Zaujat Issa
Senior Associate
Kempton Park
Summary
Results-driven compliance management professional with over 17 years of experience in the financial sector, specializing in FATCA/CRS, AML, KYC, and various regulatory frameworks. Proven track record of implementing and maintaining robust compliance processes while ensuring adherence to relevant tax regulations and effectively identifying and mitigating potential risks. Recognized for exceptional analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail, fostering operational excellence through continuous process improvements. Skilled in building strong relationships with stakeholders, delivering exceptional client service, and thriving in dynamic environments that demand adaptability and strategic problem-solving.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
4034
4034
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Senior Associate FATCA/CRS Jersey Operations
Apex Group
11.2023 - Current
- Conduct independent data assessments for FATCA/CRS compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
- Manage the entire FATCA/CRS reporting cycle, ensuring accurate and timely submissions.
- Lead in the application and maintenance of robust FATCA/CRS operational processes and procedures.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with all relevant tax regulations, including FATCA/CRS.
- Identify FATCA & CRS data gaps through proper documentation and close the risk exposure loop.
- Ensure all data and process improvements are implemented to enhance the tax reporting process.
- Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks.
- Manage and resolve issues with regulators, clients, and other key stakeholders.
- Drive continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators and support bodies.
- Provide expert advice and guidance to clients and others on FATCA/CRS related matters.
- Conduct various FATCA/CRS training initiatives to enhance team knowledge and client understanding.
- Regulatory Adherence
Specialist KYC and AML
Apex Group
11.2023 - 11.2023
- Drive and provide timely resolution of queries and complaints.
- Enhance customer satisfaction by implementing self-service options and improving overall service delivery.
- Analyze customer feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance the customer experience.
- Business Growth & Development
Analyst Management Information
Absa Bank Limited
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Deep regulatory knowledge of FATCA and CRS regulations, specializing in FATCA/CRS reporting for financial institutions (banks), FSPs, TFSAs, and other financial service providers.
- Specialized in tax compliance, financial reconciliations, data testing, and operational risk assessments.
- Preparing and distributing the required tax reporting and disclosure on tax for the assigned cluster
- Identified and resolved discrepancies that could potentially lead to tax savings or financial losses.
- Collaborated with stakeholders regarding compliance with the Tax Compliance Act.
- Engaged with internal stakeholders to understand their unique requirements and advise on potential solutions.
- Maintain and enhance the existing relationship with SARS and External Tax Auditor personnel.
- Operational Excellence
- Support subsidiaries with tax issues when required
Consultant Tax Operations
Absa Bank Limited
05.2019 - 04.2021
- Conduct FATCA/CRS data analysis and management, adopt an Excel-based data analysis approach.
- Ensure FATCA/CRS compliance.
- Attend to SARS queries
- Conduct data analysis and checks on proposed adoption to ensure regulatory adherence.
- Responsible for reviewing and processing Self Certification documents and Tax forms for FATCA/CRS reporting, with the aim of ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to implement process steps with FATCA/CRS compliance requirements.
- Ensure compliance with national and international FATCA/CRS regulations.
- Identify and resolve issues with non-responsive business units to uphold tax reporting standards.
- Regulatory Adherence
Consultant Audit and Tax
Absa Bank Limited
02.2015 - 04.2019
- Technical Proficiency:
- Verify process adherence, Tax, and Balance Certificates utilizing advanced internal control processes and financial calculations with high accuracy.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies in reporting and data management.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to develop Audit and Tax strategies, including risk management and mitigation.
- Stakeholder Management:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key internal stakeholders, including regulators and support bodies.
- Contribute to compliance by participating in a project aimed at automating manual processes and introducing more advanced efficiencies.
- Quality Assurance
Host Customer Services
Absa Bank Limited
10.2014 - 01.2015
- Provide exceptional customer service by analyzing transactional data and addressing customer needs.
- Identify and resolve issues with non-responsive business units to uphold tax reporting standards.
- Risk Identification & Mitigation
Acting Junior Manager
Absa Bank Limited
09.2013 - 09.2014
- Manage risks and strengthen client relations by providing professional support and advice to stakeholders.
- Analyze and address risk indicators to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and requirements.
- Risk Identification & Mitigation
Customer Services Consultant
Absa Bank Limited
07.2007 - 08.2013
- Identify and address potential money laundering risks to stakeholders.
- Analyze and address risk indicators to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and requirements.
- Manage risks and strengthen client relations by providing professional support and advice to stakeholders.
- Risk Identification & Mitigation
Trainee Human Resource Administrator
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality
01.2008 - 04.2008
- Assist in the administration of HR policies and procedures.
- Provide support in the recruitment and selection process.
- Maintain employee records and ensure compliance with HR regulations.
- Human Resource Management
Education
ACAMS (Certificate in Certificate Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) -
ACAMS
Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences - undefined
University of South Africa
Certificate in Compliance - undefined
University of Cape Town
Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences - undefined
University of South Africa
Diploma in Human Resource Management -
ICESA
National Senior Certificate - undefined
Port Shepstone Islamic School
Bachelor - undefined
University of South Africa
Skills
- Understanding of policies
- Regulatory compliance expertise
- Understanding of regulatory frameworks
- Proficient in FICA, FATCA, and CRS regulatory frameworks
- Adherence to compliance standards
- Standard operating procedures oversight
- Training facilitation
- Financial oversight
- Analytical report writing
- Flexibility in dynamic environments
- Commercial risk analysis
- Effective problem resolution
- Data interpretation
Interests
Writer
LINK
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaujat-issa-35b3b6a9/
PERSONAL DETAILS
Nationality: South Africa
DRIVING LICENSE
Driving license category: Code C
Timeline
Senior Associate FATCA/CRS Jersey Operations
Apex Group
11.2023 - Current
Specialist KYC and AML
Apex Group
11.2023 - 11.2023
Analyst Management Information
Absa Bank Limited
04.2022 - 10.2022
Consultant Tax Operations
Absa Bank Limited
05.2019 - 04.2021
Consultant Audit and Tax
Absa Bank Limited
02.2015 - 04.2019
Host Customer Services
Absa Bank Limited
10.2014 - 01.2015
Acting Junior Manager
Absa Bank Limited
09.2013 - 09.2014
Trainee Human Resource Administrator
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality
01.2008 - 04.2008
Customer Services Consultant
Absa Bank Limited
07.2007 - 08.2013
Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences - undefined
University of South Africa
Certificate in Compliance - undefined
University of Cape Town
Higher Certificate in Accounting Sciences - undefined
University of South Africa
National Senior Certificate - undefined
Port Shepstone Islamic School
Bachelor - undefined
University of South Africa
ACAMS (Certificate in Certificate Anti-Money Laundering Specialist) -
ACAMS
Diploma in Human Resource Management -
ICESA
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