USA secondment widens Sanele’s perspective

FORMER Wentworth resident and audit manager of BDO, Sanele Nkosi, has returned to the company’s Durban office from his secondment in North Carolina, United States of America, with a deeper understanding of international practices and culture.

“This has been such a great opportunity, and I’ve made some awesome friends,” said Nkosi. “You really learn a lot in such a small space of time.”

BDO has branches in over 157 countries and offers annual secondment placings at all its 1,400 international offices, based on availability. Twenty-six-year-old Sanele, grew up in Wentworth and went to Fairvale Secondary School. He has made great strides, having received a bursary through the company which allowed him to reach his goal of becoming a chartered accountant in 2015. True to his nature, Nkosi grabbed the opportunity for professional development by applying for the secondment post to the US which was approved after a thorough interview process. The accountant’s adventure began in July 2016, with six months of immeasurable experience gained at the company’s North Carolina office.

“I worked on the audit of one of BDO Raleigh’s biggest clients, The Howard University, which is one of the most prominent HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in the US,” said Nkosi on his return.

“I’ve gained some invaluable experience about the higher education and non-profit space, internationally, because the client had operations in Africa as well. Our BDO Durban office specialises in these two fields so this will definitely help with our clients in the industry.”

Outside of the workplace, Nkosi gained valuable insight, all of which will put him in good stead for future international operations.

“The US is a beautiful country, and the people there are so patriotic. I was fortunate to have been there during election season and the fourth of July parades. Those were great times to see the American culture first-hand,” he said.

In between his work schedule he had the chance to travel to Virginia for ice skating, Maryland for a football game, as well as Charlotte in North Carolina for a Bayern Munich Soccer game. He made sure he got to see New York, Niagara Falls, Miami, Orlando and New Orleans. Although it was an incredible experience, Nkosi said he was excited to return home to his new wife and get back to his audit manager role at BDO’s Durban office.

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