“I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur—it was in my blood. But beyond that, I wanted to build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for my family’s future and for the SMEs who needed real financial guidance. Through my work, I saw firsthand how a lack of financial education and strategic planning held so many entrepreneurs back.”
These are the words of Humairaa Moola, the founder of HM Accounting. A qualified accountant with over 15 years of experience in the South African industry, Humairaa’s decision to establish her own financial management and business advisory firm stemmed from a genuine desire to use her skills to assist both startups and established companies to succeed.
Since its inception, HM Accounting has helped many companies bridge the gap between financial knowledge and business sustainability by offering accounting, tax, bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance services, as well as business and finance training.
Being recognized as a finalist in the Minara Young Entrepreneur Award 2024 is not only one of the major highlights of Humairaa’s career, but it also validated the impact of her work and reinforced the importance of financial empowerment for small businesses.
A Family of Entrepreneurs
Humairaa was born in Dundee, South Africa, and raised in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
“I come from a family of both entrepreneurs and academics, which meant I was always exposed to both the practical and theoretical aspects of business. Even from a young age, I had a natural inclination towards entrepreneurship, and as I progressed in my career, I quickly recognized the gap between academic knowledge and real-world business challenges.”
After completing her high school education in Vryheid, Humairaa studied Accounting Sciences before completing her Bachelor of Commerce Honours while simultaneously working for an accounting firm.
“My internship was done in conjunction with my undergraduate studies, which allowed me to apply what I was learning in real-time. After completing my articles, I continued working at the firm to gain further experience in financial management, compliance, and business advisory. This hands-on exposure gave me deep insights into the struggles business owners face, particularly in financial planning, tax, and sustainable business growth.”
The Birth of HM Accounting
It was these insights that drove Humairaa to start HM Accounting, as a vehicle that could bridge the gap between theory and practice, combining technical expertise with real-world problem-solving to help businesses succeed.
Her entrepreneurial ambitions did not stop her from furthering her education. In fact, she is still studying.
“Today, I am an Associate General Accountant with SAICA, a registered tax practitioner, and a SAGE certified practitioner. I also hold a certificate in the administration of deceased and insolvent estates and am currently pursuing my MBA through the Quantic School of Business and Technology. These qualifications, along with my extensive hands-on experience of more than fifteen years, continue to shape the way I serve my clients—helping them navigate financial challenges with both technical expertise and a deep understanding of what it takes to run a business.”
Offering Financial Advice
HM Accounting has assisted many small business owners struggling with compliance, tax planning, and financial strategy, as well as companies that often make costly mistakes that hinder their growth.
“I wanted to create a firm that goes beyond accounting—one that educates and empowers entrepreneurs to make informed financial decisions that drive business success. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that business owners face, from cash flow struggles and tax compliance issues to a lack of financial planning. I wanted to be part of the solution—helping businesses not only survive but thrive through informed financial decision-making.
“One of my biggest motivators has been seeing how financial education and proper planning can transform a business and empower individuals. When people understand how to manage their finances effectively, make strategic decisions, and plan for the future, they not only create sustainable businesses but also contribute to broader economic growth.
“There is a lot of fulfillment in helping businesses streamline their accounting processes. Our main office is in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, and we serve clients across South Africa. Currently, we have two full-time employees, but I also collaborate with freelancers, partners, and subcontractors to deliver specialized services,” Humairaa said.
Overcoming Challenges
With the accounting and finance landscape having changed dramatically to incorporate digital transformation, including cloud accounting, automation, and AI-driven financial solutions, HM Accounting has had to constantly reconfigure its operations.
“To stay ahead, I focus on continuous learning, leveraging technology, and maintaining a client-centered approach.”
She has also learned to embrace the challenges that come with running a business by using them as a springboard to grow.
“One of the biggest challenges I have faced in the accounting industry is establishing trust and credibility, especially as a young, female entrepreneur in a profession that is often dominated by established firms with decades of experience. Overcoming this has required a multifaceted approach, rooted in consistency, expertise, and resilience. Trust isn’t built overnight—it’s earned through delivering high-quality, accurate, and ethical financial services consistently. Additionally, continuous learning and professional development have been at the core of my approach. By staying ahead of regulatory changes, tax laws, and technological advancements, I ensure that HM Accounting always provides the most up-to-date and relevant financial guidance.”
‘Save Up Before You Start’
Asked about her advice to emerging entrepreneurs, Humairaa explains how good preparation and ensuring sufficient capital to get a business off the ground are both key ingredients.
“Save up before you start. One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is diving in without financial preparation. Business takes time to grow, and in the early stages, your income may be inconsistent.
“Before launching, build up some savings to cover your basic expenses, unexpected costs, and slow months. Having a financial cushion reduces pressure and allows you to focus on growth instead of scrambling for survival.”
“Finally, as a woman in business, I’ve embraced the lesson that owning my voice and trusting my instincts is a strength, not a limitation. The journey has not been without its challenges, but every obstacle has reinforced my belief that entrepreneurship is about creating impact, solving problems, and continuously evolving,” she concludes.
