Swanepoel & Partners is a South Africa–based professional services Firm built on trust, exceptional work ethics, and the application of relevant, practical expertise. Its work centers on independent reviews and advisory services, with a close attention to long-term client relationships. The Firm did not begin with a grand plan. It grew brick by brick.
It took shape through the personal experience of its Founding Partner Heinrich Werner Swanepoel, steeled by early discipline and a hard-fought battle for health. Both characteristics shaped how he approaches his responsibilities and leads his team. In his world, nothing is handed to you on a silver platter. Heinrich credits his late grandmother for setting that course. “My late grandmother lit the fire in me from a young age,” he shares. She insisted on daily math practice before any play or television. Numbers came first. Always. That routine laid the fundamentals of his thinking. Though he initially wanted to be an author, Heinrich felt a powerful calling toward auditing.
He started the Firm in 2014 out of necessity, shaped by his work habits and health. Life had become a tough balance of working and studying. Heinrich was always in pain and felt worse over time, losing motivation. At first, he thought it was just exhaustion.
His health issues were complicated. In 2013, doctors diagnosed him with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). However, Heinrich was not convinced. In 2021, he worked with a Genetic Specialist and sent DNA samples worldwide because resources in South Africa were limited. The tests found a very rare, unnamed disorder on the RYR1 gene that causes periodic paralysis. This took a heavy toll on him.
A regular 9-to-5 workday was no longer possible. In February 2014, his suffering peaked, prompting his resignation from his senior roles. On his last day, April 30, 2014, he had no financial plan. Medical bills were mounting, and the security of a monthly paycheck vanished.
Yet, his years of dedicated work opened a new door. On May 2, 2014, he received a call through a reference for accounting work in Harare, Zimbabwe. When he returned, the phone kept ringing. He secured more work through another reference.
Swanepoel & Partners officially took off at a rapid speed. “I was a one-man show,” Heinrich shares, “but my clients are my partners.” The Firm grew steadily through word-of-mouth sharing by satisfied clients. The engine behind its burgeoning success is its relationship-led approach. “Don’t neglect ‘small’ clients. They are the ones who will refer others to you. Word-of-mouth is priceless” A principle I believe in religiously.
In the early years, the focus was simple. Build credibility. Deliver strong technical work. Let consistency do the talking. Swanepoel & Partners rendered services with unwavering dedication.
Professional Credentials
Ranked among ‘The Most Remarkable People in Accounting, 2025,’ Heinrich brings more than 20 years of experience to the Firm’s leadership. A field-tested expertise sits squarely within the South African regulatory sphere and is backed by several specialized accreditations. He is recognized as an Associate General Accountant (SA) through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Further credentials include being a Professional Accountant (SA) and an Independent Reviewer (SA) with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). He also holds the designation of Professional Tax Practitioner (SA) from the Centre of Tax Excellence (SAIPA) and is a Registered Tax Practitioner with the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
His specializations span stretch across a broad spectrum of client needs. They include Independent Reviews and the preparation of annual financial statements based on IFRS and IFRS for SME. Heinrich and his Team also handle complex areas like Income Taxation, including International Taxation, VAT, and PAYE. Finally, he offers comprehensive accounting, business, and management consulting services.
A Vision Built on Partnership
Though the Firm’s initial aim was to build credibility and deliver core technical services expertly, the vision quickly evolved. Heinrich recognized a market gap. Many of these traditional practices are set in their ways, too rigid and reluctant to change and often lack truly personalized client service.
He was determined to build something different. A one-of-a-kind practice. It needed to prioritize trust, innovation (including incorporating information technology solutions), and long-term relationships above all else. This focus solidified the Firm’s approach to client engagement. Heinrich believes in working deeply with clients. He emphasizes that the client must function as true collaborators. “Have a one-on-one relationship with your clients,” he explains, “and work together as partners.”
The principles that became the core building blocks of the Firm’s strategy are the following: Firstly, is Innovation: leveraging technology and data insights to achieve better client outcomes. Secondly is Specialization: developing niche expertise in areas where client support is most critical. Thirdly is Impact: moving far beyond routine transactional work. Heinrich wants the Firm to be a strategic partner that truly moves the needle for a client’s growth.
Embracing Change as Opportunity
A critical moment in Heinrich’s career taught him a lasting lesson in leadership. It was navigating a major regulatory change in South Africa early on. Change in regulation is constant in the accounting industry. This experience taught Heinrich two essential skills: adaptability and proactive communication.
He views change not as a threat, but as an opportunity. It is a chance to lead clients through uncertainty. Heinrich’s leadership approach is now shaped by the philosophies of many top leaders. He ensures the advice he provides is defined by clarity, resilience, and collaboration.
Prioritizing Self-Honesty and Choice
For Heinrich, balancing a growing business and maintaining personal well-being is vital. This is especially true due to his medical challenge. The first step was radical self-honesty. He needed to recognize his true value. “I am not a broken part!” he declares. “Nothing is wrong with my brain or my thinking abilities. I am still good at what I do and have so much more to offer.”
This moment of clarity gave him back his zest for life. He shares that the key is simple: “Be honest with yourself.” He acknowledges that every day remains a struggle, bringing both good and bad moments. He understands his diagnosis and the possible movement limitations ahead. Yet, he makes a choice daily. He chooses to live each day to the fullest and remain positive. Conscience controls how we feel. Negativity breeds negativity and ends in nothing but failure. A positive conscience is a difficult thing to maintain, but it’s the key to success. Heinrich also delves into his personal excitement about his wife’s pregnancy, expecting their firstborn in May 2026.
Ethical Leadership and the Independent Role
Integrating ethics and integrity is fundamental to Swanepoel & Partners. They prioritize three principles: integrity, transparency, and ensuring everything’s centered around the client. They confirm that ethical considerations are always the priority and shortcuts are never an option. This starts with being open and honest in every client relationship. Swanepoel & Partners listens closely to others and shows genuine interest in both clients and the Team. The Firm relies heavily on data-driven insights, using scenario planning to ensure full compliance while also achieving optimal client outcomes. Heinrich ensures the Firm always exercises sound judgment and respects its independent role. He believes the professional must serve as an oracle or a beacon of information and advice without directly interfering in the client’s day-to-day operations.
Tackling Industry Challenges Head-On
There are three thorns in the mutual accounting and advisory industry, namely rapid technological disruption, a shortage of human capital, and increasing regulatory complexity.
Swanepoel & Partners face these obstacles daily and directly. Technology is embraced as a catalyst for growth, with investments in automation and secure cloud solutions. These tools streamline processes, improving accuracy and enhancing the client experience. Heinrich confirms they consistently focus on innovation, experimentation, and training with the future in mind.
As for talent retention, the Firm fosters a supportive culture. Flexible work arrangements and continuous professional development help make the workspace friendlier. They embed strategic advisory to move beyond transactional work. This strategic focus ensures they deliver real value to clients. The Firm achieves differentiation by consistently branding and personalizing client engagement. Heinrich shares why this is critical: “Your reputation and your brand are imperative. It is important to build relationships and always deliver quality work.” This strategy reinforces both trust and credibility.
Aligning the Winning Team
This seasoned executive ensures his Team remains aligned with the Firm’s long-term vision. They do this while adapting to constantly evolving client and regulatory needs. They communicate the vision consistently. They also integrate it directly into performance goals.
Regular strategy sessions and feedback loops keep everyone aligned. This still allows his Team of professionals’ room for necessary agility. The Team is affectionately called “die Wenspan,” which is Afrikaans for “the Winning Team”. Heinrich tries to be available as much as possible for his Team. He assists them when they face challenges and includes them in client discussions as well as idea implementation. This creates a highly effective working relationship. It also accelerates talent development within the Firm. Training and continuous development information is regularly shared. The Team is strongly encouraged to apply their newly obtained skills.
Navigating Crises and Protecting People
The professional achievement Heinrich is most proud of centers on the 2020 global crisis. He guided the Firm through the COVID-19 pandemic. He attributes the Firm’s success to decisive action and hard work. Crucially, they succeeded without any layoffs.
This experience reinforced his definition of leadership. It is about protecting people first. It is also about simultaneously steering the business forward. A true leader needs foresight, empathy, and the ability to take decisive action. Heinrich also values the consistent, positive feedback he receives from clients. This feedback has opened doors to greater opportunities. It has allowed him to engage more actively and expand the Firm’s offerings beyond basic bookkeeping.
Shaping the Future of the Profession
Heinrich is a visionary who sees the Firm’s work as an investment in the next generation. They are shaping professionals who will view accounting differently. It will not just be seen as a compliance function. It will be viewed as a true driver of business success.
The goal is to model a future-ready approach. This means intentionally combining deep technical expertise with strategic thinking. It also requires the unwavering foundation of ethical leadership.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
After gaining extensive experience in this field, Heinrich is ready to prepare the next generation of aspiring entrants. He gives clear advice to them and considers motivation essential. According to him, anyone can do anything if they are motivated, regardless of their background.
Heinrich further breaks down the steps to a successful career into a formula. People who want to be leaders should always be studying. He gives this mathematical explanation: “80% knowledge and 20% work” will help you get a job in the future. Having technical skills and knowledge will help one get a foot in the door. But emotional intelligence (EI) and adaptability will ultimately determine the course of one’s life. The key here is to persevere with a never-give-up attitude.
He offers a specific challenge to new professionals. He states: “Do not accept the mould of traditional accounting. Break the mould and create disruption, but always embrace the fundamentals of being in the industry. Remain ethical and honest with your client, remain up to date with academic programs, and engage with your client.”
Ubuntu: Evolution to Partnership
For Heinrich, the definition of success has evolved deeply. Success used to mean having a profitable, growing company when he started. Today, it means three things: Firstly, success implies helping clients thrive; Secondly, creating opportunities for the Team to develop their skills and thirdly it intends contributing positively to society.
This perspective is powerfully captured by the Bantu word, “Ubuntu”. It means “I am because we are.” Ubuntu describes a set of African values emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrounding world. Heinrich quotes the late Nelson Mandela. Mandela explained Ubuntu as a traveler being attended to by a village without having to ask for food or water. He also shares the insight from Barack Obama. Obama noted that Ubuntu captures the recognition, “we are all bound together in ways invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others and caring for those around us.”
These virtues inspire Heinrich. For him, success is about generosity and giving with an open hand. He states, “If your hand is closed, you cannot expect to receive.” This ethos is what makes the Firm relevant and drives its future success.
Future-Readying the Industry
This industry veteran addresses the common notion that the accounting industry will not exist in the face of AI. He finds this statement inaccurate. While AI will greatly ease the workload and information gathering, he says nothing beats human interaction with clients.
The industry must fully embrace AI. The goal should be to work smarter, not harder and software is merely a supporting element. Personal and academic intellect is far more important as the future will demand specific skills. He emphasizes three core principles: Firstly, professionals must interpret data. Secondly, they must communicate with insight. And thirdly, they must lead ethically in a digital-first world.
He highlights that becoming a Chartered Accountant in South Africa (CA(SA)) or an associate with SAICA is beneficial. SAICA is recognized as the world’s number one regulator. In conclusion, he is passionate about breaking limitations. He urges professionals, “Gain skills through self-improvement, academically and personal intellect.” Heinrich believes this will create a future-ready industry.
