Tony Seifart

Join top founders & experts at Scale-Up Con 2025 - an online global event packed with strategy and growth insights to scale your business with confidence. Scale-Up Con, the highly anticipated global gathering of founders and business leaders, returns in 2025 as a fully online conference, expanding its global reach. This year’s theme, “Where the World’s Founders Meet to Scale,” reflects the conference’s growing international footprint and mission to bring together scale-up leaders from every corner of the globe. Designed for ambitious entrepreneurs, startup teams, and growth advisors, Scale-Up Con 2025 is an unmissable opportunity to gain actionable insights, access powerful frameworks, and join a global community of people building high-impact, scalable businesses. Now in its sixth year, the event is known for cutting through the noise and delivering real, practical advice from those who have walked the path, be it founders, financial experts, or storytellers who’ve scaled companies across sectors and borders. “Whether you’re in early traction or tackling multi-market expansion, scaling is a delicate balancing act of moving parts that must evolve in step - which is exactly what Scale-Up Con equips founders to master.” said Ayanda Vabaza-Mvandaba, spokesperson for Scale-Up Con. The conference’s fully virtual format means founders across the globe can access world-class content, live interactions, and post-event resources - without the barriers of travel. This year’s programme focuses on the essential pillars of sustainable growth: strategic clarity, financial readiness, mindset shifts, and powerful storytelling. Incredibly dynamic speakers have joined the panel for this exciting event, bringing their years of expertise and insights to the event. Nicholas Thiede, German entrepreneur and co-founder of ScaleUp Company South Africa, will lead the discussion through a practical session on strategy and execution for scaling. Over his career, …

Ranked #33 globally by Future Firm, Outsourced CFO is recognised for redefining accounting through innovation, cloud finance, and modern leadership. Outsourced CFO (OCFO), an internationally operating financial consultancy known for its work with businesses ranging from start-ups to publicly listed companies, has been ranked #33 on Future Firm’s prestigious 2025 list of the Top 50 Modern Accounting Firms in the world. The list, curated by accounting industry authority Future Firm, celebrates accounting firms that are redefining the profession through innovation, leadership, and modern practices. OCFO’s recognition on the list places it alongside the most forward-thinking firms globally and underscores its role as a trailblazer in financial strategy, cloud accounting, automation solutions, and financial recruitment. “Being recognised on this global list is a reflection of the incredible people at OCFO and the inspiring clients we serve,” said Jacques le Grange, Co-founder of Outsourced CFO. “This moment validates years of focused effort, intentional scaling, and a deep belief in empowering the businesses of tomorrow.” Founded in Cape Town, South Africa in 2013 by Jacques le Grange, Louw Barnardt, and Dana Pretorius, Outsourced CFO has grown from a boutique consulting firm into a team of over 100 professionals serving over 1300 clients globally. In the past year, the firm has made strategic moves to solidify its global footprint in Cape Town, the New York Metropolitan area, and London, allowing them to better support international clients and engage with global capital markets. The firm’s services include outsourced CFO services, cloud accounting, financial automation solutions, talent solutions, and funding preparation services to all types of businesses, making OCFO a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes, from early-stage ventures to established enterprises. The company’s modern approach to accounting has earned it widespread acclaim. It was …

Following a successful launch in New York, OCFO brings expert CFO services to London, helping UK founders scale with clarity, compliance, and confidence. Outsourced CFO (OCFO), the global financial consulting firm trusted by more than 1300 organisations worldwide, has officially been registered in the UK. This strategic expansion follows the firm’s successful launch in New York and marks a significant step in their mission to deliver world-class financial management to entrepreneurs and scale-ups around the world. With the UK as a core operational hub, OCFO is positioned to better serve British and European clients through locally-based support, regulatory expertise, and seamless cross-border finance. From startups to listed companies, OCFO has experience in serving businesses at every stage of their journey. The company provides outsourced CFO services, cloud-based accounting, finance-automation solutions, specialised talent services, and investor-ready funding preparation – drawing on proven experience across more than 25 industries. “We’ve worked with businesses in multiple countries, and what unites them is a shared hunger to expand with clarity and confidence,” says Louw Barnardt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Outsourced CFO. “Our expansion into London means we can support businesses more effectively by navigating local regulations, eliminating cross-border red tape, and providing finance leadership tailored to this unique market.” The move comes at a time when businesses are facing complex financial landscapes, from post-Brexit compliance shifts to increased investor scrutiny and inflationary pressures. OCFO’s arrival offers a stabilising force for businesses seeking clarity, structure, and forward-thinking financial strategy. “British businesses are among the most innovative in the world,” he adds. “But innovation alone doesn’t scale a business – financial systems, cash flow clarity, and strategic forecasting do. That’s where we come …

Premier event series debuts in Cape Town, empowering accountants to thrive in a digital-first world through insights, networking and industry innovation. Cape Town – 22 May 2025 - Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a leader in financial strategy and cloud accounting solutions will be hosting its first ever ‘Accountants of the Future’ event, kicking off with an in-person gathering in Cape Town on 5 June 2025. The event, sponsored by global accounting software provider Xero, will explore the evolving role of accountants in a tech-driven, remote-first world. Aimed at forward-thinking finance professionals, this inaugural event is designed to foster innovation, career development, and strategic networking in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI), the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and rapid regulatory change. The event will feature panel discussions, speed networking, and breakout sessions. “As the financial landscape evolves, so must the people who lead it,” says Louw Barnardt, Co-Founder of OCFO. “Accountants of the Future is more than just an event. We see it as a platform for education, conversation, and community. We’re creating a space where future finance leaders can upskill, exchange ideas, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Programme highlights: The accountant’s role in the age of AI and 4IR Career development & emerging opportunities Adopting new technologies (automation, blockchain, cloud platforms) Mental wellness & emotional resilience in a high-performance world “This event is about bridging the gap between tradition and transformation,” says Damian Baker, Executive Head of Cloud Accounting at OCFO. “We want to demystify the technologies shaping our industry while keeping the human aspect of accounting front and centre-especially as firms adopt hybrid and remote models.” OCFO believes the future of accounting belongs to the professionals who blend technical competence with digital fluency and …

Scale smarter with outsourced CFO services - strategic finance, fundraising support, and performance insights without the cost of a full-time hire. Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a global financial strategy firm, is expanding its outsourced CFO services to businesses across the United States from its office in New York. With a proven track record in delivering world-class financial leadership, the firm is lending its financial expertise to American businesses seeking scalable growth, profitability, and long-term sustainability. “As companies across the US look for smarter ways to scale and streamline their operations, we're here to bridge the talent gap with world-class financial leadership at a fraction of the cost,” says Etienne Raubenheimer, head of CFO Services. “By combining our resources across our global offices, our team brings deep expertise and a fresh perspective to strategic finance and now we’re excited to expand this service even further.” The US continues to face a significant shortage of experienced financial professionals, particularly CFO-level leaders. This allows growing businesses access to flexible, outsourced CFO services to support business owners, CEOs, and executive teams with the strategic financial guidance they need - without the cost of hiring a full-time CFO. This approach allows growing businesses to benefit from: Strategic financial planning and forecasting Data-driven management reports and performance insights Budgeting and cash flow optimisation Fundraising and investor readiness support Merger & Acquisition planning and financial due diligence “We don’t just crunch numbers - we help you make better business decisions,” says Raubenheimer. “We provide the tools, insights, and guidance to ensure your business is not just surviving, but thriving.” To demonstrate their capabilities and how this positively influenced clients, Raubenheimer offered to share the details and results of a few firms his team …

OCFO teams up with Zoho for a hands-on Integration Day, boosting team alignment, streamlining operations, and enhancing client service delivery. Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a premier provider of financial management and strategic advisory services, successfully hosted an Integrate Office Day on 19 March 2025. This event featured engaging workshops with the Business Automation and Integration Team and the Zoho Partner Sales team, after which internal team alignment sessions aimed at enhancing client services and operational efficiencies were held. The day kicked off with an interactive morning session led by a team of integration specialists from Zoho. This workshop provided OCFO’s team with the unique opportunity to directly engage with Zoho to gain a deeper insight into utilising Zoho’s innovative suite of tools for improved client onboarding and service delivery. The session featured practical demonstrations, tailored advice, and real-world case studies, significantly enhancing the team’s capability to effectively incorporate Zoho's solutions into their daily operations. Following the Zoho-focused workshop, the event transitioned into valuable internal team-building and alignment sessions. These discussions aimed to optimise internal processes, clarify team roles, and strengthen communication within the rapidly growing integration department. Through engaging exercises and collaborative group discussions, team members identified actionable strategies to streamline workflows, improve internal knowledge-sharing, and consistently deliver exceptional client experiences. Participants praised the internal workshops for providing clear direction, renewed enthusiasm, and a deeper understanding of their roles. These strategic conversations tackled important operational challenges and opportunities, fostering unity and collective purpose—a critical aspect as OCFO continues expanding its capabilities to meet evolving client demands. Caromé Barnard, System …

Strategic planning essential as VAT hikes, infrastructure investments offer both challenges and opportunities for South African businesses in Budget 2025. The 2025 Budget Speech, delivered last week by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, outlines bold fiscal strategies to stabilise South Africa's economy, but has also stirred concern across the business sector. Etienne Raubenheimer, Head of CFO Services at Outsourced CFO (OCFO), commented extensively on the anticipated economic impact, emphasising that businesses across sectors need to prepare strategically for the road ahead. Minister Godongwana’s decision to incrementally increase Value-Added Tax (VAT) to 16% by 2026/27 has drawn the most attention, given its broad impact on consumers and businesses alike. Raubenheimer recognises the government's challenge in balancing increased public spending needs against limited revenue options but underscores the complexities this decision brings. “While raising VAT is fiscally understandable, we must acknowledge that it comes at a difficult time for both small and large businesses already operating in an economy strained by sluggish growth, infrastructural challenges, and ongoing power outages,” explains Raubenheimer. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the VAT increase poses an immediate risk to their cash flow and overall financial stability. Raubenheimer points out that many SMEs are already operating on tight margins due to rising operational costs, high interest rates, and the persistent impacts of load shedding. The additional tax burden could further compress these margins, limiting their ability to grow and invest in new opportunities. "Higher VAT translates directly into higher costs for businesses, especially SMEs that can't always pass these increased costs to consumers without affecting their competitiveness,” Raubenheimer notes. "Moreover, decreased consumer spending power, a likely outcome of higher VAT, could lead to further reduced …

Proactive tax planning helps businesses prevent fines, cash flow issues, and compliance risks. Stay prepared with expert guidance from Outsourced CFO. Businesses need to make sure they are financially ready for the rapidly approaching tax season in order to prevent fines, cash flow problems, and compliance problems. This is the message from Charmaine Wentzel, Cloud Accounting Manager at Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a leading provider of financial and cloud accounting services. For companies of all sizes, proactive tax planning and preparation are crucial, as inadequate planning continues to be one of the biggest tax-related errors that companies make. "Not planning for tax season is one of the biggest mistakes businesses make when it comes to tax compliance," says Wentzel. "Failing to plan often results in needless financial strain, whether it's corporate taxes due at the end of the fiscal year or sales tax that needs to be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually." Due to conflicting priorities, ignorance, or being overwhelmed by the complexity of tax laws, many business owners put off tax preparation. Last-minute filings, however, can cause cash flow problems and expensive penalties. According to Wentzel, "procrastination is a common issue." Tax filings are frequently neglected by business owners as they prioritise what seems most important. The issue is that unprepared companies encounter financial strain, fines, and occasionally compliance problems when deadlines come up, which may affect their capacity to win contracts. Beyond monetary fines, there may be long-term consequences for late or inaccurate submission. Companies who don't pay their taxes may find it difficult to get financing and lose out on chances for expansion. Since tax compliance is usually a pre-requisite when tendering for big contracts, companies may lose out on lucrative deals because they don't have the taxes in order. Businesses should take a proactive approach to tax preparation in …

With looming deadlines for the Tax Season, many business owners and entrepreneurs are finding themselves in a tight spot: They’re not prepared for Tax Season. To help SME business owners, founders and entrepreneurs, Outsourced CFO are co-hosting a live Webinar to offer advice and answer any questions. This free LinkedIn Live webinar will be co-hosted by Damian Baker, Head of Cloud Accounting at OCFO. He will be joined by Renier Kriel from The Open Letter. The aim of the Live Webinar will be to provide attendees with easy-to-understand expert guidance on how Small and Medium Businesses (SMEs) can navigate the financial year-end with ease and efficiency. For many small and medium-sized businesses, the financial year-end is one of the most stressful times of the year. Tax deadlines loom, financial reports pile up, and teams struggle to keep up with manual reconciliations and compliance requirements. However, with the right tools and strategies, financial year-end can become a seamless, structured process rather than a last-minute scramble. “Many business owners didn’t start their companies to become financial experts, yet financial control is a crucial part of sustainable business growth,” says Baker. “With the right strategies and tools, year-end does not have to be a source of stress. It can be a structured, well-prepared process that sets you up for a strong year ahead.” The webinar will focus on easy to implement steps that business owners can take to stay in control of their finances, avoid last-minute surprises, and leverage financial insights to drive smarter decision-making. Attendees will gain insights into proactive year-end planning, the advantages of cloud-based accounting solutions like Xero, and the strategic value of CFO services. Financial year-end is more than just a compliance exercise; it is an opportunity for businesses to assess their financial health and make informed decisions for the future. However, statistics show that 40% of …

As businesses gear up for 2025 the focus is increasingly turning towards innovative strategies that empower growth while optimising costs. Outsourced CFO (OCFO), a leading financial consultancy and financial talent solutions provider, highlights a key trend that is reshaping the business landscape: the rising adoption of outsourced fractional staff. “Businesses are recognising the power of tapping into specialised expertise on a fractional basis,” says Louw Barnardt, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Outsourced CFO. “This model allows companies to bridge critical skill gaps without the overheads of full-time employment. It’s a game-changer, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to scale efficiently.” With economic uncertainties and global talent shortages continuing to challenge traditional hiring practices, businesses are turning to outsourced services to remain agile and competitive. According to Barnardt, this trend goes beyond cost savings; it’s about unlocking access to specialised expertise that would otherwise be out of reach for many companies. “In our own environment we’ve seen a major shift with our clients looking for specific needs, which we believe will expand into other industries throughout 2025,” continues Barnardt. OCFO focuses on three core specialties: Outsourced CFO Services: Providing strategic financial leadership to businesses seeking to optimise financial operations and secure funding without the full-time cost of a senior financial executive. Cloud Accounting Solutions: Delivering cutting-edge, scalable bookkeeping and accounting solutions that leverage technology to streamline financial management. Temporary Staff Placements: Offering flexible staffing solutions in the CFO and Accounting Space, from temporary cover during extended leave to specialised secondments that help businesses navigate complex projects. Permanent Staff Placements: A specialised recruitment approach tailored to your …