LERUSHA CHETTY: Manager Financial Accounting at Smiths Manufacturing
#AutomotiveAllies: Lerusha Chetty, who was nominated by Paul Vermaak is the Financial Accounting Manager at Smiths Manufacturing.
Lerusha Chetty was born on 3rd February 1990 at the Newcastle General Hospital (Indian Section). Yes, at birth Lerusha was classified Indian, a classification that she still carries almost thirty years into South Africa’s democracy. This is a classification she wishes she could get rid of as some sections of our country see it as a sign of being born into privilege, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Lerusha was born to a teacher father and a bank clerk mother from whom she learnt the value of hard work, determination and attention to detail. These are just some of the attributes that held Lerusha in good stead throughout her schooling career at Effingham Primary and Secondary School and her tertiary education at the University of KwaZulu Natal. It is through Lerusha’s parents’ sacrifice and support that she and her sisters have become the strong willed, independent and successful woman they are today.
Whilst becoming a Chartered Accountant was not Lerusha’s first choice as a career path, looking back now she cannot see herself doing anything else. This career path has provided many opportunities, which led Lerusha to her current position as Financial Accounting Manager at Smiths Manufacturing, a leading manufacturing company in the automotive industry. Entering the automotive industry as a young female is not easy, yet Lerusha remains grateful for the ongoing guidance, support and mentorship that she has received. Whilst Lerusha recognizes that she still has much to learn, she looks upon this as a challenge and thrives on the satisfaction of rising to the challenges placed before her.
If Lerusha could give her younger self any advice, it would be that although at times it may feel like there is a lot you do not know, do not let that defeat you – use every opportunity to learn, develop and grow.
Considering advice for other women entering a male-dominated industry, Lerusha quotes Anne Frank, “Everyone has inside of her a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be, how much you can love, what you can accomplish and what your potential is” and offers some advice of her own:
To every woman out there, we all have the potential to accomplish greatness no matter how big or small it may be, so don’t let anyone hold you back from shining and being true to who you are.
