that curiosity drove me forward,’ Phuti reflects.
Harnessing technology to drive accounting innovation
Phuti’s academic journey took him to the University of Cape Town (UCT) and later the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where he began to see that accounting was evolving far beyond traditional spreadsheets and balance sheets. ‘Accounting is no longer just about numbers,’ Phuti explains. ‘It’s about leveraging technology to drive financial insight and innovation.’
At UCT, Phuti was introduced to Information Systems and IT in Business, opening his eyes to the intersection of technology and accounting. His perspective expanded further at UJ, where he conducted research on the role of artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and robotics in transforming the profession. This deep dive into the Fourth Industrial Revolution convinced Phuti that future accountants wouldn’t just crunch numbers − they would be the innovators leading the charge in using technology to solve complex financial challenges.
MB − What?!
After his academic studies, Phuti joined Shoprite Group finance team, a decision that gave him a ‘real-world MBA’ in corporate finance. While his background in auditing had relied on past templates and precedents, the dynamic and ever-changing environment at Shoprite retail group required him to think on his feet.
‘There were no working papers to guide us because we were constantly dealing with new transactions and developments,’ Phuti explains. This environment forced him to become a solution-oriented thinker capable of crafting new strategies for uncharted territory.
One of the biggest lessons Phuti learned at Shoprite was just how much impact finance professionals can have on the lives of others. ‘I realised that every financial decision we made had ripple effects that could impact employees, customers, and the organisation as a whole,’ Phuti shares. This sense of responsibility deepened his commitment to due diligence and integrity in his work.
Beyond problem-solving, Phuti gained extensive hands-on experience in corporate financial management − working on budgeting, forecasting, valuations, and operational cost analysis. ‘I learned how optimising costs can contribute to a company’s financial stability,’ Phuti notes, adding that these lessons are invaluable in shaping his future goals.
Looking ahead, Phuti’s ambitions go beyond his personal career growth. He’s committed to playing a key role in empowering South Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). ‘Credible financial statements are the bedrock of any business, especially for SMMEs looking to secure funding,’ Phuti says. His vision includes opening his own accounting practice that specialises in refining financial reporting for SMMEs, ensuring they align with industry standards and are equipped to attract investors.
Moreover, Phuti hopes to contribute to the next generation of accountants by establishing his practice as a SAICA training office. ‘I want to help train the future chartered accountants of South Africa who will go on to serve SMMEs and drive economic growth,’ he shares.
Driving change, creating opportunity
Phuti Senyatsi’s story is not just about one man’s journey from a small village to corporate success − it’s a story about redefining the future of accounting in South Africa. From his roots in Moletjie to his current role at Shoprite, Phuti embodies the power of perseverance, innovation, and a forward-thinking mindset. As he continues his journey toward becoming a chartered accountant, Phuti remains committed to uplifting others and driving meaningful change in the profession.
Phuti’s journey shows that with the right mindset, it’s possible to break through barriers, embrace innovation, and leave a lasting impact on both the accounting world and the communities that depend on it.
Author
Sharon Manzini, Digital Content and Publishing Intern at SAICA
