Wendell Erasmus

The prime purpose of my role is to provide effective leadership and coordination in the administrative, business planning, accounting and budgeting efforts of the company, and to provide both operational and technical financial support to the organization. As senior financial manager I directly assist the Group Financial Director with all strategic and tactical matters relating to budget management, cost-benefit analysis and forecasting needs. I currently oversee the full financial function at Capespan South Africa and Capespan Europe. This includes Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Cash Management, Management Accounting and Financial Reporting.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and advise the Group Financial Director and Executive Committee of the company on financial issues, and contribute at a strategic level in the company
• Provide leadership in the development and continuous evaluation of short- and long-term strategic financial objectives
• Set financial principles that the company operates by (within Group policies and guidelines), and monitor and address non-compliances
• Monitor key financial ratios, interpret, report and where applicable, drive actions to improve these ratios
• Manage the company’s year-end audit and reporting, half-year reporting, monthly reporting and annual budget process within group guidelines
• Coordinate the preparation of financial statements, financial reports, special analyses and information reports
• Ensure that all reports are accurately compiled and timeously submitted (by set deadlines)
• Manage financial risks which include credit risks, funding and liquidity risks, exchange risks, transfer pricing risks and compliance risks
• Take accountability for working capital management
• Manage the balance sheet, perform monthly reconciliations on all accounts, and evaluate potential impairments
• Drive cost-saving initiatives, efficiencies and process improvements
• Ensure full compliance with exchange control laws, tax laws and other relevant laws
• Ensure that appropriate levels of insurance and compliance with insurance requirements are in place
• Ensure that operational procedures are 100% compliant with the company’s marketing agreement, and that appropriate controls are in place to ensure that compliance
• Inform the Group’s legal department as soon as any litigation action arises or is planned against the company
• Manage the credit control process in line with the Group and the company’s guidelines, especially with respect to protocols established for customers and credit insurance companies
• Conduct and perform the company’s secretarial function on behalf of the company
• Ensure that a system of records is kept in accordance with the Companies Act and SARS requirements
• Lead and manage employees within the Finance Department
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior executives so as to provide a full range of business solutions for their needs
• Provide executive management with advice on the financial implications of business activities

My article experience spans over a wide variety of audit clients. The include both stand-alone privately held businesses,
as well as complex groups in a deadline driven environment where
reporting of audit findings was often required to foreign holding
companies or listed local businesses.

Industry Exposure I KPMG

• Capespan South Africa I Fresh produce industry I Fruit farming, procurement, distribution and sales businesses.
• Taquanta Asset Managers I Financial services I Asset Management
• ENS Inc I Professional service providers I Local and international legal service provider.
• Pick n Pay Group, Starke Ayres Group I Retail & manufacturing I Clothing, grocery and vegetable seed retailing.
• Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust I Trusts I Co-ordination and hosting of big cycle events.

Key Responsibilities

• Planning and execution of external audits I Administration of audits and liaison with client management I Supervision of work performed by junior clerks I Presentation of work performed to KPMG management.

Prior to starting my audit career I held various administrative positions whilst completing my undergraduate and post graduate degrees. These include:

• Holiday Inn Waterfront - Porter
• Itron South Africa - Services Administrator
• Pep Stores Group - Import costing clerk
• Pinnacle Accounting - Assistant Accountant
• Self Employed (Bookkeeping services) - Client: Trendsetters Aluminum