SNG GRANT THORNTON’S AARON MTHIMUNYE CROWNED ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
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Aaron Mthimunye (left) receives trophy from SAPSA Judge Valentine Nti at the last event held in 2019
Aaron Mthimunye, Managing Director of the Assurance Division of SNG Grant Thornton, has been crowned the Accounting Professional of the Year for the 2019/2020 period. The accolade was granted by the SA Professional Services Awards sponsored by Sanlam and W. Consulting. Janette Minnaar, the chair of the adjudication panel explained how the winners were determined. “Individuals were judged based on a host of attributes including demonstration of leadership skills, changing of paradigms and innovation within the bounds of available resources. We also conferred a number of Lifetime Achievement
Awards to deserving recipients who had served their professions faithfully for many years,” said Minnaar. Mthimunye grew up in the 1980’s in a semi-rural area in KwaMhlanga - KwaNdebele, in the Mpumalanga Province. He wanted to be either a Doctor or Engineer. However in Grade 11, Physical Science was discontinued as they did not have a qualified teacher and as a result he was introduced to Accounting. He later enrolled at Wits University for a B. Com Degree and completed the Certificate in the Theory of Accountancy through the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. His articles were served through Deloitte after which he joined the Corporate Finance division of African Merchant Bank.
“Having received a special commendation from SAPSA in 2019, the judges were of the view that Aaron should be considered once more for a win in this category,” Minnaar said. “Aaron is undoubtedly a great contributor to both the company he works for and the profession to which he belongs. He has an impressive profile having taken a leading role in the restructuring that the organisation has undergone. He has been part of the team that can take credit for the Telkom IPO and the merger between SNG and Grant Thornton which led to SNG having an actuarial offering. In addition, the judges were impressed by his leadership philosophy of “walking the mile” with colleagues and helping them progress to higher levels of leadership.”
