Keshav Juthan

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Effective and efficient management of the company’s financial reporting processes and actual financial performance. Overall responsibilities included supervision, direction and training of support staff within the finance function (such as Creditors, Debtors, Cash, Stock, Fixed Assets, Payroll and junior/ advanced Bookkeepers);preparation of budgets; monitoring and implementation of financial controls, including monthly reconciliation's to ensure all accounting transactions are processed; internal and external reporting (such as monthly management accounts and annual financial statements), including commentary on results and analysis thereof; tax management, including reconciliation of VAT and income tax including deferred tax).
• Ensured compliance with all group policies, procedures and strict adherence to internal controls. This includes ensuring daily, weekly and monthly reporting is done accurately and timeously containing appropriate content to enable effective decision making.
• Ensured achievement of company’s strategic objectives, goal plans and targets.
• Timeous backup of financial records. Effectively deal with internal audit, external audit, SARS audit, BEE audit. Provide a support role to the Group Financial Manager and both CFO's.
• Preparation/review of monthly management accounts including analysis/commentary.
• Preparation/review of the annual financial statements.
• Preparation/review of monthly working paper files and high-risk balance sheet reconciliation's.
• Ensured routine transactions (expenses, asset purchases, cash book entries, sales etc.) are processed timeously by junior team members.
• Preparation/review of non-routine transaction (depreciation, impairments, provisions, finance costs/income, discounting, lease straight lining, management fees, administration fees etc.) and complex transactions.
• Review of and approval of payments, together with accurate capturing of invoices in the accounting system, ensuring IFRS and tax compliance.
• Review of annual tax computations
• Timeous preparation and payment provisional taxation payments.
• Review of the monthly VAT and Payroll returns.
• Timeous settlement of inter-company trade accounts, loan accounts, shareholder loans, bank loans, bank facilities, creditors, SARS (Income Tax, PAYE, VAT) in line with agreed payment terms.
• Ensured that all inter-company balances are reconciled monthly.
• Timeous collection of loans receivable, inter-company trade accounts and trade debtors.
• Effective management of working capital. (Assisted in the continuous improvement in supplier terms and customer terms).
• Effective tax planning and cash flow management.
• Identification of control weakness, designing of internal controls and implementation thereof.
• Timeous corrective action against internal audit and external audit findings.
• Review of profit and loss on asset disposals transactions.
• Review of general ledger transactions monthly to confirm accurate account allocations, IFRS compliance, income tax and VAT compliance.
• Review all loan, creditors, facility, installment sales reconciliations to external statements.
• Review and approve accruals (test estimation accuracy by reference to trends and comparison of actual results to previous estimates).
• Ensured monthly standing debit orders (rent, insurance, telephone, subscriptions) are processed.
• Assisted the BEE project team to ensure the improvement and sustenance of the company's BEE score.
• Liaised with the various departments and regional/operational managers to ensure efficient reporting and compliance with gambling regulations.
• Liaised with external auditors during interim and year end audit to ensure all queries are responded to.
• Minimized audit overruns by ensuring diligent preparation of audit files/compliance with auditor requests.
• Supported the GFM and CFO's with specific projects involving mergers & acquisitions and major projects.
• Direct supervision and mentoring of the junior finance team which included the supervision and management of 4x senior creditors, Junior Financial Accountant, Financial Accountant, Bookkeeper, Cashbook Clerk and 2x graduate trainees.
• Creation and maintenance of roles, job descriptions and KPIs for my direct reports.
• Promoted a culture of confidentiality within the business with regards to the protection of personal information.
  

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Led and managed audit engagements for a diverse portfolio of clients ensuring compliance with International Accounting Standards( IFRS & IFRS for SME's) and regulations within the Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Education, Property, FMCG,hospitality, TLC, Telecommunication BPO, Freight & Logistic industries.
• Supervised and mentored junior trainees, providing guidance and feedback to ensure high-quality audit results.
• Conducted detailed assessments of financial statements, internal controls, and operational processes to identify risk areas and recommended improvements.
• Planned, executed, and finalized audits from start to finish, including identifying audit objectives, preparing workpapers, and drafting separate and group consolidated Annual Financial Statements.
• Reviewed and ensured the accurate preparation of financial reports in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Communicated findings and provided actionable recommendations to clients regarding financial controls, operational efficiencies, and accounting practices.
• Developed and maintained strong client relationships, offering valuable insights and advice on complex financial and operational issues.
• Reviewed and signed off on audit working papers, ensuring compliance with professional standards and BDO’s audit methodology.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams and managed multiple audits simultaneously, meeting tight deadlines and client expectations.
• Stayed updated on the latest industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to ensure continuous improvement of audit processes including the application of ISA 315 revised.
• Calculation of Current and Deferred taxation in line with the income tax act.
• Cash Flow forecasts, including gathering and documenting background information with regards to clients in compliance with the International Auditing Standards.
• Assessment of client’s going concern ability in compliance with the International Auditing Standards.
• Assisted in business development efforts, including proposal writing and due diligence while identifying opportunities for further client engagement.

Key Achievements:

• Successfully managed audits for clients across various industries achieving high recoveries on all engagements.
• Identified and helped mitigate significant financial and operational risks, contributing to cost-saving measures for clients.
• Contributed to training and development programs within the audit team, leading to improved efficiency and quality of audits.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current with industry best practices and emerging trends in external auditing.
• Effectively communicated audit findings with various stakeholders, presenting clear and concise reports tailored to different audiences.
• Implemented data analytics techniques to enhance the depth of analysis performed during audits, leading to more meaningful findings and recommendations.
• Conducted comprehensive external audits to ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Supported Marking Team: Assisted in the marking process of matriculation examinations, ensuring accuracy and adherence to the provided marking guidelines and rubrics.
• Grading and Scoring: Reviewed and evaluated student responses to exam questions based on predetermined grading criteria, ensuring fairness and consistency in marking.
• Data Entry: Inputed marks and feedback into the examination database accurately and promptly, following strict confidentiality protocols.
• Monitored and Reported Discrepancies: Identified any inconsistencies or errors in student responses and alerted the senior examiners or supervisors for further clarification.
• Provided Feedback: Assisted in providing constructive feedback for students on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
• Collaboration: Worked closely with senior examiners and marking teams to ensure efficient and timely completion of the marking process.
• Adhered to Deadlines: Ensured that all examinations are marked within the given timeframe, ensuring timely release of results.
• Confidentiality and Integrity: Maintained confidentiality regarding student information and exam content, adhering to ethical standards in the examination process.
• Handled Exam Materials: Safeguarded and managed exam materials, including question papers and student scripts, following the examination body's policies.
• Assisted with Quality Control: Helped monitor the overall quality of marking by ensuring that marking practices are consistent with guidelines set by the examining board.
• Assisted with Reporting: Helped prepare reports summarizing overall performance trends, errors, and areas of concern based on the marking process.

Key Achievements:

• Contributed to the efficient and accurate marking of thousands of matriculation examination scripts within set deadlines.
• Played a key role in ensuring a fair and unbiased grading system, fostering student confidence in the assessment process.