A sit down with Pieter Crous from Kula
In today’s rapidly evolving business world, companies are increasingly embracing remote work, especially when it comes to tapping into international talent pools. One country that’s proving to be a goldmine for skilled finance professionals is South Africa. Pieter Crous CA (SA), Head of Delivery at Kula and a key player in the development of KC Audit’s remote team, offers valuable insights into why South Africa is becoming an attractive destination for remote teams, and how Kula can help businesses successfully build and manage remote teams in this region.
Meet Pieter Crous: A Global Experience with Local Insight
Born and raised just outside Cape Town, Pieter’s professional journey took him to the Netherlands, where he spent 8 years working as an audit manager for major firms like Deloitte and ABN AMRO. After deciding to return to South Africa with his young family in 2022, Pieter began working remotely for KC Accounting, and soon after, was tasked with leading the expansion of the KC Audit team in South Africa. Today, Pieter manages a growing remote finance team in South Africa, and serves as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for KC Audit’s Dutch operations. Under his leadership, the team has flourished, expanding to 13 members by January 2025.
A Strong, Seamless Remote Team Model
The collaboration between Kula and KC Audit has resulted in the creation of a remote team based in South Africa that works seamlessly with the Dutch office. Pieter’s team is currently 9 people strong, with a clear path for growth in the coming years. These professionals work remotely, from their homes or alternate locations, as long as they have a reliable internet connection. Pieter emphasizes that flexibility is key. “We have team members working from their second homes or during workations, where they balance work with family visits or vacations. It’s about empowering our team to work in a way that suits them. My team is highly committed to the assignment and the deadline, how and where they work is up to them.”
Building a Global Team, Close to Home
One of the key strengths of the South African team is its integration into the broader KC Audit organization. While remote work is the norm, the team comes together periodically for in-person gatherings in the Western Cape, where they participate in trainings, in-depth discussions and team-building activities. Additionally, the South African team attends a summer course in the Netherlands each year, strengthening the bond between them and their Dutch colleagues. Communication is smooth, with regular check-ins and social activities like online pub quizzes to foster team cohesion (also due to all working in the same time zone). As Pieter points out, even the Dutch team works remotely several days a week, creating a shared experience for everyone.
Why South Africa? The Perfect Match for Remote Work
South Africa offers several advantages for companies looking to build remote teams. South Africa and the Netherlands share historic ties and have a long-standing relationship, partly due to the Dutch colony in the Cape, linguistic similarity between Dutch and Afrikaans.
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), South Africa’s pre-eminent accountancy body, is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading accounting institutes. South African Chartered Accountants (CAs(SA)) have earned the top position in a groundbreaking global professional trust survey conducted by Edelman, a respected research firm, on behalf of Chartered Accountants Worldwide (CAW).The shared professional standard, combined with a similar work ethic, makes South African finance professionals an excellent fit for Dutch companies.
In addition to professional capabilities, Pieter explains that professionals appreciate the flexibility that remote work provides. “Working remotely is common in South Africa because of the country’s vast geography. The flexibility to organize their work schedule is highly valued, and it allows for a better work-life balance. Personally, I love being able to have lunch with my young children every day and not having to deal with the daily commute.”
The Kula Advantage: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
At the heart of Kula’s remote team model is a focus on employee well-being and development. South African finance professionals working with Kula enjoy a high level of job stability and career growth opportunities, which is not always common in the local job market. This translates to a highly loyal and experienced team. They are all here for the long run, eager to deliver top-tier work for international clients. Pieter highlights the added benefit for Dutch companies: “The availability of skilled professionals in South Africa helps solve the shortage in financial talent that many Ducth companies face. Our South African team is fully integrated into the KC Audit team, and when we need to expand, we can do so quickly. This flexibility is invaluable for businesses experiencing rapid growth.”
How to Get Started with Remote Teams in South Africa
For businesses struggling with their finance resources and considering remote teams in South Africa, Pieter offers a straightforward approach. “Start small. Begin with one or two remote team members, get familiar with the setup, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it works. I will be your SPOC, making sure the team’s operations align with your Dutch practices. From there, we can help you scale the team quickly and efficiently.” Pieter’s experience and expertise in managing remote teams make him the ideal partner for businesses looking to expand globally. “If you’re unsure about how to get started, feel free to reach out. I’m very passionate about this concept and happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process.”
Conclusion: A Future-Proof Solution for Growing Businesses
As remote work continues to reshape the global job market, South Africa is quickly becoming a top choice for companies looking to build reliable, skilled remote teams. With its highly trained professionals, strong work ethic, and excellent cultural alignment with the Netherlands, the country offers businesses a cost-effective and flexible solution to their talent needs. At Kula, a partly Dutch and South African firm, managed by accounting professionals, manages the seamless integration of remote teams in South Africa, and has proven to be a game-changer for companies like KC Audit. Whether you’re looking to build a small remote team or expand your existing workforce, Kula can help you tap into South Africa’s growing pool of talent (such as auditors, accountants, ESG professionals, financial controllers and administrators) and experience the benefits of a truly international workforce.
Ready to learn more? Contact Kula today to discuss how we can help you expand your team and take your business to the next level.
About KC Audit
KC Audit is an ambitious, customer-oriented, and fast-growing accounting firm in Amsterdam with a strong focus on results. The advice is concrete and the service is hands-on. With passionate employees, KC Audit is committed to achieving excellent results. Through tailored services and a personal yet professional approach, they assist their clients with audits, independent assessments, and other assurance services.