Member Profile: Rajesh Bux

What time do you usually wake up on weekends?

Between 5:30 and 6:00 AM

How do you spend the first hour of your day?
I review financial news, plan key objectives for the day, and enjoy a quiet coffee to set my focus.

What sparked your interest in finance?

I was initially trained in IT and networks, but pivoted into finance when I discovered my passion for understanding how business value is created. Finance provided the ideal platform to combine analysis, strategy, and leadership.

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments?

• Leading the finance, risk, procurement, and warehousing functions at Link Africa, while also serving as interim CEO of BitCo Telecoms.
• Playing a critical role in mergers and acquisitions at Neotel and Peresys.
• Serving as Group Head of Reporting (UK) at Liquid Telecom, where I helped standardise reporting across regions.
• Building robust project finance and internal budget models that continue to guide strategic decisions.
• Managing full audit functions, raising capital, implementing new accounting systems, and reporting to lenders and boards at several organisations.

How do you handle professional challenges?

I approach challenges with a structured and analytical mindset, involve the right people, and focus on long-term, sustainable outcomes. Transparency and adaptability are key to my approach.

What future goals are you excited about?

I am excited about scaling strategic finance functions, driving innovation in infrastructure and telecommunications, and mentoring the next generation of finance leaders.

Have you had any international or different cultural experiences in your career?

Yes. I worked as Group Head of Reporting in the UK and held other roles with international exposure at Liquid Telecom and Sheridans in London. These experiences gave me a strong understanding of global standards and diverse work cultures.

What key skills should a newly qualified accountant develop on their path to becoming a CFO?

A well-rounded CFO needs to develop both technical and strategic thinking. Strong communication, business acumen, digital literacy, and executive presence are as important as mastering financial reporting.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

I manage my time intentionally and create dedicated moments for family and reflection. For me, balance means being fully present, whether I am at work or at home.

What are your interests outside of work?

I enjoy music, exploring new technology, and engaging in continuous learning, particularly around emerging trends in finance and leadership.

How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?

I mentor junior professionals, support team development, and encourage others to lead high-impact projects. I believe in creating a culture of capability, not just task execution.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CFO?

Gain exposure across the business, including operations, procurement, and risk. Step into leadership roles even before you feel completely ready, and continuously invest in your personal and professional growth.

What’s your favourite quote or mantra?

To cut down a tree in five minutes, spend three minutes sharpening your axe – Abraham Lincoln

Share your favourite leadership lesson.

Empower those around you. True leadership means enabling others to excel, guiding them through failure, and celebrating their success.

What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your business bio?

I originally studied computer networks and IT support. That technical background continues to influence how I approach systems and processes in finance today.

What’s your favourite non-business app on your phone?

Spotify

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?

The ability to instantly visualise the financial impact of any decision across time. Essentially, a financial forecasting time machine.

What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?

I work in focused 90-minute sprints with micro-breaks in between. I also maintain a rolling priority list to stay on track and prevent overwhelm.

If you could relive one day from your professional career, which day would it be and why?

The day I addressed the board and lenders for a major funding decision at Neotel. It was a high-stakes moment that validated years of hard work and strategy.