In this Career Progression feature, we speak to Silke Engelbrecht, Finance Manager at Metacom, about her journey in the finance profession. She shares the experiences, challenges, and leadership lessons that have shaped her career, along with practical advice for women looking to grow and thrive in the corporate finance sector.
1. Can you take us through your career journey and the milestones that shaped your professional growth?
My career started the year after I matriculated, when I was allowed to complete my SAICA articles with PwC while studying part-time. Looking back, that opportunity laid the foundation for everything that followed. It taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of getting the fundamentals right.
After qualifying, I realised I wanted to move into the private sector. I enjoyed accounting and auditing, but I wanted to be part of building a business rather than reviewing it from the outside.
At 23, I joined an international renewable energy company in Cape Town, where I was given responsibilities far beyond what I expected at my age. It was challenging, but it taught me that growth rarely comes from staying comfortable. During that time, I held several roles before being promoted to Finance Manager for the Corporate Services company at head office. I also qualified as a Professional Accountant (SA), and it was during those years that my confidence as a leader really began to develop.
This August marks ten years at Metacom, and without question, it has been the most rewarding chapter of my career. I’ve had the opportunity to build and develop the finance function, lead system implementations, drive automation projects, and help shape how the business operates.
While I’m proud of the projects I’ve led, I’m probably most proud of the people. Watching team members grow in confidence, develop new skills, and progress in their careers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my own journey.
2. What strategies have helped you advance your career in a competitive corporate environment?
I’ve always believed there’s a better way of doing things. That mindset has encouraged me to continually challenge the status quo and look for opportunities to improve.
I don’t believe there is a shortcut to success. From a young age, I was taught that hard work, consistency, and dedication will always matter. I have never been afraid to take on challenges outside my comfort zone or volunteer for opportunities that allowed me to learn and grow.
I also believe finance should be about much more than reporting numbers. Finance leaders should understand the business, improve processes, and help people make better decisions. When you consistently solve problems and create value, your work starts speaking for itself.
3. What skills do you believe are becoming increasingly important for future business leaders?
The ability to adapt to change is becoming one of the most important leadership skills, especially with how quickly technology is evolving. Artificial intelligence, business intelligence, and automation are changing the way we work. I believe we need to embrace them rather than fear them. The leaders who will thrive are those who combine technological understanding with strong judgement, emotional intelligence, and the ability to bring people with them through change.
4. Have you experienced setbacks or moments of self-doubt, and how did you move forward?
Absolutely. To be honest, even doing this interview made me wonder, “Why me? What makes my story worth sharing?” I think we all have those moments where we question ourselves, no matter how successful we appear.
One of my greatest strengths is my support system. I grew up as one of five sisters, all of whom are successful and inspiring in their own way. My mom was my greatest mentor and biggest cheerleader, and she always taught me that I could achieve anything I was willing to work for. Although she is no longer with us, that encouragement continues to come from my sisters and a close group of friends who never hesitate to remind me of my strengths when I doubt myself.
I’ve learnt that setbacks are part of growth. Every challenge teaches you something, and often the biggest lessons come from the moments that are the most uncomfortable. I’ve also learnt that having strong women around you who genuinely support and encourage one another is incredibly powerful.
5. How do you balance delivering business results while staying true to your personal values?
I’ve never believed those two things should compete. For me, high performance and kindness can exist together. You can hold people accountable, have difficult conversations, and drive strong results while still treating people with fairness, respect, and empathy. I believe trust is the foundation of every successful team, and trust is earned through honesty, integrity, and consistency.
6. What role has mentorship, sponsorship or networking played in your career?
Mentorship has had the biggest impact on my career. I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders who trusted me with opportunities before I felt completely ready. That trust gave me confidence to take on bigger challenges and taught me that good leaders don’t just manage people; they help people discover what they’re capable of. As my own career has progressed, I’ve realised how rewarding it is to do the same for others. One of my favourite parts of leadership is helping people grow, build confidence and realise their own potential.
7. How do you continue investing in your professional development?
I don’t believe learning ever stops. I’m currently completing the CIMA Finance Leadership Programme, working towards qualifying as a CGMA. It’s about staying relevant in a profession that is evolving rapidly and continuing to develop the strategic and commercial skills expected of today’s finance leaders.
At 35, my next career goal is to step into an executive leadership role before I turn 40. That ambition motivates me to keep learning, broaden my commercial perspective, and strengthen the leadership skills needed to make an even greater contribution to the businesses I serve.
Some of my greatest learning hasn’t come from textbooks. It’s come from leading people, implementing change, solving complex business problems and, sometimes, making mistakes. Experience remains one of the best teachers.
8. What advice would you give to women aiming to accelerate their careers in corporate South Africa?
Continue to show up and be consistent in what you do. Don’t wait until you feel old enough, qualified enough, or confident enough, because that day may never come. Some of the biggest opportunities in my career came long before I felt I had all the answers. Growth happens when you’re prepared to step into situations that stretch you.
Work hard, stay curious, and never stop looking for ways to add value. Most importantly, don’t let being a woman become a limitation you’ve placed on yourself. Your contribution, your ideas, and your leadership are just as valuable as anyone else’s. Believe in yourself before you expect others to believe in you. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from trusting that you’ll figure it out.
Short Bio
I grew up in the Free State before moving to Cape Town in 2013 to pursue new career opportunities. Over the past 17 years, I have built my career in finance, but what has shaped me most has been the opportunity to solve complex business challenges, embrace change, and grow alongside the businesses I’ve been part of.
For the past decade, I have been privileged to help build and develop the finance function at Metacom, an ICT company where innovation and technology are at the heart of how we do business. Working in this environment has shown me that modern finance is about far more than reporting numbers—it’s about using technology, data, and automation to improve decision-making, strengthen governance, and enable business growth.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling, attending Formula 1 races, scuba diving, and spending time with my family and friends. I believe success isn’t measured only by professional achievements, but by the positive impact you have on the people around you.
Social Media Links: Silké Engelbrecht | LinkedIn | Contact information: silke.engelbrecht@metacom.net | 081 382 3010
