Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Industryexpertise
Areasofspecialization
References
Timeline
Generic
Thato Mafora

Thato Mafora

CA (SA), FMVA
Carswald

Summary

Qualified CA (SA) and a certified Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA), who possesses relevant professional experience in mining business analysis and performance review (FP&A/BAP), Banking (Risk management & governance), and Auditing with its related services. Results-oriented analyst skillful in managing and breaking down large volumes of information. Proactive at heading off issues in operations, workflow and production by uncovering trends affecting business success. Have interest and experience lies in an in-depth understanding of business operations, key reporting performance indicators, complex financial analysis and modelling, business planning and analysis, business valuation and due diligence. Furthermore, have gained international exposure through a secondment to Houston Texas, USA in an auditing and assurance space. An ambitious and hardworking young professional looking for a challenge in everything. Function well in a team setting and in an individual capacity with good and proven project management skills and can balance multiple competing priorities, having worked, and studied whilst still achieving strict deadlines for work and preparations for tests and exams. Over and above academic and work-related success I'm committed to health and fitness as that helps to become more productive and enhances mental agility.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Languages

Work History

Analyst: Business Analyst and Planning

Glencore Copper Finance
07.2022 - Current
  • Collaborate with local and global stakeholders to execute specific copper finance deliverables in line with standards
  • Analysis of information through exception-based reporting, highlighting areas requiring drill-down and analysis
  • Preparation of weekly, monthly, and year-end deliverables
  • Reviewing budgets and life of mine submissions from regions
  • Building life of mine valuation models
  • Report and communicate areas of concern about performance against budget and forecast
  • Ad hoc analysis and participation in projects where required
  • Standardization and streamlining of reporting through automation
  • Preparation of consolidated group reports (monthly management and flash reporting)
  • Cost sensitivity analysis
  • Consolidation and analysis of life of assets model
  • Impairment testing
  • Production reporting
  • Capital reporting
  • Market-to-market analysis
  • Inventory analysis
  • Revenue and cost analysis.
  • Identified and resolved problems through root cause analysis and research.
  • Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication of complex findings through visualizations and reports.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
  • Validated results and performed quality assurance to assess accuracy of data.
  • Recommended process improvements to continually identify, analyze and fix constraints and challenges.
  • Improved internal knowledge sharing by developing comprehensive documentation outlining standard operating procedures for various tasks.
  • Assisted in decision-making processes by presenting accurate, data-driven recommendations to stakeholders.
  • Identified trends and patterns in large datasets, leading to actionable insights for business growth.
  • Optimized core processes to improve business performance and operational agility.
  • Increased efficiency by streamlining data analysis processes and implementing automation tools.
  • Streamlined reporting procedures by creating user-friendly dashboards for easy access to key performance indicators.
  • Leveraged big data technologies to manage large datasets efficiently while maintaining high levels of performance.
  • Performed budget analysis to control expenditures and predict future budget needs.
  • Supported budgeting processes by providing accurate forecasts and timely variance analyses.
  • Developed new analytical models that improved forecasting accuracy and reduced risk exposure in Life of Asset/Mine processes.
  • Conducted rigorous testing of financial models, ensuring their reliability and relevance in real-world applications.
  • Assessed data modelling and statistics to integrate high-level business processes with data rules.
  • Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
  • Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
  • Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
  • Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models to value potential acquisition targets.
  • Actively participated in team meetings to share knowledge, exchange ideas, address challenges, and collaborate on potential solutions.

Specialist: Risk Management and Governance

Absa Bank
10.2021 - 06.2022
  • Provide independent and objective risk oversight in line with the relevant Group Frameworks
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of the financial reporting systems and processes as well as the Groups Financial Reporting policies and risk management frameworks to assess compliance
  • Analyzing risk information and assessing the environment for potential areas where assurance activities would benefit management
  • Provide check and challenge to ensure that risks have been considered and sufficiently addressed
  • Review, challenge, and tracking / escalation of findings
  • Review remediation plans for adequacy, completeness, and progress
  • Critical Process assessment assurance, including reporting
  • Escalation of relevant findings to relevant governance forums
  • Identify and perform independent assurance testing and deep dives
  • Challenge processes to ensure risk are appropriately identified and managed
  • Enable management to monitor the effectiveness of the control environment and to act to further mitigate risk where required
  • Provide risk guidance and support to management, including developing proposed solutions for areas where remediation is required.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Created and delivered presentations to internal and external stakeholders to showcase work.
  • Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.
  • Mentored junior team members, fostering professional growth through guidance on best practices in the industry.

Assistant Audit Manager

PwC
04.2020 - 09.2021
  • Managing assurance engagements to ensure work is performed by firm policies, procedures, and regulatory and professional standards
  • Planning and performing operational and financial audits
  • Planning and allocating resources and individuals in accordance with skills and schedules and preparing budgets
  • Developing recommendations and reports based on audits and presenting these ideas to senior management
  • Developing testing methodologies to evaluate the adequacy of controls
  • Documenting the results of the evaluations
  • Identifying business process risks
  • Manages performance of audit assignments, reviews workpapers and audit reports
  • Schedules and plans audits; initiates project planning, assess risk and develops audit direction
  • Performs audit work, including plan preparation, workpapers, finding, and associated reports; verifies the accuracy of financial records as they pertain to assets, liabilities, receipts, expenditures, and related transactions
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned
  • Ensure that the organization is complying with relevant laws and statutes.
  • Assisted in the development of annual audit plans, prioritizing high-risk areas and focusing resources accordingly.
  • Contributed to a positive workplace culture through active participation in team-building activities and events.
  • Managed multiple concurrent audits effectively, ensuring timely completion without compromising quality or attention to detail.
  • Reduced audit cycle times with thorough planning and effective time management techniques.
  • Increased accuracy in audit reporting by reviewing work papers and ensuring adherence to professional standards.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for addressing complex business challenges.
  • Optimized resource allocation for audits by using data-driven analysis to prioritize tasks based on risk levels and potential impact on the organization''s financial position.
  • Conducted comprehensive risk assessments for clients to ensure financial stability and compliance with regulations.
  • Enhanced audit efficiency by implementing new audit procedures and streamlining existing processes.
  • Proactively identified opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within the department, driving positive change and increased efficiency.
  • Provided valuable insights to management by analyzing financial statements and identifying trends or anomalies.
  • Participated in special projects as needed, applying analytical skills to support business decision-making processes.
  • Improved internal control systems by identifying weaknesses and recommending corrective actions.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging risks by attending relevant conferences and training sessions.
  • Developed junior staff members by providing ongoing training, mentorship, and performance feedback.
  • Delivered clear, concise audit reports that communicated findings effectively to both internal stakeholders and external clients.
  • Strengthened client relationships through regular communication and timely resolution of any concerns or issues.
  • Assisted in the preparation of executive-level presentations summarizing key findings from completed audits for senior management review.
  • Conducted strategic and technical reviews to verify compliance with quality control standards, schedule constraints and budget parameters.
  • Analyzed complex client problems and generated targeted solutions that resolved outstanding issues while enhancing client business positions.
  • Gathered and analyzed financial data to determine improvement efforts.
  • Coordinated, managed and implemented auditing projects and prepared for evaluation.

Senior Associate

PwC US
10.2019 - 03.2020
  • Managing the audit team and review of their work
  • Audit of PCAOB client listed in the New York stock exchange which formulated the testing of internal controls and reporting thereof
  • Make recommendations on how to improve internal controls and governance processes
  • Evaluate the efficacy of risk management procedures that are currently in place
  • Effectively managed and had first reviews of third-party work involved in the audit
  • Performing budget analyses and investigation on variances from planned figures
  • Assessing impairments of significant investment in associate and subsidiaries and testing the correct application of accounting applicable accounting standards.
  • Trained and supported new team members, maintaining culture of collaboration.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive successful completion of complex projects within deadlines.
  • Approached each problem with fresh mind and analytical strategies to quickly resolve concerns.
  • Mentored junior associates, fostering professional growth and helping them reach their full potential.
  • Consistently maintained strong relationships with clients, ensuring clear communication and timely updates on project progress.
  • Effectively managed multiple competing priorities while maintaining focus on delivering exceptional results for clients and the organization.

Audit Trainee

PwC
01.2019 - 10.2019
  • Auditing testing revenue for the mine which is the biggest driver of the JSE listed entity of which the biggest customer is Eskom
  • Performed analysis on the going concern of the entity by assessing ratios and appropriate non-financial benchmarks
  • Performed fraud risk assessment on the mining operations
  • Performed testing over the assets of the mining including AUC's and assessed capital expenditures against budgeted figures
  • Effectively managed the project and was a middleman between the manager and the partner as I had better understanding of the business processes in relation to the client
  • Assessing the impairment of the business units using appropriate WACC and applying it to the future cash flows to determine the NPV of the BU
  • Assessing debt covenants and possible impact on the client’s financial leverage.
  • Assisted in preparing comprehensive reports outlining audit procedures performed, findings identified, and recommended corrective actions for clients to implement.
  • Ensured timely completion of audit tasks by efficiently managing workload under tight deadlines without compromising quality or attention to detail.
  • Collaborated with audit team members to complete assignments on time and within budget constraints.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering teamwork among colleagues while diligently completing individual tasks assigned by supervisors.
  • Gained valuable experience in various industries by working on diverse client engagements.
  • Supported senior auditors in planning engagement strategies based on clients'' risk profiles and business objectives.
  • Leveraged technology tools such as Excel spreadsheets, data analysis software, and audit-specific applications to enhance audit effectiveness.
  • Facilitated the resolution of complex accounting issues encountered during audits through effective collaboration with clients'' personnel and senior audit team members.
  • Performed detailed testing of account balances, transactions, and disclosures to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records.
  • Assisted in identifying potential risks and provided recommendations for improvements in internal controls.
  • Reviewed client documentation, including invoices, bank statements, and contracts, to verify accuracy and identify discrepancies.
  • Identified areas for improvement in existing internal control systems by applying industry best practices during audits engagements.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality audit services and addressing their concerns promptly during the audit process.

PwC Assurance

01.2017 - 12.2018
  • Assessing the implementation of IFRS 16 by applying relevant accounting principles and using NPV analysis
  • Performing testing of the loans used for the acquisition of new entities
  • Performing debt covenants testing and assessing guarantors’ covenants against the loan facility of the operations
  • Performing going concern analysis of different entities in the group and commenting on the future operation of the entity by using financial and non-financial indicators
  • Involved in the planning procedure of the audit engagement and led this successfully
  • Testing the accounts payables of local and foreign suppliers across all entities in the group and assessing the liquidity and working capital management of the entity.

Education

Financial Modelling And Valuation Analyst (FMVA) - Financial Modelling And Valuation

Certified Financial Institute
Online Certification
06.2023 - 01.2024

Bachelor of Accounting Honors Degree - Accounting, Finance, Tax, And Auditing

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
01.2016 - 12.2016

Bachelor of Accounting Degree - Accounting, Finance, Tax, And Auditing

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
01.2012 - 12.2014

Matric Certificate -

Mitzvah School
Johannesburg
01.2010 - 12.2010

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical Thinking

Project Management

Business Operations Analysis

Data Modeling

Financial statements expertise

Financial Management

Budget Forecasting

Teamwork and Collaboration

Adaptability and Flexibility

Effective Communication

Data Analysis

Time Management

Problem-solving aptitude

Attention to Detail

Industryexpertise

  • Mining
  • Business analysis and planning (BAP or FP&A) – Glencore Copper Finance
  • Banking
  • Banking/ financial services (Absa Group)
  • Risk Management, Governance and Controls specialist
  • Auditing and assurance (Client and industry experience)
  • Steel and industrial products
  • Insimbi Industrial Holdings (JSE Listed entity)
  • Voestalpine High Performance Metals Africa
  • Audit of mining companies
  • Exxaro Resources Limited (JSE Listed entity)
  • Kumba Iron Ore Limited (JSE Listed entity)
  • Outotec services
  • Oil and Gas – PCAOB (Houston, Texas)
  • Plains All American (NASDAQ Listed entity)

Areasofspecialization

  • Financial analysis
  • Financial Consolidation
  • Financial/data modelling
  • Cost management reviews
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Life of mine assessments and reviews
  • Financial Performance reviews and Analysis
  • Audit of Financial Statements on an Unlisted Company
  • Audit of Financial Statements on a Listed Company
  • Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Issues Based Problem Solving (IBPS)
  • Exceptional analytical organizational and time management skills
  • Multi-tasking and excellent time management
  • Soft and interpersonal skills
  • Communication skills, including good presentation and report writing.
  • High level of attention to detail and data accuracy
  • Hyperion Financial Management
  • SAP and Analysis for office

References

References are available upon request.

Timeline

Financial Modelling And Valuation Analyst (FMVA) - Financial Modelling And Valuation

Certified Financial Institute
06.2023 - 01.2024

Analyst: Business Analyst and Planning

Glencore Copper Finance
07.2022 - Current

Specialist: Risk Management and Governance

Absa Bank
10.2021 - 06.2022

Assistant Audit Manager

PwC
04.2020 - 09.2021

Senior Associate

PwC US
10.2019 - 03.2020

Audit Trainee

PwC
01.2019 - 10.2019

PwC Assurance

01.2017 - 12.2018

Bachelor of Accounting Honors Degree - Accounting, Finance, Tax, And Auditing

University of Johannesburg
01.2016 - 12.2016

Bachelor of Accounting Degree - Accounting, Finance, Tax, And Auditing

University of Johannesburg
01.2012 - 12.2014

Matric Certificate -

Mitzvah School
01.2010 - 12.2010
Thato MaforaCA (SA), FMVA