Pranisha Salikram
Academic Lead/Audit/Finance
Durban
Summary
Strategic Financial and Academic Leader with 15+ years’ experience spanning financial management, auditing, governance, and higher-education leadership. Proven ability to manage complex financial operations, ensure statutory compliance, lead multi-disciplinary teams, and translate strategy into measurable outcomes. Strong commercial acumen supported by an MBA and deep expertise in audit, taxation, reporting, accreditation, and digital transformation. Equally effective in corporate, SME, and academic environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial Manager
LMH Designs and Holdings
09.2025 - Current
- Overall responsibility for financial management across group entities, including reporting, budgeting, and cash-flow oversight.
- Preparation and review of monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and financial performance reporting.
- Oversight of VAT, PAYE, UIF, and statutory submissions ensuring full SARS compliance.
- Management of external accountants, auditors, and regulatory stakeholders.
- Implementation of internal controls, financial policies, and reporting frameworks.
- Support executive decision-making through financial modelling, forecasts, and cost analysis.
Academic Head: School of Commerce and Management
REGENT Business School
11.2023 - 07.2025
- Led academic and operational strategy for the School of Commerce and Management; served concurrently as Acting Head for the School of Supply Chain Management.
- Managed and mentored a team of 15 academic and administrative staff.
- Chaired Programme Development and Design Review (PDDR) Committee.
- Led curriculum redesign and accreditation submissions aligned to CHE and HEQSF requirements.
- Played a central role in institutional audits, quality assurance reviews, and regulatory compliance.
- Drove digital transformation initiatives to enhance student engagement and employability.
- Developed academic plans, teaching allocations, and resource forecasts based on enrolment projections.
Academic Manager
REGENT Business School
08.2019 - 10.2023
- Managed day-to-day academic operations, programme delivery, and assessment integrity.
- Implemented online learning and digital assessment platforms.
- Ensured compliance with academic policies, QA standards, and institutional frameworks.
- Supervised academic staff, performance reviews, and training initiatives.
- Collaborated with student support, retention, and marketing teams to improve outcomes.
Academic Lecturer
REGENT Business School
07.2013 - 07.2019
- Delivered lectures in accounting, finance, and management disciplines.
- Developed curricula, assessments, and learning material across multiple platforms.
- Conducted research and contributed to peer-reviewed publications.
- Provided academic mentorship and student support.
Auditor
Gcabashe Inc
05.2010 - 02.2013
- Performed external audits, accounting, and taxation engagements.
- Prepared comprehensive audit working papers and reports.
- Supervised and trained junior audit staff.
- Contracted by the Auditor-General for departmental audits.
Audit Trainee
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
01.2008 - 02.2010
- Executed audit procedures, risk assessments, and evidence evaluation.
- Documented audit findings and supported senior audit teams.
- Gained exposure to large corporate and public-sector audits.
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Nexford University
USA11-2024
BCom Honours - Accounting
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban12-2006
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban12-2005
Skills
Financial Reporting
Budgeting & Forecasting
Audit & Assurance
Taxation (VAT & Income Tax)
Academic Leadership & Governance
Institutional Strategy & Planning
Programme Accreditation & Quality Assurance (CHE, HEQSF, SAQA) Curriculum Design, Module Development & Programme Renewal
Outcomes-Based Curriculum Mapping
Assessment Design & Moderation Digital & Online Learning Strategy
Student Success & Retention Academic Staffing Models & Workload Planning
People Management
Process Improvement
Digital Transformation
CaseWare
Pastel
QuickBooks
MS Excel & Office
Moodle LMS
Timeline
Financial Manager
LMH Designs and Holdings
09.2025 - Current
Academic Head: School of Commerce and Management
REGENT Business School
11.2023 - 07.2025
Academic Manager
REGENT Business School
08.2019 - 10.2023
Academic Lecturer
REGENT Business School
07.2013 - 07.2019
Auditor
Gcabashe Inc
05.2010 - 02.2013
Audit Trainee
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
01.2008 - 02.2010
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Nexford University
BCom Honours - Accounting
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
University of KwaZulu-Natal
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Navigating Leadership Success – McCormick Training Academy
- Management Development Programme – REGENT Business School
- Artificial Intelligence & 4IR – University of Johannesburg
- Teaching with Technology – University of Cape Town
- Quality Assurance in Higher Education – Durban University of Technology
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
- Experienced in both corporate and academic governance environments
- Available for senior finance, finance manager, head of finance, or strategic role