Zanokuhle Mhlongo
Assistant Financial Controller
Johannesburg
Summary
Dynamic finance professional with extensive experience at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, enhancing financial systems and improving reporting accuracy. Skilled in bank reconciliation and internal controls, I excel in teamwork and problem-solving, driving cost savings and optimizing cash flow management. Proven track record in mentoring and supporting audit processes.
I am a Finance professional prepared to contribute to financial accuracy and integrity. Also, managing financial operations and supporting strategic decision-making. I am a highly reliable team player with strong focus on collaboration and adaptability. Expertise in financial reporting and compliance.
I am an organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Financial Controller
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
Johannesburg
02.2023 - Current
- Implemented improvements to the financial systems infrastructure, enhancing data integrity and reporting capabilities.
- Assisted in developing long-term financial projections to guide corporate decision-making efforts around investments, acquisitions, or divestitures.
- Implemented a streamlined invoice approval system that improved vendor payment timeliness while maintaining strong internal controls.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining the month-end close process and implementing new accounting procedures.
- Identified risks within existing financial processes through regular assessments.
- Prepared monthly balance sheet account reconciliations to ensure accurate reporting of assets and liabilities.
- Supported external audit processes with timely delivery of requested documentation and schedules.
- Ensured compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures, reducing risk exposure for the organization.
- Conducted financial analysis to identify cost savings opportunities and drive business growth.
- Optimized cash flow management by closely monitoring accounts receivable and payable activities.
- Streamlined reconciliation processes for general ledger accounts, increasing efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting.
- Mentored junior finance team members on best practices in accounting principles.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for accurate revenue forecasting and expense tracking.
- Worked closely with operations teams to improve inventory management practices, resulting in reduced carrying costs without impacting service levels or customer satisfaction.
- Prepared balance sheets, cash flow reports and income statements.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Accurately completed financial statement audits and thoroughly reviewed results.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
- Provided treasury and cash management by overseeing reconciliation of banking activity, credit card processing, and sales tax returns.
- Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
- Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
- Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
- Utilized financial software to prepare consolidated financial statements.
Cluster Credit Manager
Hilton International
Johannesburg
01.2017 - 04.2021
- Analyzed applicants' financial status and credit and property evaluations to determine loan feasibility.
- Investigated and evaluated customers for creditworthiness and potential risk factors.
- Managed the entire end-to-end credit approval process from application review through contract negotiation and final execution.
- Improved credit risk management by implementing effective underwriting policies and procedures.
- Mentored junior team members in credit management best practices to enhance overall department performance.
- Conducted comprehensive financial analysis to assess creditworthiness for both new and existing customers.
- Collected data and performed trend and variance analysis to mitigate risk arising from bad debt.
- Reviewed and analyzed loan procedures.
- Devised collection recovery strategies to resolve customer issues and delinquent cases.
- Obtained and reviewed credit reports, credit references, credit insurance and financial statements to establish credit limits for new accounts.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement within the credit department, driving process enhancements that increased productivity without sacrificing quality or control measures.
- Provided training and consulted with struggling teams to help meet monthly target goals.
- Maintained accurate records of all customer interactions, ensuring transparency in reporting and easy access for future reference or legal purposes if necessary.
- Ensured timely resolution of disputed accounts, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to maintain positive customer relationships.
- Monitored accounts for signs of fraud and non-payment issues.
- Consistently achieved monthly collection targets by prioritizing accounts based on risk level and potential impact on cash flow.
- Collaborated with management to evaluate credit strategies and develop improvements.
- Participated in internal audits to ensure adherence to corporate guidelines and regulatory requirements related to credit management activities.
- Used Trans Union and Bank Codes to perform credit appraisals, document verification and loan approvals.
- Enhanced department efficiency by streamlining processes, reducing errors, and automating routine tasks.
- Streamlined processes for early identification of potential credit system and monitoring problems.
- Developed strong relationships with clients through professional communication and timely resolution of credit issues.
- Built a high-performing credit management team with a strong focus on collaboration, accountability, and continuous development.
- Performed semi-annual account credit limit reviews and credit increase review requests from financial service and sales teams.
- Maximized cash flow for the company by monitoring outstanding debts and optimizing collection efforts.
- Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
- Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
Credit Controller
Hilton Sandton
Johannesburg
03.2015 - 03.2017
- Collaborated with other departments to resolve billing errors, ensuring timely payment from clients.
- Reached out to customers to check on payments and convey options.
- Obtained payments and entered details into system.
- Reviewed customer accounts for compliance with repayment obligations.
- Performed checks of customer creditworthiness and current situations.
- Responded to disputes calmly and applied logical, knowledgeable approaches to devise solutions.
- Supported sales teams by providing accurate credit information for new and existing customers.
- Reduced overdue debt by closely monitoring customer accounts and taking prompt action on outstanding payments.
- Enhanced company reputation through professional communication with customers, resolving disputes, and negotiating payment plans.
- Consistently met or exceeded targets set for reducing outstanding balances while adhering to strict deadlines.
- Assisted in maintaining a healthy cash flow by promptly identifying and addressing potential credit risks.
- Performed semi-annual account credit limit reviews and credit increase review requests from financial service and sales teams.
- Maintained accurate records of all communications related to debtor management for audit purposes.
- Minimized bad debts by conducting thorough credit assessments for new clients and regularly reviewing existing client profiles.
- Obtained and reviewed credit reports, credit references, credit insurance and financial statements to establish credit limits for new accounts.
- Facilitated the resolution of complex customer disputes, working closely with internal stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
- Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
- Worked with both internal and external users to create detailed financial reports.
Debtors Administrator
Holiday Inn Sandton
Johannesburg
01.2011 - 03.2015
- Collaborated with other departments to resolve billing errors, ensuring timely payment from clients.
- Reached out to customers to check on payments and convey options.
- Performed checks of customer creditworthiness and current situations.
- Increased collection rates through proactive account management and regular follow-ups with clients.
- Reduced overdue debt by closely monitoring customer accounts and taking prompt action on outstanding payments.
- Enhanced company reputation through professional communication with customers, resolving disputes, and negotiating payment plans.
- Performed semi-annual account credit limit reviews and credit increase review requests from financial service and sales teams.
- Worked with both internal and external users to create detailed financial reports.
Assistant Front Office Manager
Holiday Inn Sandton
Johannesburg
07.2008 - 01.2011
- Balanced daily cash transactions, accurately maintaining financial records for the front office department.
- Collaborated with housekeeping and maintenance departments to ensure room availability and quality standards.
- Reduced wait times during busy hours by implementing effective strategies for managing guest flow throughout the lobby area.
- Assisted in the recruitment process for front office staff, ensuring a strong team of well-trained employees.
- Provided support to the Front Office Manager during peak times or staff absences, ensuring consistent management presence at all times.
- Improved team performance by providing regular training on customer service techniques and hotel policies.
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by efficiently managing front office tasks and addressing customer concerns promptly.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information pertaining to guests, employees, or hotel operations.
- Streamlined check-in and check-out processes for a smoother guest experience.
- Boosted efficiency by monitoring employee performance closely and providing constructive feedback when necessary.
- Ensured accurate billing procedures were followed consistently by front desk staff members.
- Increased repeat business through personalized guest interactions and exceptional service delivery.
- Spearheaded initiatives that improved overall communication between different departments within the hotel property.
- Oversaw group reservations, working closely with event planners and sales teams to accommodate special requests as needed.
- Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office operations and efficiency.
- Created organized filing system to manage department documents.
Education
No Degree - Tourism Management
UNISA
Midrand, South Africa 04.2001 -
No Degree - Management
International Hotel School
Sandton Campus 04.2001 -
Skills
Bank reconciliation
Audit support
Internal controls
Month-end closing
GAAP compliance
Internal control management
Teamwork and collaboration
Customer service
Problem-solving
Willing to learn
Work planning
Cash handling expertise
Timeline
Assistant Financial Controller
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel
02.2023 - Current
Cluster Credit Manager
Hilton International
01.2017 - 04.2021
Credit Controller
Hilton Sandton
03.2015 - 03.2017
Debtors Administrator
Holiday Inn Sandton
01.2011 - 03.2015
Assistant Front Office Manager
Holiday Inn Sandton
07.2008 - 01.2011
No Degree - Tourism Management
UNISA
04.2001 -
No Degree - Management
International Hotel School
04.2001 -
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