ELIZABETH HELEN SMIT
Boksburg
Summary
Strategic finance and governance professional with multi-industry experience spanning corporate finance, payroll administration, human capital outsourcing, mining-sector compliance, logistics finance, and AI/ML data systems. Formally certified in Xero (Level 1 & 2), QuickBooks Online, and Sage Pastel Payroll, with advanced capability in financial modelling, compliance oversight, and operational risk mitigation. Proven leadership across high-value environments including: R60 million capital outsourcing projects, R40 million liquidity facilities, Mining-sector regulatory frameworks, Global AI/ML model evaluation systems. Operate confidently at the intersection of structured accounting discipline and emerging intelligent systems - delivering audit-ready financial control, risk-aware governance, and precision data evaluation within both corporate and remote global environments.
Experienced in fast-paced environments and adaptable to last-minute changes. Thrives under pressure and consistently earns acknowledgement for work quality and speed.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Private Governance Advisor | Finance & Operations Lead
Equilibrium Risk Management Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Johannesburg
01.2023 - Current
- Provide integrated financial governance and operational advisory across mining, engineering, infrastructure, and commodities environments.
- Full financial cycle oversight
- Payroll and statutory compliance
- Project cash-flow modelling and investor-ready financial models
- Turnkey project financial structuring
- Tender documentation and compliance packs
- Commercial risk review and contract structuring
- Cloud accounting system implementation (Xero & QuickBooks)
- Power BI and Excel financial dashboards
- Delivered enhanced financial visibility, governance discipline, and investor-grade reporting structures across multi-sector projects.
Internet Analyst (Independent Contractor)
Appen Butler Hill, Inc.
09.2021 - Current
- Data annotation and evaluation AI model training dataset refinement
- Content-quality assessments
- Structured search evaluation
- Contributed to global machine-learning optimisation initiatives.
Media Search Analyst (Remote Contract)
TELUS International
06.2022 - 02.2025
- Contributed to AI-driven search systems supporting Apple HomePod platforms.
- Performed high-accuracy search relevance judgments
- Evaluated ranking logic and metadata structures
- Applied detailed project guidelines
- Conducted structured transcription and categorisation
- Audited Quality Score: 97% (Target: 90%)
Treasurer - Promoted to Senior Ledger Controller
FedEx Express South Africa
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed EFT payments and call accounts
- Oversaw foreign currency accounts
- Administered R40 million overdraft facility
- Conducted cash-flow forecasting and liquidity monitoring
- Processed executive reimbursements and directors' expenses
- Financial Division
Accounts Payable Administrator - Temp to permanent then promoted to Treasurer
FedEx Express South Africa
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed supplier reconciliations
- Processed accounts payable transaction
- Printed Cheques
- Ensured strict adherence to payment deadlines
- Built foundational expertise in liquidity management, financial governance, and corporate treasury control within a multinational logistics environment.
- Financial Division
Human Capital Outsourcing - Sub-Contract Project
Hitachi
Boksburg
01.2009 - 12.2012
- Directed a three-year capital outsourcing project supporting maintenance of Hitachi Orange earthmoving machinery within a mining environment.
- Recruited and employed 180 skilled artisans
- Managed full HR lifecycle (contracts, onboarding, compliance, performance)
- Oversaw annual revenue of ±R20 million (R60 million total project value)
- Administered payroll as Sage Pastel Certified Payroll Administrator
- Verified and reconciled timesheets and allowances
- Managed PAYE, UIF, and IRP5 submissions
- Calculated accrued leave, living-out allowances, and income tax returns
- Ensured compliance with mining-sector labour and safety regulations
- Delivered operational continuity and strict financial discipline within a high-risk industrial environment.
- Indirect Support: Barrick Mine (Zambia)
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Completed routine maintenance and repair.
Senior General Ledger Accountant
FedEx Express South Africa
Meadowdale
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Performed complex GL reconciliations
- Conducted financial integrity reviews
- Managed asset register (acquisitions & disposals)
- Oversaw AR & AP postings
- Strengthened reporting accuracy and internal controls
- Financial Division
- Managed general ledger accounts and ensured accurate financial reporting.
- Led month-end close processes and coordinated with cross-functional teams.
- Oversaw journal entries and maintained accurate account records.
- Collaborated on audit preparation and assisted external auditors during reviews.
- Analyzed discrepancies in financial data and resolved issues promptly.
- Conducted variance analyses between budgeted amounts versus actual results.
- Documented processes related to month-end close procedures as well as other day-to-day operational functions.
- Performed detailed analysis of various accounts such as prepaid expenses, accruals, inventory reserves.
- Reviewed month-end close activities including journal entries, accruals, prepayments and allocations.
- Responsible for researching discrepancies, resolving issues, and preparing necessary adjustments.
- Performed intercompany reconciliations between multiple legal entities across countries.
- Analyzed complex accounting transactions to identify potential issues or errors.
- Maintained fixed asset records and ledgers for tracking capitalization thresholds.
- Collected and assembled financial data to analyze costs on year-to-year basis relative to fiscal planning and budgeting activities.
- Diminished financial discrepancies and accurately reconciled accounts using detailed data analysis results.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Business/Commerce
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Damelin Bookkeeping Diploma -
Damelin
National Senior Commerce Certificate - NQF Level 2 & 3
Skills
- Microsoft Excel - Advanced Financial Modeling
- Cloud Accounting Systems (Xero, QuickBooks)
- SARS eFiling
- Payroll Administration Systems
- AI Data Annotation Platforms
Certification
- Xero Certified Associate - Level 1
- Xero Certified Professional - Level 2, 07/16/20
- QuickBooks Online Accountant Certified
- Sage Pastel Certified Payroll Administrator
Keywords
- Corporate Finance
- Payroll & HR
- Project Finance
- Mining & Commodities
- Logistics
- AI/ML Data Analysis
Attributes
- Remote-First
- Compliance-Driven
- Executive-Level Financial Oversight
Professional Attributes
- Strong Leadership & Workforce Oversight
- High Ethical Standards & Confidentiality
- Exceptional Attention to Detail
- Systematic & Process-Driven
- Proactive Problem Solver
- Operationally Resilient
- Dedicated, Loyal & Results-Oriented
- Independent & Remote-Disciplined
Industry Exposure
- Mining
- Engineering
- Manufacturing
- Logistics & Transport
- Professional Services
- Human Capital Outsourcing
- AI & Machine Learning Data Systems
Languages
English
First Language
Afrikaans
Upper Intermediate
B2
Timeline
Independent Private Governance Advisor | Finance & Operations Lead
Equilibrium Risk Management Solutions (Pty) Ltd
01.2023 - Current
Media Search Analyst (Remote Contract)
TELUS International
06.2022 - 02.2025
Internet Analyst (Independent Contractor)
Appen Butler Hill, Inc.
09.2021 - Current
Treasurer - Promoted to Senior Ledger Controller
FedEx Express South Africa
01.2017 - 01.2018
Accounts Payable Administrator - Temp to permanent then promoted to Treasurer
FedEx Express South Africa
01.2016 - 01.2017
Human Capital Outsourcing - Sub-Contract Project
Hitachi
01.2009 - 12.2012
Senior General Ledger Accountant
FedEx Express South Africa
01.2005 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Commerce - Business/Commerce
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Damelin Bookkeeping Diploma -
Damelin