Birgittah Omphile Sefako
Gaborone
Summary
Driven by a passion for excellence, I honed my expertise in problem-solving and interpersonal skills at African Union - IBAR, achieving significant improvements in audit and financial processes. My knack for fostering team collaboration and implementing efficient systems has consistently enhanced operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Finance and Admin Specialist
4eyes Optometrist (Pty) Ltd
Gaborone
06.2022 - Current
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Strengthened internal controls through regular review of policies and procedures, identifying areas for improvement or clarification.
- Maintained detailed financial records of accounts receivable and payable status and bank reconciliations.
- Assisted with monthly and quarterly income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports to inform decision-makers.
- Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolutions.
- Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with timely and accurate issue resolution.
- Improved team collaboration by initiating regular strategy meetings.
- Optimized inventory management, minimizing waste and reducing costs.
- Restructured customer service process, ensuring quicker response times.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Audit Facilitator
African Union - IBAR
Nairobi, Kenya
09.2019 - 09.2019
- Ensure a smooth flow of information throughout the audit process, minimizing disruptions to daily operations while maintaining the integrity of final results.
- Provided information about office financial reports, procurement process and policies.
- Assisted in the development of audit plans, identifying key areas of focus and allocating resources appropriately for maximum efficiency.
- Supported the completion of high-quality audits with diligent documentation and attention to detail.
- Developed professional relationships with auditors, fostering trust and open communication during audit engagements.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through diligent monitoring of activities during the audit process.
Assistant Accountant
African Union - IBAR
Nairobi, Kenya
02.2016 - 07.2019
- Maintained detailed financial records of accounts receivable and payable status and bank reconciliations.
- Reviewed general ledger entries and assessed accuracy.
- Assisted with timely month-end closing procedures, resulting in accurate financial reporting.
- Reduced invoice processing time with efficient data entry and verification of accounts payable transactions.
- Prepared accurate financial statements for management review, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors by fostering environment of trust.
- Strengthened internal controls through regular review of policies and procedures, identifying areas for improvement or clarification.
- Assisted in budget preparation, enabling better financial planning and resource allocation.
- Streamlined monthly financial reporting processes, significantly reducing time required for report generation.
- Maintained accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Played crucial part in financial team meetings by providing detailed account analysis and insights.
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
- Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
- Cooperated with senior leaders to create operating budgets and initiate financial planning.
Treasury Assistant
Orange Botswana (Pty) Ltd
Gaborone, Botswana
03.2009 - 01.2016
- Streamlined payment processes by implementing efficient electronic funds transfer systems, resulting in reduced costs and improved accuracy.
- Monitored compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls, ensuring a robust risk management framework for treasury operations.
- Enhanced cash flow management by monitoring daily bank balances and performing timely fund transfers.
- Supported liquidity management efforts with comprehensive cash forecasting, allowing for proactive decision-making regarding investments and funding requirements.
- Coordinated with banks on facility agreements and compliance documentation, ensuring adherence to covenants and maintenance of positive banking relationships.
- Collaborated with internal departments to ensure timely settlements of outstanding invoices, reducing credit risk exposure.
- Collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams such as finance, accounting and legal departments, fostering strong communication channels to support smooth treasury operations.
- Optimized working capital management by monitoring accounts receivable and payable levels, enabling prompt actions when needed.
- Performed bank account reconciliations regularly, ensuring accuracy in financial statements and mitigating potential discrepancies.
- Drafted treasury reports to support management decision-making needs.
- Reconciled monthly statements, invoices and expense accounts, keeping records accurate, and current.
- Prepared and filed tax returns and generated monthly reports in compliance with regulatory and organizational standards.
- Managed daily financial functions in collaboration with accounting and payroll personnel.
- Projected monthly cash expenditures through efficient budgeting and detailed document reviews.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Education
Master Of Business Administration - Finance And Accounting
International University of Applied Sciences
Bad Honnef, Germany Certificate Of Proficiency - Long Term Insurance
African Insurance Training Institute
Gaborone, Botswana 05.2023
Advanced Professional Certificate - Strategic Financial Management
Metropolitan School of Business And Management
London UK 02.2021
Bachelor Of Arts - Business Administration
Management College of Southern Africa
Durban, South Africa 12.2020
Association Of Accounting Technicians - Accounting
Botswana Accountancy College
Gaborone, Botswana 12.2009
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Quality Assurance
- Resource Allocation
- Analytical Skills
- Continuous Improvement
- Interpersonal Skills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Active Listening
- Task Prioritization
- Excellent Communication
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to Detail
Certification
- Sage VIP Payroll certificate
- Botswana Institute of Chartered accountants - Accounting Technicians membership
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Tswana
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Beginner (A1)
Timeline
Finance and Admin Specialist
4eyes Optometrist (Pty) Ltd
06.2022 - Current
Audit Facilitator
African Union - IBAR
09.2019 - 09.2019
Assistant Accountant
African Union - IBAR
02.2016 - 07.2019
Treasury Assistant
Orange Botswana (Pty) Ltd
03.2009 - 01.2016
Master Of Business Administration - Finance And Accounting
International University of Applied Sciences
Certificate Of Proficiency - Long Term Insurance
African Insurance Training Institute
Advanced Professional Certificate - Strategic Financial Management
Metropolitan School of Business And Management
Bachelor Of Arts - Business Administration
Management College of Southern Africa
Association Of Accounting Technicians - Accounting
Botswana Accountancy College