What does it take to turn assurance expertise into trusted business advisory that builds lasting client relationships? For Mr. Yunus Essop, it’s about emotional intelligence, adaptability, and continuous personal growth.
In this episode of Calculated Conversations, I talked to Mr. Yunus Essop, CA(SA), an Associate Director at a Big 4, who has transformed his journey from article clerk to trusted business advisor and family business consultant, specializing in private market enterprises across diverse industries.
As a dedicated professional in Assurance, Mr. Essop brings his expertise to external audit services while maintaining accreditation as a SAICA Assessor. His approach combines technical excellence with relationship-building, working with entrepreneurs, scale-ups, established private businesses, and family-managed enterprises to deliver tailored solutions.
In our conversation, we explored the emotional and mental resilience required throughout the CA(SA) journey, why emotional intelligence is an underrated yet crucial skill for auditors, and how maintaining work-life balance keeps high performers grounded. We also discussed the transformative power of international experience, the importance of proper cash flow management across businesses of all sizes, and why networking remains fundamental to building long-term career success.
Whether you’re an aspiring CA professional, business leader, or financial expert, this conversation bridges technical expertise with human connection! The kind that helps you develop resilience, build trusted relationships, and maintain sustainable high performance in today’s demanding business environment.
1. From article clerk to associate director; what’s one defining moment in your career that shaped your approach to leadership?
There have been many amazing and defining moments in my career, but one that stands out is my secondment to my Big 4 firm’s Belgium, Brussels office in 2019. This experience was transformative both professionally and personally. It exposed me to different leadership styles and cultural dynamics, which broadened my perspective on effective leadership. This experience, combined with my years of leadership in corporate in South Africa, has taught me the critical importance of adaptability and empathy in managing diverse teams. These lessons have profoundly influenced my leadership approach.
2. You’ve worked with a range of businesses, from startups to family enterprises. What’s one common financial mistake you see across the board, and how can businesses avoid it?
A common financial oversight I see across various businesses is the lack of proper cash flow management. Many businesses, regardless of their size, fail to forecast their cash flow accurately, leading to liquidity issues. To avoid this, businesses need to effectively plan ahead and ensure their financial staff have the necessary technical knowledge.
Implementing robust cash flow forecasting and monitoring systems and regularly reviewing and adjusting forecasts based on actual performance, can help ensure they have sufficient liquidity to meet their obligations and invest in growth opportunities. Additionally, businesses should invest in continuous training and development for their financial staff to keep their technical skills up-to-date and effective.
3. Many aspiring CAs underestimate the grind. What’s something about the CA(SA) journey that people don’t talk about enough?
One aspect of the CA(SA) journey that people often don’t talk about enough is the emotional and mental resilience required. While the technical and academic challenges are well-known, the emotional toll of the journey can be significant. Aspiring CAs often face intense pressure, long hours of study and work, and the stress of balancing professional and personal life.
Building a support system, practicing self-care, and developing coping strategies are crucial for maintaining mental health and well-being throughout the process. It’s important to recognise that the journey is not just about passing exams and gaining technical skills, but also about growing as a person and developing the resilience needed to handle the demands of the profession. In the end, it is all very rewarding!
4. You specialise in assurance, but trust and relationships seem to be at the core of your work. What’s one underrated skill that makes a great auditor beyond the technicals?
Beyond technical skills, emotional intelligence is an underrated yet crucial skill for auditors. Building trust and strong relationships with clients and your team requires the ability to understand and manage emotions, both your own and those of others. This skill helps in navigating complex client interactions, resolving conflicts, and fostering a collaborative environment, ultimately leading to more effective audits and work environment for your team.
5. Balancing corporate demands with personal growth isn’t easy. What’s one principle or habit that keeps you grounded and performing at a high level?
One principle that keeps me grounded is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I make it a priority to exercise regularly, practice my hobbies, and spend quality time with family and friends. These activities help me recharge and stay motivated, making my professional life more sustainable. Additionally, I believe in continuous learning. I regularly seek feedback, reflect on my performance, and set new objectives for personal and professional development. This commitment to growth ensures that I stay adaptable and resilient in the face of corporate demands, while also nurturing my personal aspirations.
6. If you had to give one piece of advice to a young professional looking to build long-term career success, what would it be?
My advice to young professionals is to embrace the power of networking. Building and maintaining strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and offer support throughout your career journey. Invest time in connecting with peers, mentors, and industry leaders, and be proactive in contributing to your professional community.
Always cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. The professional landscape is constantly evolving, and those who remain curious, open to new ideas, and willing to learn new skills are more likely to thrive. This means not only staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in your field but also being open to feedback and willing to pivot when necessary. Embracing lifelong learning will help you stay relevant and resilient in the face of change, ultimately leading to sustained career success.
What a thoughtful and value-packed conversation with Mr Yunus Essop, CA(SA). From audit rooms to boardrooms, he’s redefining what it means to be a trusted advisor in today’s assurance landscape, by blending technical mastery with human connection.
Key takeaways from our chat:
Resilience is the real differentiator. The CA(SA) journey is a mental game as much as it is an academic one. Building emotional endurance is essential.
Cash flow is king, always. Whether you’re a startup or a scaled enterprise, proper cash flow forecasting can be the difference between survival and success.
International experience changes the game. Exposure to global teams and leadership styles sharpens perspective and strengthens adaptability.
Emotional intelligence > just technicals. Auditors who lead with empathy and insight build trust faster — and deliver deeper impact.
Work-life balance isn’t a luxury, it’s a lever. Grounding yourself in healthy habits and consistent reflection fuels long-term high performance.
Networking is your career’s compound interest. Your next opportunity often starts with the relationships you’ve already invested in.
Thank you, Mr Essop, for sharing your story with such humility and precision. Your journey is a testament to how character and competence together create career longevity, and real client trust.
If you’re navigating the CA(SA) path, leading in assurance, or working with private businesses, follow Mr Yunus Essop on LinkedIn for more insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yunus-essop-ca-sa-00093168/
What’s one mindset shift that’s helped you grow as a trusted professional? Drop it in the comments! let’s keep the conversation going!
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