Tony Seifart

The 2026 National Budget marks a decisive shift from crisis containment to fiscal consolidation, with meaningful implications for South African businesses operating in a constrained growth environment, says Etienne Raubenheimer, Executive Head of CFO services at Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial consulting and accounting firm headquartered in Cape Town. Following Wednesday’s budget speech delivered by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to Parliament, Raubenheimer highlights several key points that will affect businesses in South Africa. “The most immediate impact for small and medium-sized enterprises is the increase in the compulsory VAT registration threshold from R1 million to R2.3 million”, says Raubenheimer. “For many growing businesses, VAT registration brings administrative complexity, additional compliance costs and tighter cash flow management. Raising the threshold reduces this burden and allows smaller operators to scale before entering the VAT net.” Raubenheimer points out that this adjustment is significant. “Increasing the VAT threshold recognises that the cost of doing business has risen materially over recent years. It gives smaller enterprises breathing room, improves cash flow flexibility and reduces compliance pressure at a critical stage of growth.” Equally important is the decision to withdraw R20 billion in previously proposed tax increases following stronger-than-expected revenue performance. For business owners who were anticipating higher tax obligations, this provides welcome certainty and preserves working capital. The adjustment of personal income tax brackets and rebates fully in line with inflation will also support household disposable income, indirectly benefiting consumer-facing sectors. The Budget also enhances exit and succession planning for entrepreneurs. The capital gains tax exemption for the sale of small businesses by older individuals increases from R1.8 million to R2.7 million, and the qualifying …

Outsourced CFO (OCFO) has announced that it will host its annual Scale-Up Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on Thursday, 19 March 2026. The in-person event, taking place at Innovation City, will bring together founders, executives, entrepreneurs and advisors for an evening of focused discussion on what it truly takes to scale a business sustainably. OCFO is a leading financial strategy and cloud accounting firm headquartered in Cape Town. The firm provides fractional CFO services, cloud accounting implementation and strategic finance advisory to growth-focused businesses locally and internationally. By partnering with entrepreneurs and executive teams, the firm helps strengthen financial visibility, improve governance and build the systems required for sustainable, long-term growth. Against this backdrop, the conference seeks to address a central question facing business leaders today: how can growth be achieved without compromising financial stability, operational control or long-term value? While the Scale-Up Conference is particularly relevant to businesses navigating expansion, it is equally valuable to founders in the earlier stages of their journey. Establishing strong financial systems, clear reporting structures and disciplined decision-making from the outset can materially reduce friction later. By understanding the principles of scale early, founders are better positioned to build companies that are resilient, fundable and capable of sustainable growth. Louw Barnardt, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OCFO, said the firm continues to observe that scaling challenges often stem from foundations that were never properly laid. “Founders are naturally focused on winning customers and proving their model in the early days,” said Barnardt. “That drive is essential. However, if financial visibility, governance and internal accountability are treated as secondary, those gaps become far more costly during periods of growth. The purpose of …

Outsourced CFO (OCFO) will participate as a sponsor at the 2026 The Lekker Network Summit, taking place on 11 and 12 March 2026 at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West, just outside Cape Town. The two-day summit marks the first anniversary of The Lekker Network community and will bring together 300 South Africans from across 32 countries for a programme centred on insight, connection and shared impact. OCFO’s involvement forms part of its broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ecosystems and engaging meaningfully with growth-focused business leaders. As one of the sponsors of the summit, the company will play an active role in the Padel Tournament on Day Two, providing prizes and connecting with attendees during what is expected to be a lively and well-attended activity. The tournament sits within a wider programme of keynote sessions, fireside conversations, curated member discussions and outdoor experiences. Louw Barnardt, Co-Founder and MD at OCFO, said the firm values opportunities to contribute to communities where ambitious founders gather. “The Lekker Network has built a strong global community of South Africans who are serious about building businesses and supporting one another,” said Barnardt. “For us, being involved is about showing up, adding value and strengthening relationships within that ecosystem.” In addition to its involvement in the Padel Tournament, OCFO will contribute to the summit’s content programme. Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba, Non-Executive Director at OCFO, will facilitate an interactive workshop during the event. “Many founders treat their bank balance like a countdown clock rather than a dashboard,” said Vabaza-Mvandaba. “This workshop focuses on moving from ‘Growth at all costs’ to ‘Capital efficiency.’” Barnardt said the firm’s participation reflects its belief that sustainable growth requires both strong financial systems and collaborative networks. “Scaling a business successfully requires more than …

The global business environment heading into 2026 is opening up meaningful opportunities. According to Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial consultancy firm specialising in fractional and outsourced CFO services, organisations that plan decisively and invest with confidence are better positioned to benefit than those taking an overly cautious approach. According to Etienne Raubenheimer, Executive Head of CFO Services at OCFO, businesses will continue to operate against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, uneven economic growth and ongoing cost pressures. However, he believes these conditions are increasingly favouring organisations that combine ambition with disciplined financial planning. “Uncertainty does not automatically mean risk,” said Raubenheimer. “For businesses that understand their numbers and plan properly, 2026 can be a year to move forward while others hesitate.” Raubenheimer notes that many organisations are entering 2026 with stronger foundations than they realise. Balance sheets have been stabilised, cost structures refined and financial systems improved over recent years. This has created a platform from which businesses can pursue selective expansion, whether through new markets, product development, acquisitions or targeted investment in people and technology. Financial planning for 2026 is therefore less about aggressive growth and more about intelligent expansion. Businesses are focusing on profitability, cash flow resilience and return on investment, supported by detailed forecasting and scenario planning. This allows leadership teams to act with confidence when opportunities arise, while maintaining control in volatile conditions. “Growth in 2026 is about precision,” Raubenheimer said. “It is about knowing where to invest, when to invest and how each decision impacts cash flow and long-term value.” He adds that access to high-quality financial insight will be one of the most significant differentiators in the year …

Outsourced CFO announces renewed January support for businesses facing seasonal cash flow pressures, highlighting the importance of financial visibility, accurate forecasting and timely decision-making. The firm’s CFO and cloud accounting services help organisations stabilise cash flow, manage uncertainty and plan confidently for the year ahead.   Cape Town - 14 January 2026 - Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial consultancy firm specialising in fractional and outsourced chief financial officer services, has announced a renewed focus on supporting businesses facing cash flow pressures commonly experienced during the month of January. The start of the year is widely regarded as one of the most financially demanding periods for businesses across many industries, as post-holiday spending, slower revenue cycles and delayed customer payments converge. Financial specialists say January often exposes underlying weaknesses in cash flow planning, budgeting discipline and financial visibility. According to Ettiene Raubenheimer, Executive Head of CFO Services at OCFO, many businesses encountering early-year cash constraints are not unprofitable, but lack timely and decision-ready financial information. “January has a way of revealing issues that have been building quietly for months,” said Raubenheimer. “Businesses often enter the year with confidence, but without a clear view of their cash position beyond the immediate short term. When obligations stack up and income timing shifts, pressure escalates quickly.” Raubenheimer noted that revenue growth can sometimes mask cash flow risk, particularly in growing organisations. “There is a common assumption that strong sales equate to financial health,” he said. “In reality, cash flow is about timing. If cash inflows lag behind expenses, even profitable businesses can find themselves under strain.” The first quarter also presents a critical opportunity for businesses to reassess budgets, operating …

Outsourced CFO is seeing surging demand for its Talent Solutions service as high-growth companies seek temporary finance professionals to maintain stability during expansion. With rapid scaling, system upgrades, and leadership shifts, businesses rely on OCFO’s vetted specialists to ensure continuity, prevent disruption, and accelerate critical financial projects.   Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global finance consulting firm supporting high-growth companies across multiple markets, is seeing strong demand for its Talent Solutions service as businesses accelerate expansion and face increasing financial complexity. OCFO Talent Solutions has become a critical resource for organisations seeking dependable temporary finance support to maintain stability while navigating rapid growth, leadership changes, and demanding reporting cycles. Melissa Michael, Talent Acquisition Manager at OCFO, says the rising interest reflects a broader shift in how companies are approaching financial continuity. “Businesses are scaling faster, reporting faster, and making decisions faster than ever. When a key finance team member steps out or major projects overlap, the impact is immediate. Our role is to ensure companies stay steady and on track, no matter what is happening internally,” she said. OCFO Talent Solutions provides businesses with pre-screened finance professionals who can step into temporary roles at all levels, including bookkeepers, accountants, senior finance managers, and CFOs. These placements help organisations avoid disruption during maternity leave, system upgrades, unexpected resignations, audit periods, and the long recruitment timelines often required for permanent hires. According to Michael, the service is increasingly seen as a strategic lever for resilience. “Companies cannot always wait six to twelve weeks to find permanent hires. Temporary placements give them immediate coverage so that operations, planning, and compliance never fall behind.” One …

Outsourced CFO showcased its expertise at The Money Summit 2025, hosting keynote messages, sessions, panels, and one-on-one clinics on AI, cloud accounting, CFO services, and tax. The team highlighted how resilience, adaptability, and technology are transforming finance and equipping businesses to thrive in a changing economy. Johannesburg, South Africa. Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a leading financial consulting and advisory firm for high-growth businesses, successfully delivered a full programme of finance-focused sessions at this year’s Money Summit, held on 9 September at the Sandton Convention Centre. The event, South Africa’s largest gathering of CFOs, accountants, and finance professionals, brought together thought leaders, innovators, and industry practitioners to explore the changing landscape of finance. OCFO curated and presented a dedicated series of presentations, panels, and interactive clinics that gave delegates practical tools and fresh perspectives on the future of finance. The programme covered topics including artificial intelligence, cloud accounting, CFO services, tax, and talent solutions, offering attendees both high-level insights and hands-on learning. Damian Baker, OCFO’s Executive Head of Accounting, set the tone with his keynote, “Will AI Replace Accountants?” He addressed the potential of automation while underscoring the enduring value of professional judgment. “AI will not replace accountants,” Baker said, “but accountants who understand how to harness AI will replace those who don’t. The future belongs to professionals who can combine technology with human insight.” Later in the day, Baker joined Sarah Minns from Xero in a panel discussion on emerging technology and cloud-based tools. The conversation reinforced that digital workflows are no longer optional for finance teams. “Cloud accounting isn’t about replacing the old way of doing things,” Baker added, “it’s about enabling faster decision-making, greater accuracy, and the …

Outsourced CFO launches free 90-second quiz to help founders assess if and when they need strategic CFO support for growth. Cape Town - 30 July 2025 - Outsourced CFO, a global accounting and financial advisory firm, has released a new resource to help founders determine when to bring in CFO expertise. Designed for businesses generating over US$1 million in annual revenue, the Strategic CFO Readiness Assessment offers a quick, practical checkpoint for those questioning whether it’s time to add strategic financial leadership to their team. Many high-growth businesses reach a tipping point where bookkeeping and basic finance no longer provide the clarity or control needed to scale. That’s where Outsourced CFO steps in. Through fractional, interim, or project-based engagements, their CFOs assist with everything from financial systems and forecasting to fundraising, M&A support, and long-term strategy. Take the OCFO quiz here. “Our team is often approached by founders asking the same question: ‘How do I know if I need a CFO?’” says Etienne Raubenheimer, Executive Head of CFO Services at Outsourced CFO. “This short quiz helps business leaders assess whether their company is at the stage where CFO-level support could make a difference.” The online assessment takes less than two minutes to complete and covers topics such as cash flow management, financial reporting, and growth planning - offering a snapshot of how equipped a business is for its next stage of growth. The results provide practical, jargon-free insights on whether a CFO might add value. There’s no obligation to engage further, just a clear view of where the company stands financially. Outsourced CFO has supported more than 1,300 companies globally, from early-stage startups to businesses preparing for capital raises, restructures, or international expansion. Many of these clients don’t yet require a full-time CFO, but still benefit from expert financial support at critical moments. “A …