Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
References
Timeline
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Zama Langa

Forensic Investigator
Alberton,Gauteng

Summary

As a dynamic professional with a proven track record at the South African Revenue Service, I excel in strategic planning and forensic investigations. I am known for my ability to enhance team performance, drive compliance initiatives, and foster strong communication and problem-solving skills. I have successfully implemented quality control systems, which have resulted in improved operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Operations Manager

South African Revenue Service, SARS
Alberton
07.2023 - Current
  • Defining the vision and objectives, planning and scheduling tasks, managing risks, monitoring team performance, identifying resources, resolving queries and conflicts, ensuring duty segregation, meeting objectives, and fostering innovation are key responsibilities
  • I was responsible for conducting regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement, and developing action plans to address these issues.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
  • I spearheaded staff training initiatives, aiming to upskill the workforce to meet the dynamic demands of the industry.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • I established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, thereby reducing miscommunications and missed deadlines.
  • I conducted an analysis and provided reports on key performance metrics to the senior management team.

Investigative Auditor: Excise Compliance

South African Revenue Service
Alberton
10.2021 - 07.2023
  • Conduct full-scope audits for high-profile clients, identify risks, compile reports, and conduct research.
  • Maintained high confidentiality during investigative audits, ensuring sensitive information was protected.
  • Identified cost-saving opportunities that enhanced the allocation of resources for upper management.
  • Mitigated financial risks by adhering to industry best practices.
  • Provided guidance to junior team members on audit methods.
  • Conducted regular audits and consistently meeting performance goals, and maintain compliance and enhance audit efficiency using a risk-based approach.
  • Supported external auditors during annual reviews, providing clear documentation and detailed explanations as needed for efficient collaboration efforts.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of existing policies, procedures, and internal controls for increased organizational accountability measures' implementation success rates over times evaluated upon assessments completed company-wide annually.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate financial data analysis and comprehensive audits.
  • Streamlined reporting procedures for quicker identification and resolution of discrepancies and anomalies.

Acting Operations Manager: Excise Compliance

South African Revenue Service
Alberton
10.2021 - 09.2022
  • Ensure compliance with laws and business policies.
  • Plan and prioritize work tasks while reviewing goals. Guide resolution of complex cases and make necessary recommendations.
  • Manage team performance and resource deployment to meet objectives on time and within budget.
  • Clarify and uphold procedures.
  • Led the hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees to fulfill business requirements.
  • Spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the work environment, organizational culture, and overall business strategy.
  • Fostered robust connections with clients, resulting in enhanced service quality.
  • Implemented quality control systems to boost overall consistency and reliability.
  • Identified and resolved unauthorized, unsafe, or ineffective practices.
  • Led successful change initiatives, ensuring seamless transitions during organizational restructuring efforts.

Officer: Excise Assurance

South African Revenue Service
Alberton
10.2020 - 09.2021
  • Conducted inspections and audits of warehouses, rebate stores, and applications.
  • Drafting reports and saving revenue.
  • Established effective relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, to enhance collaboration opportunities.
  • Provided mentorship to junior staff members, assisting them in enhancing their skills and advancing their careers.
  • Improved department efficiency by streamlining and implementing policies and processes.
  • Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflows, reducing redundancies and increasing operational efficiency.
  • Enhanced communication between team members by organizing regular meetings and fostering open dialogue.
  • Maintained strict adherence to industry regulations, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
  • Coordinated operations with other emergency service groups.
  • Ensured compliance with national and local laws through regular policy reviews and updates.

Excise Investigative Auditor for Integrated Audits

South African Revenue Service
Alberton
10.2018 - 09.2020
  • Conduct full field audits, identify risks, compile reports, and manage confidential information.
  • Effectively communicated audit findings to stakeholders in concise written reports accompanied by relevant supporting materials for clarity purposes.
  • Streamlined reporting procedures for quicker identification and resolution of discrepancies and anomalies.
  • Promoted a proactive approach to fraud prevention by providing regular training on detection techniques and risk management strategies for fellow team members.
  • Conducted thorough investigations, identifying instances of fraud and recommending corrective actions.

Diesel Refund Screener

South African Revenue Service
Alberton
09.2016 - 03.2018
  • Screen diesel claims, identify risks, perform audits, draft reports, and refer complex cases.
  • Protected confidentiality of data by using security techniques.
  • Developed training materials for new screeners on best practices, improving overall team efficiency and consistency in evaluation methods.
  • Served as a point of contact for candidates throughout the screening process, addressing inquiries and providing guidance when necessary.
  • Attended daily briefings with supervisors to discuss issues with security screening processes.

Administrator

South African Revenue Service
Alberton
02.2011 - 08.2016
  • Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
  • Managed office inventory levels, ensuring adequate supplies were available while minimizing waste and unnecessary spending.
  • Responsible for maintaining personnel records and updating internal databases to facilitate document management.
  • Established an organized filing system that streamlined document retrieval and reduced the number of misplaced files.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders by ensuring prompt response times and thorough issue resolution efforts.
  • As a liaison between departments, I fostered open communication channels that significantly improved the overall function of the organization.
  • Coordinated company events and meetings with the aim of fostering teamwork and boosting employee morale.
  • Enhanced internal communication by creating a centralized information hub accessible to all staff members.
  • Oversaw the scheduling of executive staff to guarantee efficient time management and increased productivity.

Processing Centre Data Transcriber

South African Revenue Service
Alberton
05.2006 - 06.2009
  • Verified accuracy of data before transcribing.
  • Located and corrected data entry errors and reported to management.
  • Increased productivity by developing macros and shortcuts for repetitive tasks during transcription work.
  • Collaborated with team members to complete large-scale transcription projects within tight deadlines.
  • Assisted in training new hires on company-specific transcription standards, tools, and best practices.

Education

Certified Fraud Examiner - Financial Forensics And Fraud Investigation

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

BA Honours in Forensic Science And Technology - Forensic Science And Technology

University of South Africa
Pretoria
04.2001 -

BA Degree in Forensic Science And Technology - Forensic Science And Technology

University of South Africa
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) - Law

University of Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa
04.2001 -

Certificate - Human Resources Management

Damelin
Westrand
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Mowat Park High School
Durban
04.2001 -

Skills

Strong communication, analytical skills, research skills, decision making

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Additional Information

Date of Birth

11 July 1985

Drivers License

Code:08

Languages

Read, Write, Speak (Zulu and English)

Residential Address

12 Waboom Street, Brackendowns, Alberton (Gauteng).

References

Willy Moodley - Senior Manager (SARS)

082 467 4003 | wmoodley@sars.gov.za


Nomonde Vezi – Customs Relationship Manager (SARS)

064 756 9909 | NVezi@sars.gov.za

Timeline

Operations Manager

South African Revenue Service, SARS
07.2023 - Current

Investigative Auditor: Excise Compliance

South African Revenue Service
10.2021 - 07.2023

Acting Operations Manager: Excise Compliance

South African Revenue Service
10.2021 - 09.2022

Officer: Excise Assurance

South African Revenue Service
10.2020 - 09.2021

Excise Investigative Auditor for Integrated Audits

South African Revenue Service
10.2018 - 09.2020

Diesel Refund Screener

South African Revenue Service
09.2016 - 03.2018

Administrator

South African Revenue Service
02.2011 - 08.2016

Processing Centre Data Transcriber

South African Revenue Service
05.2006 - 06.2009

Certified Fraud Examiner - Financial Forensics And Fraud Investigation

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
04.2001 -

BA Honours in Forensic Science And Technology - Forensic Science And Technology

University of South Africa
04.2001 -

BA Degree in Forensic Science And Technology - Forensic Science And Technology

University of South Africa
04.2001 -

Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) - Law

University of Johannesburg
04.2001 -

Certificate - Human Resources Management

Damelin
04.2001 -

High School Diploma -

Mowat Park High School
04.2001 -
Zama LangaForensic Investigator