ZIYANDA BENGEZA
CA (SA)
Sandton
Summary
Results-driven Financial Manager with extensive experience in financial management, reporting and auditing across various industries, including private equity, banking and insurance. Proven ability to optimize financial reporting processes and drive strategic decision-making. Strong leadership skills with a proven track record in financial analysis, budgeting and internal controls. Adept at exceeding defined goals whilst managing a team of 6 financial accountants. Passionate about leveraging data analytics and financial insights to enhance business performance. A collaborative team player committed to achieving results and adapting to dynamic business needs.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
12100
12100
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Finance Manager (Property, Retail, Agriculture and Hospitality)
Sampada Private Equity Group
01.2024 - Current
- Lead the preparation of annual financial statements for the fund and investment entities
- Manage the relationship with external auditors and oversee audit processes
- Review and approve fund reporting for institutional investors
- Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports to Exco
- Prepare the group’s income tax, PAYE and VAT returns, including the calculation of the income tax
- Authorize payment requests and manage financial controls
- Assist business units with budgeting and forecasting, ensuring financial alignment
- Conduct detailed variance analysis of actual vs budgeted expenditures
- Implement and monitor the group’s internal controls
- Provide recommendations based on management accounting analysis
- Lead and mentor a Finance team of 6 direct and 2 indirect reports
- Managing the team’s performance and development plans
- Collaborate with HR on recruitment and team development
- Participate in Investment Committee meetings, offering financial insights on potential deals
Assistant Vice President: Accounting Control
Absa Group
02.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed month-end close processes for Home Loans and Commercial Asset Finance
- Oversaw reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Prepared financial statements for year-end reporting
- Supporting Subject Matter Experts for Home Loans and Commercial Asset Finance on processes, resolution of issues and requests from stakeholders
- Provided coaching and mentorship to finance team members
- Re-engineered the month-end process for Commercial Asset Finance, reducing close-out time and improving efficiency
Senior Specialist: Cost Reporting
Liberty Group
08.2020 - 02.2023
- Managed monthly cost tracking and financial reporting against budget
- Conducted detailed variance analysis and presented findings to management
- Led forecasting and budgeting for multiple cost centers
- Provided cost allocation support across the organization
- Assisted in training and upskilling junior finance professionals
- Prepared financial presentations for IT Exco meetings
- Reviewed and approved reconciliations
Senior Audit Consultant (Secondment)
Friedman LLP
01.2020 - 02.2020
- Conducted audits and compiled financial statements
- Ensured compliance with financial reporting standards
SAICA Audit clerk
Mazars
02.2017 - 12.2019
- Led audits of financial statements across various industries
- Supervised audit teams and reviewed junior staff work
- Prepared and analyzed annual financial statements and audit reports
- Performed test of controls
- Identified and documented system descriptions and key controls
- Key Clients: Stefanutti Stocks Holdings Ltd, I Capital Group, EOH Holdings Ltd, South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Deal Maker (2015 – 2017)
First National Bank
11.2015 - 01.2017
- Structured and assessed financial transactions, ensuring risk mitigation
- Managed deal presentations for credit approval
Finance Analyst (2014 – 2015)
First National Bank
01.2014 - 10.2015
- Assisted dealmakers in transaction assessment and implementation
- Monitored financial and non-financial covenants
- Supported portfolio risk management activities
Education
Data Analysis -
MasterStart
SAICA APC examination -
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
SAICA ITC examination -
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Postgraduate Diploma - Accounting
Monash South Africa
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
Rhodes University
Grade 12 -
Khanyisa High School
Skills
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Tax compliance and Regulatory Reporting
- Internal Controls and Risk Management
- Team Leadership and Mentorship
- Process Improvements
- Investments and Deal Structuring
- Stakeholder and Investor Relations
- Cost Control
Accomplishments
- 2011, Head Student of University residence
- 2011, Deputy Chairperson for Rhodes Business Society
- 2011, Accounting 2 Tutor
- 2010, Manager of the business portfolio for Rhodes Business Society
Affiliations
CA (SA), SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTE of CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS (SAICA)
Personal Information
Nationality: South African
Systems Experience
- Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Draftworx
- CaseWare
- SAP BPC
- SAP ECC
- Power BI
- SAP BW
- SAP 4 HANA
- Hyperion
- Consigno
Timeline
Senior Finance Manager (Property, Retail, Agriculture and Hospitality)
Sampada Private Equity Group
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Vice President: Accounting Control
Absa Group
02.2023 - 12.2023
Senior Specialist: Cost Reporting
Liberty Group
08.2020 - 02.2023
Senior Audit Consultant (Secondment)
Friedman LLP
01.2020 - 02.2020
SAICA Audit clerk
Mazars
02.2017 - 12.2019
Deal Maker (2015 – 2017)
First National Bank
11.2015 - 01.2017
Finance Analyst (2014 – 2015)
First National Bank
01.2014 - 10.2015
Data Analysis -
MasterStart
SAICA APC examination -
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
SAICA ITC examination -
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
Postgraduate Diploma - Accounting
Monash South Africa
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting
Rhodes University
Grade 12 -
Khanyisa High School
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