Tell us more about Bingle Cloete and your career journey to joining Atterbury Europe earlier this year.

I grew up in Pretoria and graduated from Hoërskool Menlopark in 2013. From a young age, I had a clear vision of becoming a chartered accountant, which led me to pursue a B-Accounting degree. I was fortunate to complete my studies at Stellenbosch University, where I met my now fiancé Andrea, discovered my love for the Cape Winelands and made lifelong friends.

I then relocated to Cape Town, where I did my articles at Deloitte. My three years of doing articles truly taught me the importance of working hard while also maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I also learned the value of establishing good relationships with friends and colleagues. I truly believe that one’s life, including your career, is largely built on good relationships.

After articles, I had the opportunity to do a short-term secondment for Deloitte in Canada, which was an incredible experience, and I still have contact with friends that I made there. It sparked a new love for skiing, travelling and learning new cultures, and enhanced my appreciation for working in international environments.

After returning to South Africa, I worked at Investec’s Sandton branch in the private banking credit division. Working in a demanding environment with talented colleagues, this role exposed me to the real estate and property development sector, as it played a key role in my daily work. It sparked my interest in the property market and motivated me to explore further opportunities in the industry.

What led you to pursue a role at Atterbury Europe?

When the prospect presented itself, I knew it was the perfect fit! I’ve been following Atterbury Europe for several years, so when I heard about the opportunity and the chance to relocate to the Netherlands, I was thrilled to pursue it. After my Canadian experience, I realised how much I enjoyed working and spending time abroad.

Before joining Atterbury Europe, I had discussions with some of the people who work here and that was a key factor in my decision to pursue this role. The opportunity to join, learn from hardworking, talented management and colleagues with extensive knowledge in this industry, and partake in Atterbury Europe’s operations energises me. Atterbury Europe is an innovative, successful company and a good culture fit for me.

What excites you most about working in the real estate and property development sector, particularly within Europe?

The diverse cultures and constantly evolving trends, make it a really exciting place to be! It also allows me to collaborate with people from all over Europe and learn from their unique perspectives. From what I’ve seen over the past few weeks working here is that property investments in each country – Cyprus, Romania and Serbia offer unique opportunities to grow and have an impact. I’m excited to help manage the finances and work with the team to ensure the long-term success of our investments in these countries.

What are your main priorities as the new accountant at HQ in Leiden?

My responsibilities include consolidating financial statements across the group and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. This includes preparing financial reports, managing budgets and overseeing transactions and tax compliance, along with analysing financial performance across the various entities within the group.

There will also be a strong focus on managing external relationships, such as co-ordinating audits and dealing with tax consultants and other financial institutions to ensure transparency and accuracy across the group.

Outside of work, what are some of your interests or hobbies that help you stay balanced and inspired?

As I have recently moved to Europe, I’m excited to explore my new surroundings. I’m passionate about travelling, as it allows me to experience different cultures and broaden my perspective.

I value my friends and enjoy good relationships and social occasions, so I love spending time with friends and family. I’ve also grown up in a family that loves sport. I played rugby for a big part of my life where I initially learned the value of teamwork, I also enjoy golfing whenever I get the chance. To summarise:

• Golf (not great)
• Skiing (worse than my golf)
• Cooking (good)
• Socialising with friends (better than my golf)
• Enjoying good coffee (Best! I completed my professional Barista course at Origin in Cape Town).

Bingle’s journey reflects his eagerness to keep learning, forging strong ties and making a positive impact wherever he goes. In his new role, he’ll not only strengthen Atterbury Europe’s financial management but also bring a sense of camaraderie and excitement to the team. With his international perspective, passion for collaboration and drive for innovation, Bingle is set to play a pivotal part in Atterbury Europe’s ongoing success. Welcome to the Atterbury team Bingle!