Rowann Pillay
Head Of Human Resources
Summary
Human Resources leader with substantial experience in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. Adept at fostering team collaboration and driving results, known for adaptability in dynamic environments. Skilled in strategic planning, conflict resolution, and performance management with strong emphasis on aligning HR practices with business objectives. Respected for reliability and effective communication.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Human resources
Econorisk (Pty) Ltd
01.2019 - Current
- Leadership & HR Oversight providing strategic direction, operational leadership, and development support.
- EE & B-BBEE Strategy Implementation: Led the development and execution of Employment Equity (EE) and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) strategies. This included forming committees, conducting stakeholder meetings, driving recommendations, and ensuring compliance through effective reporting.
- Employee Relations & HR Advisory: Provided expert guidance on complex, sensitive, or specialized HR matters, including misconduct investigations, terminations, and reasonable accommodations. Acted as a trusted advisor to HR generalists, managers, and executives.
- Talent Acquisition: Directed the end-to-end recruitment lifecycle, including the sourcing, interviewing, and hiring of qualified candidates—especially for managerial and professional roles. Partnered closely with hiring managers to define job competencies and workforce needs.
- Budget Management & Reporting: Oversee and manage the payroll, recruitment, and training budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Responsible for ongoing monitoring, analysis, and reporting on budget performance to senior leadership, with a focus on cost-efficiency and strategic resource allocation.
- Onboarding & Induction: Designed and facilitated structured induction programs for all new employees, ensuring smooth integration into the company culture and operations.
- Succession Planning: Developed and implemented succession plans to ensure leadership continuity and critical skill retention across departments.
- Contract & Workforce Management: Monitored fixed-term contracts and managed end-of-term processes efficiently.
- Compensation & Benefits Analysis: Conducted research and analysis on market trends in remuneration and benefits. Recommended competitive base salary structures and incentive programs to attract and retain top talent.
- Regulatory Compliance & Industry Trends: Maintained up-to-date knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, compliance, and technological advancements.
- Culture & Morale Initiatives: Oversaw the Social Committee and managed planning for key cultural and morale-boosting events throughout the year.
- Payroll Administration: Managed end-to-end payroll operations, including coordination with external service providers (Provident Fund, Medical Aid, EAP). Oversaw data auditing, reconciliations, and compliance with SARS requirements.
- Statutory Submissions & Reconciliations: Responsible for monthly PAYE, SDL, UIF reconciliations; biannual and annual SARS submissions (EMP501), legislative reporting, and handling SARS-related queries.
- HR Policy Support & Employee Counseling: Provided counseling and support to staff on HR policies and procedures, fostering transparency and compliance.
- Learning & Development: Initiated and managed internal development programs that foster employee growth and career progression.
- Executive Engagement: Participated in MANCO and Board meetings of the main trading company and its subsidiaries, contributing HR insights to executive-level decision-making.
- Banking & Payment Management: Reviewed and processed EFT payroll files and managed the final release of salary payments—retaining financial authority from a previous Finance Manager role.
Finance Manager
Econorisk (Pty) Ltd
03.2016 - 03.2019
- Full-Spectrum Accountant: Successfully managed the complete bookkeeping function prior to promotion, including creditors, debtors, cashbook, interest schedules, VAT, and PAYE returns.
- Team Leadership: Led and supported a finance and admin team which including a financial analyst, accountant, bookkeepers, payroll manager, receptionist, and administrative support personnel.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepared and presented monthly financial reports and management accounts (MANCO packs) to senior leadership, offering data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.
- Investment & Strategic Advisory: Provided guidance on investment opportunities and developed financial strategies to support the organization's growth and sustainability.
- Performance & Variance Analysis: Analysed costs, pricing structures, sales performance, and contributions, comparing actual results to business plans and forecasts.
- Financial Planning & Budgeting: Participated in the annual budget planning process; identified trends and prepared financial projections to support decision-making.
- Cost Efficiency & Optimization: Conducted financial reviews to identify and implement cost-reduction initiatives and efficiency improvements.
- Finance Operations Management: Oversaw the day-to-day operations of the finance department, established clear objectives, and developed frameworks to ensure successful execution.
- Audit & Compliance: Consulted with external auditors to ensure effective financial governance, internal controls, and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Payment Authorization & Banking Oversight: Held authority for approving payments and managing user access on the FNB online banking platform. Custodian of Disbursements: Accountable for the release of all payments, including claims, service provider invoices, and payroll disbursements.
Stock Controller/ Bookkeeper
Hyundai
02.2015 - 02.2016
- Vehicle Stock Management: Maintained full custody and control of vehicle stock and associated documentation to ensure timely availability for sales and customer deliveries.
- Inventory Accuracy: Effectively managed stock levels to meet customer demand, achieving zero stock loss through meticulous tracking and reconciliation practices.
- Procurement & Ordering: Placed vehicle orders aligned with market demand and availability requirements, ensuring stock levels met current and projected sales needs.
- Planning & Delivery Coordination: Oversaw the timely delivery of vehicles to customers, ensuring all handover documentation was complete, accurate, and compliant with internal policies.
- Invoicing & Sales Support: Managed the full vehicle invoicing process for both customers and internal branches, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial procedures.
- Sales Commission Processing: Calculated and balanced sales team commissions in a timely and accurate manner.
- Cash Book & Reconciliation: Captured transactions in the cash book and performed regular reconciliations to maintain financial accuracy.
- Procurement Support: Issued purchase orders and verified creditor accounts, ensuring correct account balances and payment schedules.
- Payroll Administration & HR Support: Provided assistance in payroll processing and supported HR functions including basic employee administration and coordination.
HR Administrator / Bookkeeper
Hyundai
03.2013 - 12.2014
- Employee Onboarding & Induction: Conducted comprehensive orientation sessions for new employees, covering key policies and benefits including pension/provident fund, medical aid, vehicle policies, disciplinary procedures, and leave entitlements.
- HR Administration: Managed end-to-end employee lifecycle documentation, including onboarding, leave records, disciplinary actions, resignations, terminations, IOD claims, and general HR filing. Maintained accurate and up-to-date records in both digital and physical formats.
- Employee Relations & Compliance: Handled employee engagements, grievances, disputes, and exit processes with professionalism and in alignment with company policies and labor legislation.
- HR Transactions: Administered employee transfers, promotions, salary adjustments, bonuses, and incentives with precision, ensuring accuracy and timely implementation.
- Regional Credit Control: Served as the Regional Credit Controller overseeing accounts receivable across 8 branches, ensuring effective debt management and resolution of outstanding accounts.
- Warranty Administration: Managed the complete warranty claims process, ensuring accuracy and adherence to warranty terms and procedures.
- Financial Administration & Bookings: Executed full financial administration duties, including capturing and reconciling transactions across multiple bank accounts, managing debtors and creditors, and processing payments to service providers and financial institutions.
Warranty/ Costing Controller
Hyundai
08.2007 - 02.2013
Cash Book Controller
Hyundai
10.2006 - 08.2007
Junior Bookkeeper
Musgrave Agencies CC
04.2005 - 10.2006
Creditors Clerk
Quiksilver Boardriders (TSS Retail)
07.2003 - 03.2005
Administration Clerk
Quik Boardriding CC (TSS Retail)
11.2002 - 07.2003
Education
Post Grad Honors - Management, International executive management programme
Henley
BCom - Management
UNISA
Matric - undefined
Protea Secondary High School
Skills
HR policies development
Employee relations
Recruitment strategies
Employee wellness programs
Onboarding programs
Performance appraisals
Talent management
Diversity and inclusion
Organizational culture
Retention strategies
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/19/84
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Yes
Systems Experience
- Sage Pastel payroll
- Sage Pastel accounting
- Sage 300 people
- ESS leave system
- System A – Tial
- Xero
- SPL/Kerridge
- Autoline
- Great planes
Timeline
Head of Human resources
Econorisk (Pty) Ltd
01.2019 - Current
Finance Manager
Econorisk (Pty) Ltd
03.2016 - 03.2019
Stock Controller/ Bookkeeper
Hyundai
02.2015 - 02.2016
HR Administrator / Bookkeeper
Hyundai
03.2013 - 12.2014
Warranty/ Costing Controller
Hyundai
08.2007 - 02.2013
Cash Book Controller
Hyundai
10.2006 - 08.2007
Junior Bookkeeper
Musgrave Agencies CC
04.2005 - 10.2006
Creditors Clerk
Quiksilver Boardriders (TSS Retail)
07.2003 - 03.2005
Administration Clerk
Quik Boardriding CC (TSS Retail)
11.2002 - 07.2003
BCom - Management
UNISA
Matric - undefined
Protea Secondary High School
Post Grad Honors - Management, International executive management programme
Henley