Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
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Callista Ramchander

Senior Tax Consultant And Accountant

Summary

With a proven track record at GJM Ultra Brokers by receiving the Recognition of the year award 6 months into the position, I excel in tax consulting and financial audit reporting, blending expertise with strong interdepartmental collaboration. Achievements include leading over 100 submissions yearly and significantly enhancing client financial positions, showcasing my analytical prowess and team leadership skills.

Competent Senior Tax Accountant well-versed in taxation, accounting practices and regulatory requirements. Collaborates effectively with business professionals and government representatives to completely timely filings and smoothly handle any concerns. Expert in areas such as sales from signing new clients and client relationship management through being the Senior Tax and Accounting consultant of 50 different companies.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Tax Accountant

GJM Ultra Brokers
07.2024 - Current
  • Currently a Senior Tax and Accounting Consultant servicing 50 clients with accounting, income tax, provisional tax, VAT, and financial planning for companies, incorporated, partnerships, trusts and individuals
  • Recipient of the Recognition of the Year award.
  • Reviewed financial reports to correctly ascertain taxation and statement requirements.
  • Completed in-depth research into tax issues affecting company activities to offer expert advice and accurately prepare submissions.
  • Examined accounts and records and computed tax returns according to prescribed rates, laws and regulations.
  • Taught junior staff how to prepare statements, resolve discrepancies and maximize efficiency.
  • Recorded, classified and summarized financial transactions and events in accordance with accounting principles.
  • Responded promptly to official tax notices requiring clarifications and additional submissions.
  • Reconciled tax accounts to prevent discrepancies and maintain readiness for expected tax liabilities.
  • Identified impactful regulations and incorporated changes to comply with new requirements.
  • Helped organization maintain full compliance with local and international tax requirements with diligent application of best practices.
  • Computed tax depreciation rates on business assets like technology and vehicles.
  • Prepared income tax returns for individuals, businesses, trusts, estates and non-profits.
  • Represented clients before local taxing authorities.
  • Conducted tax reviews and compilations to identify potential exposure areas and provided suggestions.
  • Created financial plan for clients to serve as framework for organizing components of financial situations.
  • Researched and provided summary memos on technical tax issues at request of partners and clients.
  • Managed multiple tax projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines were met and clients were satisfied.
  • Reconciled tax accounts for multi million annual revenue-producing companies.
  • Prepared and documented accurate tax work papers for straightforward to moderately complicated income and franchise tax returns.
  • Reduced client tax liabilities through diligent research and application of applicable tax laws.
  • Successfully resolved SARS disputes by gathering supporting documentation and effectively communicating with government officials.
  • Streamlined processes for increased efficiency in preparing and filing tax returns.
  • Played a key role in the successful completion of several high-stakes audits, utilizing strong analytical skills to identify discrepancies and recommend corrective actions.
  • Collaborated with team members to identify opportunities for improving client services and tax strategies.
  • Remained educated in all current tax laws
  • Prepared comprehensive reports detailing findings from audits or investigations, helping clients make informed decisions about their finances.
  • Stayed up-to-date on ever-changing tax regulations, attending industry conferences and participating in professional development workshops.
  • Conducted thorough reviews of financial records to ensure accuracy in reporting income, deductions, and credits.
  • Assisted clients in understanding complex tax concepts, explaining implications of various financial decisions.
  • Assisted colleagues with challenging cases, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients by maintaining open communication lines and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Devised creative solutions for tax-related issues that arose during mergers and acquisitions, safeguarding client interests and maximizing financial outcomes.
  • Collaborated with financial advisors and attorneys to develop integrated tax planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals.
  • Increased client retention rates by providing exceptional service, including timely updates and clear explanations of tax filings.
  • By implementing proactive approach to tax saving opportunities, significantly enhanced clients' financial positions.
  • Contributed to firm's reputation for excellence by consistently producing accurate and timely tax filings.
  • Provided financial management information by preparing financial status analysis and reports.
  • Interviewed clients by telephone or in-person to gather financial information.
  • Developed financial strategies by guiding client to establish financial goals and matching goals to appropriate financial plans.
  • Marketed services by asking for referrals from current clients, meeting prospective clients and presenting financial planning seminars.

Senior Auditor

PKF Octagon
01.2022 - 06.2024
  • SAICA articles
  • Mentored junior auditors, contributing to their professional development and enhancing team performance.
  • Completed audit papers by thoroughly documenting audit tests and findings.
  • Evaluated financial statements for accuracy and compliance, identifying discrepancies and recommending corrective actions.
  • Managed multiple concurrent audits, effectively prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
  • Audited over 70 different clients in the past years. I have also been involved in new client proposals resulting in new clients being brought to the firm.
  • Identified potential risks and improved internal controls for better financial management.
  • Enhanced audit efficiency by implementing risk-based audit strategies and streamlining processes.
  • Achieved consistent high-performance ratings on annual performance evaluations by demonstrating exceptional attention to detail and commitment towards delivering superior quality work.
  • Reduced instances of non-compliance by conducting thorough audits and providing clear recommendations for improvement.
  • Conducted comprehensive external audits to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
  • Implemented best practices in auditing procedures through continuous learning and professional development activities.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant accounting principles, ensuring accurate application throughout all audits conducted.
  • Identified management control weaknesses and provided value added suggestions for remediation.
  • Identified control gaps in processes, procedures and systems through in-depth research and assessment and suggested methods for improvement.
  • Performed thorough risk assessments to identify areas of focus during each audit engagement, prioritizing resources effectively.
  • Evaluated the accuracy of financial reporting systems, identifying areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.
  • Effectively communicated audit findings with various stakeholders, presenting clear and concise reports tailored to different audiences.
  • Conducted extensive fraud investigations, uncovering irregularities and safeguarding company assets.
  • Played a key role in business development efforts, participating in client presentations and proposals
  • Assessed the effectiveness of corporate governance structures, contributing to enhanced transparency and accountability within organizations.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop more effective audit strategies and procedures.
  • Proactively identified potential risks and vulnerabilities in clients'' operations by staying current on industry trends and emerging threats.
  • Coordinated efforts among multiple departments within client organizations for efficient execution of large-scale audits.
  • Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
  • Managed successful completion of complex audits within tight deadlines, maintaining high-quality results.
  • Assisted clients in navigating complex regulatory environments, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and guidelines.
  • Implemented data analytics techniques to enhance the depth of analysis performed during audits, leading to more meaningful findings and recommendations.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and open communication to facilitate accurate audits.
  • Presented clear, concise audit findings reports to management, detailing observations and recommended corrective actions for identified issues.
  • Improved financial reporting accuracy by identifying and addressing internal control deficiencies.
  • Recommended strategies for improving compliance and success of internal controls.
  • Assisted clients in preparing for external audits by conducting pre-audit assessments and providing recommendations for improvement.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends, ensuring the provision of high-quality audit services to clients.
  • Leveraged advanced data analytics tools to improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial statement audits.
  • Collaborated closely with IT departments during integrated audits, assessing technology-related risks affecting financial reporting systems.
  • Assessed compliance with applicable laws and regulations concerning taxes, employee benefits, environmental obligations, among others.
  • Liaised between clients and internal audit staff to address concerns with procedures, scheduling or results.
  • Identified potential fraud indicators through meticulous analysis of financial records, protecting client assets from misappropriation.
  • Streamlined audit processes, reducing time spent on routine tasks and focusing on high-risk areas.
  • Allocated auditing work to junior and staff auditors to cover demand.
  • Developed presentations of audit findings for company leadership.
  • Assisted clients in understanding complex technical issues related to their financial reporting systems, providing expert guidance on necessary adjustments or improvements needed for compliance purposes.

Education

Certificate of Theory in Accounting - Advanced Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Auditing

Unisa
Durban, South Africa
04.2001 -

Bachelors of Commerce in Accounting Science -SAICA - Accounting, Auditing, Taxation And MAF

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Durban
04.2001 -

Norhtlands Girls High School
Durban
04.2001 -

Skills

Tax Consulting Expertise

Tax planning strategies

Business Tax Compliance

International Financial Reporting Standards Expertise

Assessment of Financial Statements

Financial Audit Reporting

Risk Management Strategies

Root-cause analysis

Thorough Quality Assurance

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Financial External Auditing

Accomplishments

    Other experience:

  • Accounting training for staff at Derivco Proprietary Limited (2022)
  • Durban accounting Tuitions- Accounting tutor (2022)lectured over 300 students.
  • Owned and performed accounting tuitions to students (2022)

    • Other qualifications:

  • SAGE PASTEL (93% Exam mark)
  • Intro to Data Analysis (2021)
  • Introduction into Entrepreneurship (2021)

    • Other training and certifications:

  • IRBA 2023 Inspection Findings & Monitoring Deficiencies ISQM Update
  • IRBA Auditing Journals & Related Parties
  • FICA 2023
  • Time & Stress Management
  • Advanced excel ( V lookup, pivot tables)

    • LEADERSHIP

  • Senior Tax and Accounting consultant with book keepers as juniors
  • Senior at PKF Octagon (2024)
  • Senior on social committee at PKF Octagon and GJM Ultra Brokers
  • Senior at culture committee at PKF Octagon GJM Ultra Brokers
  • Class representative for Advanced Accounting (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal)
  • Executive Member of The Student Representative Council (SRC) at Northland's Girls High School
  • Events Committee member (Northland's Girls High School)

    • Networks:

  • Member of Young Business Entrepreneurs Network
  • First team Netball player and gold medal winner
  • Toast masters

Timeline

Senior Tax Accountant

GJM Ultra Brokers
07.2024 - Current

Senior Auditor

PKF Octagon
01.2022 - 06.2024

Certificate of Theory in Accounting - Advanced Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Auditing

Unisa
04.2001 -

Bachelors of Commerce in Accounting Science -SAICA - Accounting, Auditing, Taxation And MAF

University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
04.2001 -

Norhtlands Girls High School
04.2001 -

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Callista RamchanderSenior Tax Consultant And Accountant