Monica Van der Berg

Monica van der Berg, founder of Mons Accounting and Business Consulting, speaks passionately about her journey in the world of accounting and business consulting. “I have a passion for accounting, income tax, and all your business consulting needs,” she shares, reflecting on her path to entrepreneurship.

Recalling her early years, Monica explains, “I grew up in a small industrial town called Richards Bay, and that’s where I matriculated and got my accounting diploma.” Interestingly, she didn’t initially consider accounting as a career. “I never thought of doing anything in accounting during matric. I didn’t even have it as a major subject,” she reveals. Instead, her academic interests lay in maths and physics, subjects that required precision and balance. “With maths and physics, you have to balance everything; it has to come to a specific number.” It was this fondness for numbers that ultimately led her towards accounting, even though it wasn’t part of her initial plan.

Monica’s entry into the field was unconventional. “I got my diploma through Boston, and all you needed was your matric. You didn’t have to have accounting,” she recounts. After obtaining her diploma, she began her career in Richards Bay, working in various accounting firms. “I did my articles and gained ten years of experience in accounting firms, and I also ventured into the imports and exports industry,” she says.

Empowering Others
During Covid, the transition to starting her own business came gradually, sparked by demand for her expertise. “I began receiving calls asking for help with income tax and other accounting matters,” she recalls. She noticed a gap in the market where traditional firms were falling short. “A lot of accounting firms help people, but they don’t really give them the specific tools or explain why certain things are taught,” she explains. Driven by the desire to empower others with knowledge, Monica took the bold step to launch Mons Accounting and Business Consulting in 2020 while still working full-time.

The true turning point came in early 2024 when Monica found herself unexpectedly unemployed. “In April, I lost my job, and for four months, despite being highly qualified, I kept hearing, ‘Sorry’,” she remembers. Faced with this challenge, Monica knew she had to take her business from a side hustle to a full-time venture. “It was daunting and scary to take that first step, but I told myself, ‘Monica, you have to do this,’” she states. With determination and a willingness to learn, she embraced the entrepreneurial journey, finding support from her network. “People came forward with advice, encouraging me, saying, ‘Monica, you can do this,’” she shares.

Monica’s drive to succeed is deeply rooted in her belief that circumstances should not define one’s future. “My biggest dream is to show people that no matter what happens in your life, you can succeed,” she declares. Her own experiences are a testament to this belief. “I didn’t have accounting as a background, and I also have epilepsy,” Monica reveals. Despite these challenges, she achieved her matric, earned a diploma, and now runs her own business. “There’s nothing stopping anyone, no matter what they’re facing,” she emphasises.

Follow Your Dream
Throughout her career, Monica has been inspired by those who believed in her abilities. She fondly recalls a mentor from her days of doing articles. “There was a lady I worked with who always encouraged me whenever I felt like I couldn’t do it. She would say, ‘Monica, you can do this even if you make a small error. You’ve got the knowledge, you’ve got so much potential, just keep following your dream’,” she recounts. Monica kept these words close to her heart as they provided much motivation to continue her journey.

Marketing was a skill Monica never anticipated mastering. “I always thought I wasn’t a very creative person,” she admits. However, as she worked on promoting her

business, she realised its impact. “I’ve learned how to market, and it has really impacted my business,” she says. Her approach to client relationships is deeply personal. “I make sure I meet my clients in a personal capacity and go the extra mile for them,” she adds, describing how this has impacted her business and her customers.

Recognition came as a surprise for Monica, who describes herself as a humble person. “When I received the email notifying me of this achievement, it took a few days for it to sink in,” she says. For someone who doesn’t often celebrate her successes, entering competitions and receiving accolades has been a new experience. “I’m part of the Umhlanga Women Achievers, and entering competitions was initially a challenge. “I hesitated because I thought that there are so many more qualified people out there,” she admits, but it turned out to be a valuable exercise in self-belief.

The entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its hurdles. “Finding clients was challenging at first,” Monica explains. She frequently encountered rejections, whether due to existing accounting relationships or pricing. “People would say, ‘Sorry, you’re too expensive,’ and I would think, ‘But my rates are reasonable,’” she says. Yet, Monica overcame these obstacles by persisting with her marketing efforts. “You just have to keep going, keep getting out there, and continue marketing yourself,” she advises.

Monica’s advice to young women is straightforward and powerful. “Just continue. Don’t ever stop. Follow your dreams no matter what they are,” she urges. She encourages perseverance even when the path seems uncertain. “If you feel like you want to sit on that little nest and not continue, just don’t stop,” she stresses.

Looking to the future, Monica is focused on growth, both for her business and for the individuals she inspires. “My goal is to grow my business further and help more people follow their dreams, just like I did,” she shares. Balancing work with personal life is essential for her well- being. “I find balance by walking on the beach, attending church on Sundays, and spending time with my faith,” she concludes.