12 June 2009
	ENTREPRENEUR Going direct By Matebello Motloung

A group of four dynamic chartered accountants are making a name for themselves in the corporate sector. Friends Pieter van Zyl, Marnus Coetzee, Leon Reinach and Van Zyl Botha are the owners of FinFive - a financial services consultancy that has fast amassed a list of blue-chip clients. Started in 2006, FinFive has a client list that boasts mining companies Randgold, Alexkor, Namakwa Diamonds and Great Basin Gold. The firm was instrumental in structuring the Uranium One black empowerment deal in 2006 and handled Namakwa's London listing in 2007. Pieter van Zyl, Van Zyl Botha, Leon Reinach and Marnus Coetzee Van Zyl and Botha met as students at Stellenbosch University, and later joined up with childhood friends Coetzee and Reinach. Their combined expertise ranges from strategic management and assurance to tax advice and consulting to listed firms. FinFive's staff has grown to 18 people. A small office in Sandton is used mainly to store files, but staff work from a virtual office as company policy is not to travel in traffic unless it is unavoidable. The owners believe it improves productivity. Staff have to be available on their mobile phones at all times during working hours. FinFive is "more than profitable", says Van Zyl, and growth has been "double digit" from year one.