Pelisa Zola
CA(SA)
Johannesburg
Summary
Seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in financial management, reporting, and strategic planning across diverse sectors. Proven track record in preparing insightful management reports, monitoring budgets, and optimizing financial processes to align with organizational goals. Skilled in mentoring and training teams for enhanced performance and efficiency. Adept at coordinating external audits, ensuring compliance, and implementing robust financial controls. Experienced in process optimization projects, resulting in streamlined operations and cost reductions. Seeking to leverage analytical prowess, financial acumen, and collaborative skills in a dynamic business engineering role to drive innovation and operational excellence.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Manager
Marquis Finance
9 2021 - 1 2024
- Prepared monthly management reports, providing key financial insights and analysis for decision-making
- Monitored and projected cash flows to meet financial obligations and support operational needs
- Enhanced financial controls and updated procedures to mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and improve efficiency
- Assisted with annual budget preparation and monitoring to ensure financial stability and align goals with organizational objectives
- Provided training and mentoring to financial administrators, improving their effectiveness and efficiency in roles
- Coordinated with external auditors, providing necessary documentation, and addressing audit findings to ensure compliance
- Assisted executives (CFO, COO, CXO) with ad hoc financial analysis, insights, and support as needed
- Supported operations team in process optimization projects, streamlining financial operations and reducing costs
- Managed asset register to accurately track and report on company assets
- Reviewed bank reconciliations and creditor payments, ensuring accurate and timely processing of financial transactions
- Processed month-end journal entries to record financial transactions and ensure timely closing of accounting periods
- Prepared VAT calculations and reconciliations, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and timely submissions
- Conducted financial reconciliations and maintained general ledger to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data.
Senior Consultant - Accounting and Financial Advisory
Old Mutual
05.2019 - 08.2021
- Compiled monthly management reports, providing strategic insights and analysis tailored for informed decision-making
- Processing month-end journal entries to properly record financial transactions and facilitate timely closing of accounting periods
- Conducted thorough variance analysis to identify and investigate deviations from expected financial outcomes, implementing corrective measures where necessary
- Enhanced financial controls and procedures to ensure accuracy, reliability, and compliance with accounting standards
- Facilitated strategic management meetings with Asset Managers, aligning financial strategies and goals
- Maintained regular contact with asset managers and transfer attorneys to facilitate seamless financial operations
- Assisted with the recruitment of junior consultants, ensuring the acquisition of talented individuals to support financial accounting operations
- Managing the general ledger, overseeing its maintenance, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards
- Collaborated with external auditors and the financial reporting team to ensure seamless audits, providing key insights and documentation to facilitate smooth audit processes
- Contributed to the enhancement of financial systems tailored to optimize efficiency and effectiveness in financial operations
- Handling tax and VAT submissions, ensuring compliance with regulations and effectively liaising with tax authorities (SARS)
- Played a crucial role in transitioning financial systems from Sage Evolution to Xero accounting, understanding and addressing unique challenges inherent to the business
- Additionally, during a secondment to a cold storage and logistics company, drafted accounting policies and procedures manuals to establish standardized financial practices, demonstrating adaptability across diverse industry landscapes.
Trainee Auditor
Auditor-General of South Africa
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Conducted financial audits and assurance engagements in accordance with auditing standards and regulations, gaining hands-on experience in audit procedures and techniques
- Reviewed financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations
- Assisted in planning and executing audit engagements, including risk assessment, control evaluation, and substantive testing procedures
- Documented audit findings, prepared working papers, and contributed to audit reports, communicating results and recommendations effectively
- Collaborated with audit teams and senior auditors, gaining insights into audit methodologies and best practices
- Participated in continuous professional development, staying updated with changes in auditing standards, regulations, and industry trends
- Evaluating client business processes for weaknesses and control deficiencies, assessing risks, obtaining audit evidence, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and legislation
- Engaged with clients and stakeholders professionally, fostering positive relationships and ensuring client satisfaction throughout the audit process.
Education
Chartered Accountant of South Africa -
South African Institute of Charted Accounts
Xero Advisor Certification - undefined
Management Advancement Programme - undefined
WITS Business School
BCom Honours Accounting - undefined
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Accounting - undefined
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
National Senior Certificate - undefined
Zingisa Comprehensive High School
Skills
Excellent communication
Technical competence
Attentive
Advanced user: Audit Software & Oracle
Planning & organizing
Proficient in Microsoft
Self-motivated and team player
Highly motivated and reliable
Performance Motivated
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Report Writing skills and deadline driven
Driver License
Code 10 (C1)
Languages
English
Xhosa
References
- Zinzi Nikelo CA(SA), Manager - Financial Compliance and Internal Control, 0837835614
- Noluthando Bobani CA(SA), Business Partner Finance: SME, 0629234005
- Lee-Ann Alaart, Audit Manager, 0721195407
Timeline
Senior Consultant - Accounting and Financial Advisory
Old Mutual
05.2019 - 08.2021
Trainee Auditor
Auditor-General of South Africa
01.2016 - 01.2019
Financial Manager
Marquis Finance
9 2021 - 1 2024
Chartered Accountant of South Africa -
South African Institute of Charted Accounts
Xero Advisor Certification - undefined
Management Advancement Programme - undefined
WITS Business School
BCom Honours Accounting - undefined
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Bachelor of Accounting - undefined
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
National Senior Certificate - undefined
Zingisa Comprehensive High School