Fitness and Wellness
Simphiwe Tshabalala
Tax And Global Payroll Operate Associate
Summary
I am a dynamic problem solver at the intersection of finance, operations, and technology, passionate about transforming complex challenges into scalable, efficient solutions. With a strong foundation in global payroll compliance, strategic project management, and AI-driven automation, I thrive in high-growth, fast-paced environments where innovation meets execution.
My career has been shaped by leading multi-country financial operations, navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, and implementing data-driven strategies that enhance efficiency and drive business transformation. I specialise in process optimisation, financial reporting, and risk management, ensuring organisations stay ahead in an ever-evolving global economy.
Beyond the numbers, I excel at building relationships, leading cross-functional teams, and bridging the gap between business and technology. Whether it’s streamlining operations, driving digital transformation, or delivering strategic insights, I bring a future-focused mindset that blends analytical precision with big-picture thinking.
Now, I’m looking for my next challenge. An opportunity to apply my expertise in program operations, financial strategy, and digital transformation to make a lasting impact in a global organisation. Let’s build something extraordinary.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
5
5
year of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Tax & Global Payroll Operate Associate
EY
11.2023 - Current
- Global Payroll Compliance & Multi-Country Operations – Manage payroll tax compliance across multiple countries, ensuring adherence to local and international tax regulations, social security contributions, and statutory deductions.
- AI & Data-Driven Process Automation – Leverage AI-powered analytics, automation, and machine learning to optimize payroll tax calculations, detect anomalies, and enhance data accuracy.
- Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation – Conduct regular audits to identify discrepancies, mitigate risks, and align with global tax laws and organizational policies, ensuring seamless compliance.
- Cross-Border Stakeholder Management – Collaborate with clients, tax authorities, and internal teams across different cultures and jurisdictions to streamline communication and resolve compliance inquiries.
- Strategic Tax Advisory & Insights – Provide data-driven recommendations on the impact of regulatory changes, advising clients on compliance strategies and optimization opportunities.
- Project & Program Management – Oversee end-to-end project implementation, ensuring seamless execution across initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure stages. Track milestones, manage risks, and align payroll strategies with broader business objectives.
- Advanced Reporting & Data Visualization – Utilize Sage People, Payspace, and visualization tools to generate real-time dashboards, performance metrics, and actionable insights for internal and external stakeholders.
- Business Development & Client Solutions – Contribute to service expansion strategies by gathering client requirements, preparing supporting materials for proposals, and providing insights to enhance global payroll offerings.
- Innovation & Process Optimization – Drive continuous improvement by implementing best practices, automation workflows, and emerging technologies, reducing turnaround times and increasing operational efficiency.
- Senior Stakeholder & Executive Collaboration – Work closely with senior management, partners, and business units to align payroll solutions with organizational goals and market trends.
Senior Customer Relationship Management Consultant
We Buy Cars
11.2021 - 10.2023
- Department Leadership & Operational Strategy – Appointed as the first Senior CRM Consultant in KwaZulu-Natal, building and structuring the regional CRM function from the ground up to support business expansion.
- Process Optimization & Efficiency – Designed and implemented scalable operational processes, improving workflow automation, service delivery, and customer engagement.
- Recruitment, Training & Team Development – Led the hiring, onboarding, and mentorship of new CRM team members, ensuring alignment with company objectives and performance standards.
- Business Growth & Sales Strategy – Drove a 75% increase in sales, contributing to the expansion from 8,000 to 14,000 vehicles sold, showcasing expertise in business development and revenue generation.
- Expansion & Multi-Site Operations Management – Optimized CRM operations to support the successful launch of two additional branches, enhancing regional coverage and customer reach.
- Customer Success & Risk Management – Oversaw high-value customer interactions and escalations, ensuring seamless issue resolution and maintaining brand reputation.
- Financial Operations & Compliance – Managed payment tracking, refund processing, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and transparency in transactions.
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Executive Collaboration – Worked closely with head office and senior management to align regional customer experience strategies with national objectives.
Customer Care Team Leader
Merchants
02.2020 - 11.2021
- Leadership & Team Development – Promoted to leadership within one year, managing a high-performance team and ensuring operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Performance Analytics & Process Optimization – Used data-driven insights to monitor KPIs, identify performance gaps, and implement workflow improvements that enhanced efficiency.
- Training & Talent Development – Led recruitment, onboarding, and coaching, equipping teams with the skills needed to deliver exceptional customer experiences.
- Operational Strategy & Workforce Planning – Designed scalable team rosters, optimized resource allocation, and leveraged time management systems (TMS) to maintain productivity.
- Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration – Worked closely with senior management to develop performance strategies and ensure alignment with business objectives.
- Customer Experience & Risk Management – Leveraged customer feedback and analytics to enhance satisfaction, streamline issue resolution, and minimize escalations.
- Compliance & Standardization – Maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency, regulatory adherence, and process standardization.
Customer Care Agent
Merchants
01.2019 - 02.2020
- Customer Service Excellence – Managed high-volume inbound calls, delivering efficient issue resolution and maintaining customer satisfaction at scale.
- Problem-Solving & Research – Conducted in-depth research to provide accurate, data-driven solutions, enhancing customer experience and trust.
- CRM & Data Management – Maintained detailed customer records, ensuring seamless issue tracking, follow-ups, and escalations.
- Performance & Efficiency – Consistently exceeded KPIs, maintaining a 100% response rate within 60 seconds, optimizing customer engagement.
- Cross-Functional Coordination – Liaised with internal departments to escalate and resolve complex issues, improving workflow efficiency.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Accounting
University of South Africa
Durban 01.2024 - Current
Diploma - Financial Accounting
Durban University of Technology
Durban 01.2020 - 12 2022
High School Diploma -
Burnwood Secondary School
Durban 01.2014 - 12 2018
Skills
Leadership & Team Management – Program & Project Management, Team Leadership, Mentorship, Coaching, Performance Management, Recruitment, Onboarding, Team Development
Data & Analytics – Data Visualization, Performance Analysis, AI Tools, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Payroll & Financial Analytics
Operations Management – Stakeholder Engagement, Budgeting & Financial Oversight, Event Planning & Logistics, Knowledge Management, Policy Compliance
Process Optimization & Compliance – Multi-Country Compliance, Process Automation, Workflow Streamlining, Risk Assessment & Mitigation, Operational Efficiency
Financial & Payroll Expertise – Tax Calculation, Global Payroll Operations, Payroll Compliance, Financial Reporting, Sage People, Payspace
Strategic & Business Skills – Strategic Planning, Decision-Making, Project Management, B2B Sales, Opportunity Identification, Sales Growth
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement – Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Satisfaction & Retention, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Customer Needs Management
Technical & Soft Skills – Microsoft Office Suite, Time Management, Organizational Skills, Relationship Building, Initiative Planning, Adaptability
Personal Information
- Place of Birth: South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: Code 10
Certification
Python for Data Science and AI
Interests
Fitness & Wellness Content Creation
Travel & Cultural Exploration
Reading (Business, Finance, Technology & Self Development)
Timeline
Post Graduate Diploma - Accounting
University of South Africa
01.2024 - Current
Tax & Global Payroll Operate Associate
EY
11.2023 - Current
Senior Customer Relationship Management Consultant
We Buy Cars
11.2021 - 10.2023
Customer Care Team Leader
Merchants
02.2020 - 11.2021
Diploma - Financial Accounting
Durban University of Technology
01.2020 - 12 2022
Customer Care Agent
Merchants
01.2019 - 02.2020
High School Diploma -
Burnwood Secondary School
01.2014 - 12 2018