Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Custom
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Vhugala Nelwamondo

Vhugala Nelwamondo

Cape Town

Summary

Senior Finance Officer experienced in research grants administration, budget development, and financial compliance. Achieved successful funding applications through comprehensive project budgets and effective collaboration with Principal Investigators, while ensuring adherence to institutional and funder requirements. Leveraged expertise as a Chartered Global Management Accountant, applying IFRS and GRAP standards, conducting financial reporting analysis, and implementing auditing procedures to support institutional objectives.

Overview

2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Finance Officer

University of Cape Town
Cape Town
06.2026 - Current
  • Prepared reviewed validated project budgets, accounting for direct and indirect costs.
  • Completed detailed budget reviews before submission to confirm accurate costs.
  • Maintained compliance with institutional sponsor and regulatory requirements during proposals.
  • Applied faculty and university cost recovery model to research budgets.
  • Guided researchers in costing and budgeting for national and international bids.
  • Collaborated with research offices finance teams and principal investigators to streamline approvals.
  • Advised and trained principal investigators and research teams on policy requirements.
  • Monitored proposal deadlines and coordinated timely funding submissions to sponsors.
  • Supported financial planning resource allocation and budget justification for competitive grants.

Trainee Accountant

Auditor-General of South Africa
Cape Town
02.2023 - 08.2026

Conducted financial and compliance audits for national departments and public entities.
Assessed adherence to GRAP, PFMA, and MFMA requirements during audits.
Contributed to audit engagements for South African Airways and major clients.
Assisted audit planning through risk assessment and audit procedure execution.
Reviewed financial statements by checking disclosures against GRAP and Treasury regulations.
Prepared audit working papers following AGSA methodology and ISA standards.
Identified internal control deficiencies and proposed process improvement recommendations.
Collaborated with finance teams and senior auditors to resolve audit findings.
Joined multidisciplinary audit teams to meet deadlines with strong evidence.

Trainee Accountant

KPMG
01.2022 - 02.2023
  • Conducted external audits of financial statements for mining, telecommunications, and consumer clients.
  • Applied IFRS and GRAP frameworks during preparation, review, and audit work.
  • Developed audit strategies using detailed risk assessments for key audit areas.
  • Performed substantive testing and internal control checks across key transaction classes.
  • Completed GL and account reconciliations, resolving differences against supporting documentation.
  • Reviewed journal entries, accruals, and working papers for completeness and accuracy.
  • Prepared audit findings and management reports with practical reporting recommendations.
  • Liaised with client finance teams to obtain evidence and clarify queries.
  • Collaborated within audit teams and coached junior trainees during busy deadlines.

Education

Bachelor of Accounting Science - Accounting and Finance

University of Venda for Science and Technology
12-2019

PGDA - Accounting and Finance

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg
12-2021

Finance

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
JHB
04-2025

Accounting - APC Board Course

Board Course
Endunamoo

Skills

Budget preparation and costing

  • Experience in reviewing research proposals and identifying budgetary gaps, inconsistencies, and funding requirements
  • Engaged with Principal Investigators (PIs) to raise queries, clarify project activities, and ensure all project costs were accurately captured
  • Developed and finalized research project budgets in accordance with institutional and funder requirements
  • Provided budgetary advice and guidance to PIs to support informed decision-making and funding application submissions
  • Prepared and completed eRA documentation, including the RC&I template and the Financial Information section for proposal submissions
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel for budget development, financial tracking, cost calculations, data analysis, and reporting
  • Experienced in using formulas, functions, data validation, pivot tables, spreadsheets, and financial models to support research administration and budgeting processes
  • Skilled in organizing and presenting complex financial information in a clear and accurate format
  • Completed formal eRA training, supplemented by manager-led training and practical on-the-job experience
  • Experienced in preparing and processing eRA submissions for Principal Investigators
  • Proficient in generating and completing eRA documentation for research proposals and funding applications
  • Experienced in navigating the eRA system to view records, monitor submissions, and withdraw applications where required
  • Familiar with institutional research administration processes and compliance requirements within the eRA environment
  • Completed a four-day SAP training programme
  • Familiar with SAP functions related to research and financial administration
  • Experience in accessing and reviewing financial information within SAP to support budget management and reporting activities
  • Understanding of SAP processes and controls within a university finance environment

Other Skills:

  • Financial Analysis
  • Accounting Software: Proficient in SAP, Pastel Accounting, Draftworx, and Microsoft Office Suite for financial data management, audit testing, and report preparation
  • IFRS & GRAP Compliance: Skilled in interpreting and applying accounting standards to ensure accurate and compliant financial reporting for both public and private sector entities
  • Accounting Processes: Knowledgeable in end-to-end accounting processes, including revenue recognition, expense analysis, asset management, and financial close procedures
  • Deadline Management: Excellent organizational and time-management skills, consistently delivering quality work under pressure while meeting tight reporting deadlines

Certification

ACMA ,CGMA (25 July 2025)

Custom

References:

· Name: Mr. Freddy Munzhelele

Organization: University of Venda

Telephone: 071 234 0922
Email: Job title: Head of Department of the University of Venda

· Name: Mr Ngoni Shuro
Organization: NS Associates 

Telephone:081 568 6908
Email:ngonishuro@gmail.com

Job title: Accounting lecturer

· Name: Apiwe Matize

Organization: Auditor general

Telephone: 084 461 7650

Email: Apiwem@agsa.co.za

Job title: Assistant Manager

Languages

English
Proficient
C2
Xhosa
Proficient
C2

Timeline

Senior Finance Officer

University of Cape Town
06.2026 - Current

Trainee Accountant

Auditor-General of South Africa
02.2023 - 08.2026

Trainee Accountant

KPMG
01.2022 - 02.2023

Bachelor of Accounting Science - Accounting and Finance

University of Venda for Science and Technology

PGDA - Accounting and Finance

University of Johannesburg

Finance

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

Accounting - APC Board Course

Board Course
Vhugala Nelwamondo