Evert du Plessis

Contracted CFO working on various contracts

• CCI Technologies

Contract reviews and revenue alignment

• Shack Dwellers International (NPO)

Organisational assessment

Turnaround strategy

• Nicro (NPO)

Financial reviews and recommendations

Donor budgeting and reporting

Board advisory

• The Equality Collective (NPO)

End to end business solutions

Growth strategy

System design and implementation

• Bulungula Incubator (NPO)

System change-over

• AVT Technology Solutions (Pty) Ltd

Financial reviews

Structural reforms

Tax advisory

Statutory reviews and submissions

Audit preparation

• Both World Productions

Production accounting

Productions financing and reporting

Franchisor | Multi-Unit Franchise Management (14 Locations Nationally & Regionally)
Founder & Strategic Lead

• Spearheaded franchise expansion, including African territories, using data-driven feasibility studies and market analytics.
• Directed full franchise lifecycle: territory establishment, training, operations, compliance, and support.
• Oversaw product development, marketing strategy (traditional to digital), and brand positioning across franchisee and franchisor levels.
• Implemented CRM and online ordering/invoicing systems to improve sales tracking, conversion analysis, and pricing/marketing diagnostics.
• Managed full finance function: budgets, cash flow, AFS, VAT/tax returns, internal audits, and funding acquisition for new franchisees.
• Negotiated supplier contracts, managed IP rights, and handled all legal and compliance matters including Consumer Protection Act implementation.
• Provided end-to-end business planning and financial forecasting for new ventures and existing units.
• Led strategic planning, performance analytics, and adaptation of marketing by region and platform (including social media adoption).
• Managed HR, labour compliance, debtor/creditor processes, and inventory systems across all locations.

Fiscal Hosting Strategy & Operations

• Developed business plan and growth strategy for fiscal hosting services. (from 2 to 7 hosting projects $12m)
• Managed partner relationships, legal contracting, costing models, and donor reporting.

• Provided senior management with strategic financial insights for informed decision-making.
• Managed budgeting process, ensuring accurate forecasting and timely adjustments to meet business needs.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align financial goals with overall company objectives.
• Strengthened communication between finance department and other business units, fostering an environment of collaboration across the organization.
• Member of senior management team
• Board presentations as well as board representation

Financial Manager | Donor-Funded & Expansion-Focused Environment

• Oversaw full accounting function, donor fund management, and statutory compliance.
• Led system implementation, project budgeting/reporting, and contract reviews.
• Directed foreign currency management, risk mitigation, and strategic development—including an African expansion model.

• Interim FM
• Grants Analyst - budget preparation as well as grant finance control
• Budget controls - foreign funding and budget allocation to various programs and categories of work
• Managing the various allocation of incoming funds (various sources)
• Audits
• IT project implementation - full data migration project as well as implementation of new grant management software
• Fluxx design and implementation - working with Fluxx in US and grantbook developers in Canada

Senior Financial & Operational Executive | Multi-Branch Retail Environment (13 branches | R80m turnover)

• Oversaw full financial function including budgeting (capex & operational), cash flow forecasting, payroll, taxation, statutory compliance, and management reporting (branch-level and consolidated).
• Implemented and reviewed systems and policies to enhance operational efficiency and financial governance.
• Strategic advisor on business direction, sales strategy, and profitability improvement, including markdown timing based on sell-through rates.
• Managed creditor controls, supplier negotiations, and buying oversight to maximise cashflow.
• Played a key role in investment decisions, new store costing, and site selection.
• Liaised with external auditors and handled all legal matters (leases, HR-related issues).
• Directed HR and general management functions for 143 employees, including recruitment and compliance.
• Led distribution, logistics, and IT operations, ensuring seamless day-to-day business performance.
• Negotiated lease agreements and contracts with landlords.
• Active member of executive management team, contributing to strategic planning and business growth initiatives.

Financial Manager | Hospitality Sector

• Responsible for full financial oversight including system and policy implementation, budgeting (capex & operational), payroll, and statutory compliance.
• Prepared and presented management accounts to trustees, managed cash flow forecasts, creditors/debtors, and taxation reviews.
• Led cost control for food & beverage and advised on occupancy strategy and pricing.
• Acted as financial advisor to the North Wharf Hotel and contributed to investment decisions and strategic planning.

Head of Finance | SA & International Operations (Turnover ±R65m)

• Led the full financial function across four entities, overseeing monthly management accounts, statutory compliance (VAT, PAYE, UIF), budgeting, payroll (±3,500 staff), and audit preparation.
• Managed cash flow, debtors, suppliers, and investment portfolios.
  
• Played a key role in HR and general management, foreign exchange (FEC/derivatives), and international tax consulting.
  
• Automated financial reporting and developed a VIP payroll Excel plug-in to handle large-scale freelance payments in film/TV (up to 2,500 individuals), ensuring full tax compliance.
  

Directed the design and rollout of an online ordering system.

Head of Finance | SA & Australia (Turnover ±R20m)

• Led financial operations across South Africa and Australia, including budgeting, payroll, statutory compliance, and cash flow management.
• Prepared monthly management accounts and audit packs, managed suppliers and debtors, and oversaw HR and IT systems.
  
• Handled financials for Australian entity and managed investment portfolio.
  
• Implemented automation of reporting and facilitated ABC audits.

Head of Entrepreneurial Consulting | Finance, Tax & IT

• Led a multidisciplinary consulting practice focused on SMEs, overseeing trust audits, tax consulting for a large client base, business advisory, and IT systems support.
• Managed payroll bureau and salary structuring, prepared financials and tax returns, and provided strategic input through file reviews, budgeting, and management accounting.
• Specialised in identifying and implementing controls in key strategic areas to drive business performance.

Senior Auditor | Audit & Advisory

• Led audit department operations, managing audits for major clients, financial statement preparation, tax returns, and company restructuring.
• Oversaw staff planning, job scheduling, budgeting, and file reviews.
• Provided consulting services and maintained accounting systems.