Author name: Emma Cavina

Emma began her academic journey studying BSc at Wits Medical School before completing her B Com degree at Rhodes University. After travelling abroad, she entered the recruitment industry with a top recruitment firm, where she quickly became their top billing recruiter. With more than 26 years of experience and a background in both South Africa and London, Emma has built deep expertise in specialised IT and financial recruitment. She has been formally trained in both permanent recruitment and executive search, and has managed teams of up to 17 consultants. Her international placement experience spans Germany, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Botswana and multiple African countries. Emma brings a rare combination of insight, rigour and global perspective to every search she undertakes.

CCMA as headline on a noteboard

Should You Take Your Employer to the CCMA? What Every Employee Should Consider First

Losing your job or facing disciplinary action is one of the most stressful experiences any professional can go through. If you believe you have been treated unfairly, it is completely understandable that your first instinct may be to consider referring the matter to the CCMA.

In some situations, that may well be the right decision. However, before taking that step, it is worth considering not only the legal position but also the long-term impact on your career.

Should You Take Your Employer to the CCMA? What Every Employee Should Consider First Read Post »

finance interviews

What Hiring Managers Really Look for in Finance Interviews

Preparing for a finance interview often begins with reviewing technical knowledge and revisiting past experience.

While this is important, it is only part of what determines success in an interview.

In practice, hiring managers are assessing a much broader set of qualities. They are not only evaluating whether a candidate can perform the technical aspects of the role, but also whether they can think clearly, communicate effectively and contribute to the wider business.

What Hiring Managers Really Look for in Finance Interviews Read Post »

specialist finance professional in office

Why Specialist Recruiters Deliver Better Finance Candidates

Hiring the right finance professional is rarely straightforward.

On paper, many candidates appear similar. Comparable qualifications, similar job titles and experience within the same industries. Yet in practice, the difference in capability, commercial awareness and overall fit can be significant.

This is where the recruitment process itself becomes critical.

Why Specialist Recruiters Deliver Better Finance Candidates Read Post »

Online test reviews

Psychometric Testing in Finance Hiring: Why Companies Need to Get It Right

Psychometric testing has become a standard part of many hiring processes, particularly for finance roles. When used correctly, these assessments can provide valuable insight into how candidates think, solve problems and operate in a professional environment.

However, not all psychometric tests are equal. And more importantly, not all are used effectively. In our experience, the difference between a strong hiring outcome and a missed opportunity often comes down to how well these assessments are selected and applied.

Psychometric Testing in Finance Hiring: Why Companies Need to Get It Right Read Post »

Psychometric tests

Psychometric Tests in Finance Hiring: What Candidates Need to Know and How to Prepare

Psychometric testing is now a common part of the hiring process, particularly for finance roles.
Despite this, many candidates still misunderstand what these assessments involve. A common assumption is that psychometric tests are simply personality based and that there is no real way to prepare or perform well.
This is not entirely accurate. In reality, many psychometric tests assess your ability to analyse information, solve problems and work under pressure. Performance in these areas can directly influence whether you progress in the hiring process.

Psychometric Tests in Finance Hiring: What Candidates Need to Know and How to Prepare Read Post »

handshake between two people at interview

Finance Interview Mistakes to Avoid and How to Handle Difficult Questions

Preparing for a finance interview is one part of the process. How you present yourself in the interview is where outcomes are decided. Many finance professionals enter interviews with strong technical knowledge and relevant experience, yet still fall short. In most cases, it is not because they lack capability. It is because of how that capability is communicated.

From our experience working with both finance candidates and hiring managers, successful interviews are rarely about having perfect answers. They are about demonstrating clear thinking, structured communication and an understanding of how your role contributes to the broader business.

Finance Interview Mistakes to Avoid and How to Handle Difficult Questions Read Post »

handshake at interview

Finance Interview Preparation: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Preparing for a finance interview requires more than reviewing your CV and revising technical knowledge.

In our experience working with finance professionals across South Africa, the candidates who perform best in interviews are not always the most technically qualified. They are the ones who understand how to position their experience, communicate clearly and demonstrate commercial awareness.

Interview preparation is not about memorising answers. It is about understanding what employers are really assessing and ensuring you present your experience in a way that aligns with those expectations.

Finance Interview Preparation: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market Read Post »

career mistakes

5 Career Mistakes Finance Professionals Should Avoid

Careers in finance can be highly rewarding. Accountants, financial analysts and finance managers play a central role in the financial stability and strategic direction of organisations.

However, building a successful finance career requires more than strong technical skills. Over the years, we have seen many talented professionals unintentionally limit their own career progression by making decisions that restrict their exposure and growth.

After working with finance professionals and hiring organisations across South Africa for many years, certain patterns appear repeatedly.

5 Career Mistakes Finance Professionals Should Avoid Read Post »

Scroll to Top