Christine Boiskin
Cape Town
Summary
CFO with proven expertise in risk management and strategic planning across diverse organizations. Developed and executed financial strategies that enhanced profitability and sustainability. Proficient in cash flow management and operational efficiency, driving growth in eco-tourism and various sectors.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CFO
Roots and Journeys
Maun
06.2019 - Current
- Financial Strategy and Planning: Formulate and deliver visionary long-term financial strategies to propel Roots and Journeys’ growth in the competitive safari and hospitality market, establishing robust policies for financial governance and sustainability.
Forecast revenue streams from safari tours, lodging, and ancillary services to ensure enduring profitability.
Align financial objectives with the company’s mission to deliver authentic, eco-conscious travel experiences, driving ambitious growth strategies through market expansion, innovative service offerings, and sustainable tourism initiatives. - Budget Management:
Oversee meticulous budgeting for all hospitality operations, including lodges, camps, and tour packages, harmonising exceptional guest experiences with cost efficiency.
Allocate resources adeptly to navigate seasonal fluctuations in tourism demand, optimising occupancy rates and pricing strategies.
Supervise capital expenditures for property maintenance, renovations, eco-friendly upgrades, and comprehensive asset management to maximise long-term value. - Revenue and Cost Optimisation:
Analyses pricing models for safari packages and accommodations to maximise revenue while maintaining a competitive edge in the luxury travel sector.
Control costs related to staff, supplies, and logistics, incorporating rigorous stock control for inventory to minimise waste and shortages.
Negotiate strategic vendor contracts to support hospitality-specific needs. - Financial Reporting and Compliance:
Produce precise financial statements reflecting revenue from bookings, occupancy rates, and ancillary services, ensuring transparency for stakeholders.
Deliver comprehensive reporting on all facets of company finances, assets, and forecasts, encompassing monthly and quarterly reviews of balance sheets, income statements, cash flow projections, asset valuations, and variance analyses to guide strategic decision-making.
Ensure adherence to local and international regulations, including tax laws in Botswana and other operating regions, while developing forward-thinking policies for financial reporting standards and ethical practices. - Risk Management:
Mitigate financial risks arising from currency fluctuations.
Oversee insurance policies tailored to hospitality-specific risks.
Develop robust contingency plans to address disruptions impacting tourism. - Stakeholder Engagement:
Present compelling financial performance reports to board members, investors, and partners, spotlighting key performance indicators like RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) and guest retention.
Partner with marketing teams to align promotional campaigns with financial objectives.
Provide expert guidance on investment opportunities to fuel growth. - Operational Efficiency:
Spearhead the financial integration of cutting-edge technology to streamline operations.
Monitor labour costs, optimising staffing for peak and off-peak seasons while upholding exceptional guest service standards.
Champion sustainability initiatives, balancing eco-friendly investments with financial viability.
Provide dynamic operational management support across departments, seamlessly standing in as Chief Operating Officer (COO) when required to oversee daily hospitality operations, crisis response, and cross-functional coordination.
Collaborate closely with operations teams to optimise planning of all operations, enhancing resource allocation, capacity management, and process improvements to elevate efficiency and guest satisfaction. - Cash Flow Management:
Ensure robust liquidity for daily operations, including supplier payments and staff salaries, during low-season periods.
Manage cash reserves to safeguard against unexpected downturns.
Oversee financing for major projects, securing highly favourable terms. - Asset Management:
Strategically track and optimise the company’s fixed and movable assets to ensure accurate depreciation, maintenance, and valuation.
Conduct thorough audits and valuations of hospitality assets to inform investment decisions and insurance coverage.
Implement advanced asset tracking systems to prevent loss and enhance operational reliability in remote safari locations. - Team Leadership and Development:
Lead and inspire the finance team, overseeing recruitment, performance evaluations, and workflow optimisation to ensure seamless handling of hospitality-specific accounting tasks.
Cultivate expertise in areas like hospitality accounting through targeted training and mentorship.
Foster collaboration with department heads to align financial goals with guest satisfaction metrics. - New Business Development:
Drive the strategic development of new safari camps and lodges, identifying prime locations and innovative concepts to expand Roots and Journeys’ footprint in the eco-tourism market.
Conduct detailed feasibility studies and financial modeling to ensure the viability and profitability of new ventures, securing stakeholder buy-in, and funding.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and launch cutting-edge hospitality offerings, positioning Roots and Journeys as a trailblazer in sustainable, high-value safari experiences.
Financial Manager
Unicat
01.2018 - 05.2019
- Full Payroll function
- Preparation of all management accounts
- Preparation of all cost and budget reports and maintenance thereof
- Maintenance of all financial records
- Administer staff and HR (leave, loan tracking)
- Submission of all SARS returns, Workman's Comp
- Taking books up to trial balance and working with auditors
- Maintenance of Fixed asset registers.
- Temporary post
- Oversaw cash flow management and forecasting activities.
- Developed budgeting processes to align with strategic goals.
- Managed financial reporting and analysis for operational efficiency.
CFO
CMC
Johannesburg
01.2002 - 05.2017
- Company Overview: The company specialized in depot site management for United National Breweries (now Diageo). It was spread across 7 provinces and we had a staff compliment of just over 280 employees.
- Overseeing the company's books of account with a turnover of 2 million a month.
- Overseeing the full Payroll dept. and all salaries from management down (380+ employees per month) including processing
- Payroll: Ensuring correct Legislation was followed (Taxation, Deductions, Pension, fringe benefits and Leave)
- Ensuring all staff regulation was captured.
- Setting of annual budgets for: Company as well as individual GM budgets per area.
- Ensuring adherence to all budgetary variances monthly and yearly, reporting to management on them
- Setting up of monthly forecasts for Management and presentation thereof at Financial meetings.
- Compliance with Due Diligence and Corporate Governance for the Company (Statutory, Regulatory and CSR)
- Doing all EFT payments for expenses and salaries.
- Completing and emailing the monthly Invoices and ensuring timeous debt collection.
- Full debtors and creditors function.
- Completing the books of account from General Ledger to Trial Balance
- Overseeing and assisting with the yearly company audit.
- Liaison with auditors on all financial and statutory related matters.
- Completion and submission of yearly Compensation Commissioner return of earnings.
- Calculation, completion and submission of Bi monthly VAT returns on Easy file
- Reconciliation, completion, submission and payment of monthly PAYE returns received from Payroll on Easy file
- Yearly Reconciliation of PAYE, Staff Leave and VAT for audit
- Monthly earnings and gearing ratios
- Management of Fixed Asset Register
- All bank reconciliations
- Liaison and meeting with trade unions for salary negotiations
- Liaison with all Gm's and Project managers on all expense related topics.
- The company specialized in depot site management for United National Breweries (now Diageo). It was spread across 7 provinces and we had a staff compliment of just over 280 employees.
- Reasons for leaving: Company was based in Johannesburg and travelling requirements were too large with the distance.
- Developed financial strategies to support long-term business objectives.
- Developed and implemented financial strategies to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
- Developed comprehensive tax planning strategies that minimized liabilities while maximizing profitability.
- Completed analysis of company financial data and produced industry reports outlining metrics and results.
- Developed long-range plans for business growth, resulting in increase in annual sales.
Accounting Clerk
Gaglio and Associates
01.1996 - 12.2001
- Company Overview: Registered Accountants
- Undertook numerous accounting task and learnt the ropes of how accounting and Bookkeeping works from the ground right up to Audit.
- Registration of Individual Taxpayers and Companies with SARS
- Registration of various companies' employees with UIF and Workman's Compensation.
- Completion and submission of monthly statutory returns - PAYE, UIF
- Bi Annual submission of PAYE to SARS
- Yearly EMP submissions
- Calculation of clients' companies VAT, as well as submission of the returns
- Calculation and submission of Provisional Tax returns
- Monthly capture of Creditors and Debtors for various companies
- Management of numerous companies' payroll
- Bookkeeping to Trial Balance
- Assistance on all audit related matters for clients
- Stock Takes for audits
- Drawing up of Annual Financial Statements
- Completion and submission or yearly tax returns (ITR14 and ITR12)
- Registered Accountants
Education
Cost And Management Accounting
CIMA
Global01-2017
Bachelor of Accounting - Accounting And Auditing
UNISA
South Africa01-1997
Skills
Risk management and strategic planning
- Team leadership and staff administration
- Cash flow and budget management
- Financial analysis and reporting
- Asset and business valuation
- Corporate governance and compliance
- Cost control and financial process improvement
- Management accounts preparation and maintenance
- Auditor collaboration and trial balance preparation
- Financial policy creation
- Financial management
- Corporate leadership
- Training and development
Personal Information
- Nationality: South African
- Marital Status: Married
Affiliations
- Hiking and outdoor activities
- Avid F1 fan
- Reading (everything)
Certification
- CIMA
- IFRS Certified
- Quickbooks Online Certified Professional
Languages
English
First Language
Afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
C1
References
References available upon request.
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Not actively lookingWork Type
Part TimeLocation Preference
RemoteSalary Range
$30/hr - $1000/hrTimeline
CFO
Roots and Journeys
06.2019 - Current
Financial Manager
Unicat
01.2018 - 05.2019
CFO
CMC
01.2002 - 05.2017
Accounting Clerk
Gaglio and Associates
01.1996 - 12.2001
Cost And Management Accounting
CIMA
Bachelor of Accounting - Accounting And Auditing
UNISA