Speaker Highlight: Pretty Makukule
We sat down with Pretty N Makukule CA (SA), ACMA, CGMA, MBA, M.Inst.D , Chief Financial Officer for South African National Parks (SANParks) , ahead of her appearance at World Finance Forum Singapore on April 9th.
In our wide-ranging conversation, Pretty discusses the integration of AI in finance, balancing ESG principles with profitability, and what she looks for when hiring for her own team.
What’s the biggest challenge finance leaders are facing today?
Finance leaders today must navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment. Geopolitical risks, economic volatility, and regulatory changes require finance teams to be more agile and strategic.
''The push for sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration is transforming financial decision-making.''
The challenge lies in balancing profitability with long-term sustainability while ensuring resilience in the face of market disruptions. It’s also important for finance leaders to be intentional about achieving their sustainability goals, rather than being performative. This requires bold and decisive action, while also keeping close watch on the bottom line.
Where are you on your automation journey, is it a big feature in your work or are you at the beginning?
Automation is becoming a critical pillar of our finance operations, though the journey is still evolving. As the largest conservation and biodiversity entity in South Africa, SANParks manages complex financial and operational systems that require modernization. We are integrating automation to enhance efficiency in financial reporting, procurement, and revenue management, with a strong focus on implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to unify financial processes, reduce manual inefficiencies, and improve compliance.
In the sustainability space, automation remains largely untapped, particularly in tracking and reporting ESG metrics.
"However, a major challenge lies in modernizing policies and standard operating procedures to become automation-friendly, as many existing processes are still heavily manual and paper-based."
Our goal is to use digital finance transformation not just for operational efficiency but to drive better financial sustainability. By embedding automation into key financial processes, we can improve governance, enhance transparency, and ensure that resources are allocated more effectively to support both conservation efforts and long-term financial stability.
What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in finance over the past decade?
"The growing emphasis on sustainability, governance, and technological transformation."
Previously, financial management was primarily focused on traditional metrics such as cost efficiency, revenue generation, and financial controls. However, there has been a paradigm shift towards purpose-driven finance, where ESG considerations are now embedded in financial decision-making.
At the same time, the rapid advancement of AI smart technologies has reshaped financial operations. AI-driven analytics, machine learning, and RPA are enhancing risk management, fraud detection, and decision-making by providing real-time insights and predictive modeling. Blockchain is also improving transparency, particularly in areas like supply chain finance and digital transactions.
The focus has expanded beyond financial returns to include long-term social and environmental sustainability, enabled by technology. Increasing regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and the urgent need to address systemic challenges such as climate change, inequality, and responsible resource management are driving this transformation. Investors, auditors, and oversight bodies now demand greater transparency, not just in financial reporting but also in how institutions contribute to broader economic and sustainability goals.
For finance leaders, this means integrating AI and automation into financial systems, optimizing operational efficiency while aligning fiscal strategies with sustainability and impact-driven investments. The shift underscores the need for financial models that balance economic growth with social equity, environmental resilience, and digital innovation.
What skillsets are you looking for when hiring?
When hiring, I look for a balance of technical expertise with emphasis on soft skills. Adaptability, strategic thinking, and digital fluency are essential, as the finance profession is evolving rapidly. Professionals must be comfortable leveraging technology, interpreting data for strategic insights, and integrating automation into financial processes.
Equally important are soft skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Finance professionals must be able to communicate complex financial concepts to diverse stakeholders, work effectively in cross-functional teams, and navigate change with resilience. Leadership, ethical decision-making, and the ability to influence others are key in driving financial strategies that align with business goals.
"The most valuable professionals are those who combine technical acumen with a forward-thinking mindset and the ability to foster innovation in a constantly shifting financial landscape."