Tracy Lerato Nkosi CA(SA), 34

Finalist: Impact Champion | SAICA Top-35-Under-35 Awards 2025

Tracy Lerato Nkosi is a Chartered Accountant whose leadership is defined by operational excellence, ethical governance, and a deep commitment to youth empowerment. At 34, she serves as Southern Africa Finance Controller at Unilever South Africa, the 10th largest Unilever subsidiary globally, where she leads regional finance strategy, reporting, and transformation.

Tracy’s impact at Unilever is both technical and strategic. She led the rollout of a new Source-to-Pay system, reducing supplier payment overdues by 61% against baseline and 59% below target — significantly improving cash flow and operational efficiency. She also oversaw the accounting for the separation of Unilever’s Ice Cream Division, ensuring accurate treatment in both local and global books ahead of its planned listing.

Her journey at Unilever began as Financial Reporting Manager, and within a year, she was promoted to Finance Controller. She was honoured with a Certificate of Excellence for being “three steps ahead” in controls and governance. She hosted the 2025 Unilever Finance Conference and the CFO Morning Show, engaging over 90 finance professionals, and continues to mentor junior colleagues and deliver IFRS training.

Prior to Unilever, Tracy held leadership roles at Boxer Superstores, where she served as Head of GNFR and Treasury. She implemented utility reforms that delivered R10 million in electricity savings and R500,000 in water savings, and introduced diesel tracking systems during peak load-shedding periods to safeguard profitability. Her contributions earned her a Board Award of Excellence, and she actively mentored graduates, reinforcing her commitment to talent development.

Tracy’s passion for education and empowerment is rooted in her own journey as a Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) bursary alumna. She now mentors over 10 CRET students and graduates, provides career guidance, and delivers motivational talks — including a virtual session on exam preparation and resilience. In 2025, she hosted the prestigious CRET Awards, celebrating student achievements alongside the President and corporate leaders.

She also addressed over 6,000 attendees at a government-partnered career fair in Ndwedwe, sharing her story with learners, officials, and executives. As Head of Strategy & Evaluation on the CRET Advisory Board, she led performance reviews, advised on project implementation, and contributed to successful fundraising efforts.

Through the Cyril Madiba Empowerment Foundation, Tracy has mentored over six cohorts, supporting career transitions and personal growth. Notable successes include guiding one mentee from unemployment to Assistant Branch Manager and another to complete the CA(SA) designation.

Recently, she was appointed to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, where she provides financial governance and strategic oversight.

Tracy Lerato Nkosi leads with integrity, insight, and impact. Her journey — from bursary recipient to senior finance leader — reflects resilience, values-led leadership, and the transformative power of the CA(SA) designation. She is a role model for inclusive leadership and a champion for change.