JACQUES WILLEM SMITH
Willow Wild
Summary
Experienced Accounting Professional with 16 years in financial management, specialising in financial reporting and budget development. Drives compliance oversight and risk assessment while managing stakeholder relationships to support strategic growth. Strategic Financial Manager skilled in financial planning, analysis, and budget management, with a focus on cost reduction and process optimisation to enhance profitability.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Manager
Mabula Share Block Companies
Bryanston
09.2018 - Current
- Supported planning and board-level decisions by preparing budgets, forecasts, long-term plans, management packs, and Board/AGM financial reports.
- Produced accurate monthly management accounts by leading full accounting, general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and month-end close.
- Strengthened cash visibility and liquidity planning through daily cash management and weekly forecasting, enabling proactive funding decisions and timely supplier payments.
- Optimised working capital by effectively managing debtor balances exceeding ZAR 40 million and creditor portfolios above ZAR 4 million, improving cash availability and supporting operational requirements.
- Provided financial insights that informed Board and executive decision-making, supporting strategic growth and operational planning across hospitality, share block, timeshare, and reserve operations.
- Coordinated audit requirements and resolved queries efficiently, ensuring external audits remained on schedule and compliance was maintained.
- Strengthened internal controls and managed insurance renewals while liaising with banks on facilities and accounts, mitigating financial risk and safeguarding operations.
- Maintained payroll accuracy and statutory compliance by administering payroll and submitting VAT, PAYE, and EMP201 on time.
Hotel Accountant
Protea Hotel Parktonian
Location
05.2004 - 08.2018
- Produced accurate month-end management accounts and income statements for trustees and management, improving financial visibility.
- Maintained reliable daily cash visibility by handling bank reconciliations, cash flow reporting, petty cash, petrol reconciliations, and EFT salary payments.
- Ensured accuracy of payables and currency of supplier accounts through creditor processing, reconciliations, EFT payments, VAT returns, and settlements.
- Managed creditors (ZAR5.6M), debtors (ZAR7.5M), and ~350 active accounts, improving cashflow visibility.
- Improved collections discipline and receivables accuracy through debtor invoicing, reconciliations, aged-debtor analysis, and follow-up activities.
- Compiled monthly management reports including billing variance, debtors/creditors age analyses, income statements, and operational stock takes for informed decision-making.
- Enhanced financial control in sectional title operations by managing budgeting, levy billing, arrears recovery, reserve fund planning, and STSMA compliance oversight.
- Supported governance and year-end compliance by coordinating annual audits, AGMs, trustee meetings, insurance administration, and special levies.
Guest Services Manager
Protea Hotel Parktonian
Location
04.2001 - 05.2004
- Delivered efficient guest flow and service continuity by managing arrivals, check-ins, check-outs, group registrations, and room pre-allocations.
- Resolved guest issues promptly and coordinated services across porterage, housekeeping, and F&B outlets.
- Enhanced front office consistency and service standards by leading reservations team, training staff, and managing shift handovers.
- Kept front office operations compliant and responsive through timely reporting, daily checks, and prompt call and message handling.
- Ensured cash control and transaction accuracy through effective handling of cashiering, credit checks, floats, change orders, adjustments, and payouts.
- Maintained occupancy forecasting, statistics, O‑status follow‑ups, Forex updates, weekly house account closures.
Ass Food & Beverage Manager
Protea Hotel Parktonian
Location
01.2000 - 04.2001
- Strengthened cost control and commercial planning through ownership of budgets, forecasts, payroll, inventory controls, and F&B sales programs.
- Enhanced daily F&B operations through effective leadership of planning across front- and back-of-house functions.
- Built team capability and service standards by hiring, training, coaching, and developing staff.
- Improved guest service coordination by aligning F&B operations with housekeeping, front desk, and management teams.
- Increased guest and staff satisfaction by addressing complaints and enforcing improved operating procedures.
- Ensured regulatory and brand compliance by implementing Department of Health requirements and corporate standards.
Trainee
Santos Beach Protea Hotel
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Gained hands-on experience in front office operations by supporting guest check-ins and addressing inquiries to enhance guest service.
- Oversaw staff activities during shifts, ensuring adherence to service standards and facilitating a positive guest experience.
- Assisted with daily bar operations, contributing to smooth workflow and efficient customer service during hotel trainee rotations.
- Supported waitstaff during restaurant service and facilitated timely food delivery to customers.
Trainee
Protea Gardens Hotel
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Aided restaurant service and banqueting operations while upholding high customer service standards, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Developed customer service skills by engaging with patrons and facilitating orders at the bar. through bar operations responsibilities.
- Supported daily kitchen operations by preparing ingredients and ensuring cleanliness, contributing to a productive environment.
Trainee
Protea Hotel Katberg
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Kept daily hotel operations running smoothly by managing front office, housekeeping, maintenance, and administration.
- Oversaw F&B stock, bar operations, and restaurant service to enhance operational control and service quality.
- Conducted orientation and in-house training for staff to ensure consistent service delivery.
- Delivered well-coordinated events by managing banqueting, conference catering, and function planning.
- Improved guest experience by resolving concierge and entertainment requests promptly and courteously.
- Provided administrative and office support across departments to facilitate smooth day-to-day operations.
Education
Higher National Diploma - Hotel Management
Wits Hotel School
Wits Johannesburg01-1999
Diploma of Higher Education - Hotel Management
Birmun Business College
Rivonia, GP01-1995
Skills
- Process optimization
- Budget development
- Financial forecasting
- Cash flow management
- Cash Flow analysis
- Financial reporting
- P&L analysis
- Financial statement preparation
- Balance sheet review
- Balance sheet reconciliation
- Balance sheet analysis
- Revenue growth planning
- Financial modelling
- Financial data analysis
- Data analysis
- Financial governance
- Compliance oversight
- Regulatory compliance
- Tax compliance management
- Tax preparation
- VAT return submissions
- VAT returns
- Audit coordination
- Audit procedures
- Audit processes familiarity
- Corporate compliance
- Financial governance
- Management accounting
- Management reporting
- Strategic planning
- Long-term planning
- Risk assessment
- Stakeholder management
- Stakeholder communication
- Team management
- Employee training
- Process optimization
- Operational efficiency
- Cost reduction
- Expense management
- Deadline focused
- Performance analysis
- Documentation reporting
- KPI management
- Expertise in Excel
- Spreadsheet proficiency
- Corporate finance
- Debt structuring
- Fixed asset accounting
- Company valuation techniques
- Accountancy principles
- IFRS familiarity
- Equity valuation
- Decision-Making prowess
- Project prioritisation
- Spreadsheet proficiency
- Corporate finance
- Debt structuring
- Fixed asset accounting
- Company valuation techniques
- Accountancy principles
- IFRS familiarity
- Equity valuation
Accomplishments
- Optimized Audit Process: Reduced audit discrepancies by 35% through efficient coordination and management.
- Enhanced Cash Management: Improved cash flow management by 25%, ensuring over ZAR 40 million liquidity management.
- Increased Financial Accuracy: Reduced reporting errors by 30% by implementing comprehensive financial controls.
- Cost-Saving Negotiation: Negotiated insurance policies saving 20% on premium costs annually.
Custom
LinkedIn/Portfolio
Timeline
Financial Manager
Mabula Share Block Companies
09.2018 - Current
Hotel Accountant
Protea Hotel Parktonian
05.2004 - 08.2018
Guest Services Manager
Protea Hotel Parktonian
04.2001 - 05.2004
Ass Food & Beverage Manager
Protea Hotel Parktonian
01.2000 - 04.2001
Trainee
Santos Beach Protea Hotel
01.1998 - 01.1999
Trainee
Protea Gardens Hotel
01.1997 - 01.1998
Trainee
Protea Hotel Katberg
01.1996 - 01.1997
Higher National Diploma - Hotel Management
Wits Hotel School
Diploma of Higher Education - Hotel Management
Birmun Business College