Andrea Jacobs

• Led the full finance function, producing comprehensive monthly reporting packs to inform strategic decision-making.
• Optimized the Acumatica ERP system by launching Sales and Financial custom dashboards, automating sales order to shipment approval workflows, and enhancing reporting for daily/monthly financial distribution.
• Developed and implemented ERP customization packages to streamline operations, reduce manual input, and support digital transformation initiatives.
• Managed weekly and monthly cash flow forecasting and reporting, ensuring sufficient liquidity and working capital.
• Ensured timely and accurate submission of all statutory tax filings (VAT, PAYE, Corporate Tax).
• Coordinated interim and year-end audits, compiling audit-ready packs and serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
• Oversaw daily bank reconciliations and managed banking activities, including transaction approvals and releases.
• Performed detailed variance analysis of actual vs budgeted figures, providing commentary to senior management.
• Supported the annual budgeting process across 6 business units by compiling inputs and aligning departmental targets.
• Controlled product costing and inventory reporting, improving accuracy in distribution and stock management.
• Assisting with the monthly payroll preparation and sign-off, ensuring compliance with internal controls and deadlines.
• Executed ad hoc financial projects and analyses at the request of the Head of Finance.

Key Projects

• Re-engineered the sales-to-cash process, aligning system configurations to empower sales representatives with real-time tools for improved customer engagement.
• Designed and implemented multiple customized reports in Acumatica to enhance forecasting accuracy and enable timely, data-driven decisions by senior management.
• Led the development of ERP software enhancements to automate digital approvals, accelerating workflow processes across departments.

Notable Achievements

• Reduced banking transaction processing and purchase approval time by 60%+ through ERP automation and rollout of digital approval protocols.
• Shortened the month-end reporting cycle by 2 days, by replacing the manual Excel reports with custom-built Acumatica reporting tools and Odata exposure.
• Enabled real-time quoting and stock visibility for sales staff by customizing Acumatica's mobile application, resulting in reduced quote turnaround time and order conversion.

• Conducted in-depth needs analysis for client systems to identify process inefficiencies, system gaps, and automation opportunities, servicing 15+ clients across multiple industries.
• Delivered tailored process optimization strategies and configured Acumatica software to align with clients' operational goals, resulting in improved workflow speed and enhanced reporting for decision-making.
• Supported end-to-end implementation of Acumatica for new clients, ensuring deliverables aligned with the Project Initiation Document (PID) and milestones outlined in the project plan.
• Led user enablement and system adoption efforts, optimizing system usability for end users and resolving support queries, in line with defined SLA targets.
• Designed and deployed customization projects using low-code solutions, Velixo reports, SQL views, and OData integrations to enhance reporting and business intelligence capabilities.
• Maintained accurate case documentation and ensured all issue resolutions adhered to severity level response times and SLA agreements, consistently meeting 85% on-time resolution rate.
• Earned numerous Acumatica certification badges within 2 months, demonstrating rapid skill acquisition and technical proficiency.
• Resolved high-priority client issues with an average turnaround time of 0.5 days, contributing to improved client satisfaction and retention rate.
• Delivered multiple client-specific system customizations, significantly improving user efficiency and reducing manual workload.

• See most recent experience - returned to employer.

• Led the design and implementation of streamlined business processes, driving productivity improvements and cost savings across key operational areas.
• Oversaw the successful implementation and administration of new ERP systems (MRPeasy & Xero), replacing legacy systems and improving system efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Managed the entire financial function, delivering accurate and complete monthly financial reports by the 3rd working day, ahead of standard reporting cycles.
• Directed daily cash flow management, maintaining optimal liquidity levels and supporting strategic financial planning.
• Ensured full tax compliance (VAT, PAYE, CompTax), submitting timely and accurate returns to maintain 100% regulatory adherence.
• Completed year-end and interim audit packs, and acted as liaison for external auditors, resulting in clean audit outcomes.
• Performed accurate bank reconciliations and handled banking operations, including transaction oversight and approvals.
• Assisted with the annual budgeting process, conducted variance analysis, and provided insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Controlled product costing and inventory reporting, ensuring accurate valuation and cost management in a manufacturing environment.
• Managed end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring compliance and timely payments to employees.
• Prepared and submitted BBBEE compliance reports, contributing to favorable ratings and business eligibility.
• Executed ad hoc financial projects and analyses at the direction of the Financial Director.

Key Projects

• Designed and rolled out stock control procedures to align with just-in-time (JIT) operations, reducing stockholding by 27% and freeing up working capital.
• Implemented a new ERP system (Xero integrated with MRPeasy), increasing on-time delivery rates and enhancing management visibility across departments.
• Improved Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) by 16% and reduced procurement costs by negotiating supplier discounts and more favorable payment terms.

Notable Achievements

• Reduced month-end reporting timeline from the 7th to the 3rd working day, increasing agility and enabling earlier financial decision-making.
• Successfully implemented a cost-effective ERP solution, migrating from SageX3 to Xero/MRPeasy, cutting software licensing costs by 50% while maintaining system functionality and improving usability.

• Analyzed client business processes and workflows to identify system gaps and develop tailored ERP solution requirements.
• Maintained specialist-level knowledge across all ERP modules, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Project Accounting, and financial close processes, supporting multiple client systems concurrently.
• Facilitated workshops and client review meetings, ensuring alignment with business needs and delivering training for end-users to promote successful adoption.
• Executed full technical system configurations and bulk data uploads, contributing to seamless system migrations and go-live readiness within the project scope timeframe.
• Developed and delivered clear, actionable documentation aligned to each client's Statement of Work, ensuring transparency and alignment across project stakeholders.
• Collaborated cross-functionally with sales, training, and development teams to ensure on-time, within-budget project delivery and a consistent client experience.
• Identified, documented, and escalated technical bugs during implementation phases; monitored resolution progress to mitigate project disruption and ensure software integrity.

Key Projects

• Dalberg Global Consulting - Phase 2 & 3 upgrades of Deltek Maconomy, overseeing configuration updates, data integrity checks, and deployment planning across multiple global offices
• SKX Protiviti - Deltek Maconomy upgrade and successful 3rd-party integration with PeopleSoft, enabling enhanced financial reporting and automated data flow across platforms

Reason for leaving: Contract Ended

• After being retrenched, I took the initiative to provide independent accounting and tax consulting services to small business owners in the Gauteng and North West regions.
• This allowed me to stay professionally active, support local entrepreneurs, and continue building my expertise during a transitional period.

• Directed the full financial function for the African branch of a global organization, ensuring compliance with local statutory regulations and alignment with IFRS and US GAAP reporting standards.
• Oversaw cash flow management, providing timely and accurate reporting to the global treasury team in Houston, TX.
• Ensured accurate and compliant tax submissions including VAT, PAYE, and Corporate Tax, maintaining a 100% on-time filing rate.
• Delivered comprehensive monthly financial statements and notes, reducing reporting lag time and enabling faster decision-making.
• Prepared and submitted audit packs for interim and year-end reviews, contributing to unqualified audit results and efficient audit timelines.
• Led bank reconciliations and managed banking operations, including foreign currency transactions and multi-country accounts.
• Spearheaded the annual budget process, performed variance analysis, and provided financial insights to support regional and global strategy.
• Managed a team of 4 finance professionals and served as second-in-command to the Managing Director, overseeing operations during international travel.
• Handled GL reporting and transaction processing, ensuring accurate balance sheet reconciliations and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Oversaw product costing and inventory reporting, including valuation of manufactured goods and optimization of stock levels.
• Led payroll processing and HR administration, ensuring compliance and accuracy across all employment-related matters.
• Recruited and retained high-performing talent, contributed to succession planning, and implemented staff development initiatives.
• Developed and executed the BBBEE strategy, enabling improved compliance and access to local market opportunities.
• Managed IR and HR matters, including disciplinary procedures, employee relations, and performance management.
• Collaborated across functions (sales, IT, development) to optimize ERP systems and ensure seamless project delivery within scope and budget.
• Identified and reported technical bugs in ERP software, working with global teams to ensure timely resolution and system integrity.

Key Projects

• Inventory Optimization Initiative - Implemented daily cycle counts, revised procurement processes, and introduced automated inventory controls.
• DSO Improvement Program - Developed and enforced credit control policies that reduced Days Sales Outstanding from 142 days to 96 days, significantly improving cash flow.
• BBBEE Strategy Rollout - Designed and executed a compliance-driven transformation plan that enabled eligibility for key contracts and partnerships in the South African market.

Notable Achievements

• Launched a Management Mentorship Program in collaboration with the Neurocoach Institute, enhancing leadership capability and contributing to increased market share and regional expansion within 6 months.
• Reduced redundant inventory from R7.5 million to under R2 million within 3 months, improving working capital and customer delivery timelines.
• Strengthened operational leadership, stepping in for the Managing Director during international travel to maintain business continuity, lead strategic initiatives, and ensure team cohesion.

• Consistently ensure compliance with IFRS accounting standards, with accuracy and timeliness, achieving 100% compliance across financial reports.
• Deliver comprehensive monthly financial reports, tax reports, and audit packs within 3 days of each month-end, ensuring timely submission to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to formulate and track key strategic initiatives, ensuring the on-time execution of strategic objectives.
• Lead and manage a team of 9 direct reports, setting clear goals, providing coaching, and conducting performance evaluations to improve team output year-over-year.
• Actively contribute to the development of the company's strategic and marketing plans, ensuring alignment with company goals and market trends.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, ensuring alignment with company objectives, optimizing resource allocation, and maintaining budget variance under 16%.
• Oversee fixed asset management processes, ensuring accurate asset tracking and timely reporting.
• Develop and implement policies to improve procurement efficiency, reduce stock holding costs and maintain proper records for consumables usage.
• Implement and oversee costing systems for cost analysis, driving the reduction in overall operational costs.
• Contribute to the creation of management reports assessing profitability across various segments, enabling data-driven decision-making that improves overall profitability.
• Lead the transition from the BAAN legacy system to SAGE Evolution, ensuring successful implementation within 3 months and achieving system adoption by 100% of users.
• Oversee local IT infrastructure, coordinating with Group IT to ensure operational efficiency, improved system uptime and smooth integration of systems.
• Spearhead IT initiatives, improving operational performance and delivering system upgrades on time.
• Oversee the operation of the telephone system and receptionist services, ensuring responsiveness and improved customer satisfaction.
• Maintain and monitor backup systems for local data, ensuring compliance with security protocols and data integrity.
• Manage and optimize workforce resources, ensuring a headcount of 300 staff remains in line with company needs while improving staff retention.
• Lead the implementation of the BBBEE strategy, improving compliance and contributing to positive organizational growth.
• Manage payroll processing for 300+ employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments, with third-party deductions (Pensions, Provident Fund, Medical Aid, Trade Union deductions) processed and compliant.
• Ensure all company operations comply with labour laws and regulations, under the Metal Industries Bargaining Council.
• Act as the primary liaison with trade unions, chair disciplinary hearings, and resolve conflicts, ensuring 65% reduction in union disputes.
• Represent the company in conciliation and arbitration hearings at the CCMA.
• Led and managed organizational restructures (S189 & S197), ensuring legal compliance and minimizing disruption.
• Provide guidance to managers throughout the recruitment process, ensuring successful placements and alignment with organizational culture.

• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts for 6 branches, ensuring timely and accurate completion within 4 days of month-end.
• Oversee stock reconciliation for both raw and finished stock, ensuring accuracy in stock reporting and resolving discrepancies timeously.
• Calculate and update inventory costs monthly, ensuring accurate reflection of material costs.
• Process month-end journals efficiently, ensuring timely entry and accurate posting, achieving 100% on-time processing each month.
• Perform monthly balance sheet account reconciliations, ensuring any discrepancies are resolved once identified.
• Oversee and sign off on bank reconciliations, ensuring timely completion within 1 day post-month-end.
• Act as the point of contact for 6 branch managers, responding to financial queries and providing resolutions that improve operational efficiency.
• Assist in conducting cost analyses, providing financial insights to costs and improved financial reporting.
• Continuously enhance financial systems and procedures, reducing reporting time and ensuring improvement in decision-making speed and accuracy.

Reason for Leaving: Offer from previous employer, in a senior role.

• Prepare accurate financial statements monthly, ensuring completion within 4 days of month-end.
• Produce comprehensive monthly management accounts for the leadership team, to improve strategic decision making.
• Create detailed reports for senior management, providing clear insights into financial performance, with great satisfaction from stakeholders on report quality and timeliness.
• Conduct variance analysis comparing forecast/budget to actual results, providing explanations for variances and identifying corrective actions.
• Oversee and maintain the fixed asset register, ensuring asset tracking and reporting.
• Prepare year-end schedules for tax and audit packs, ensuring compliance with IFRS standards.
• Provide cost analysis and financial reports, supporting operational and strategic decisions leading to improved cost efficiency.
• Manage 4 Financial Clerks (Payroll, Debtors & Creditors).
• Work with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into clear technical specifications, resulting in the implementation of processes that improve efficiency in the areas of cost reduction and productivity.

During my tenure at Robor, I also filled the following roles: Internal Sales Administrator, Debtors and Payroll Clerk, Contracts Administrator.