Cassandra Sharp

Senior Accountant with 36+ years' experience in financial control, reporting, and compliance within regulated capital markets and wealth management environments. Expertise in month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls, and audit support, with a proven track record of improving processes, reducing close cycles by 20%, and ensuring 100% accuracy in high-volume financial operations. Strong background in AP/AR, banking, and General Ledger management, with advanced Excel and ERP systems skills.

Seeking a Senior Accountant role in EMEA Finance with a focus on regulatory reporting, financial analysis, and cross-border collaboration.

Senior Financial Accountant at FNB Wealth & Investments (1997-08 – 2023-05)

Regulated wealth and investment management environment

• Owned the full month-end close process for investment portfolios, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting across multiple entities.
• Produced management accounts, flash profit reports, and performance MI for senior stakeholders.
• Led balance sheet, bank, and client account reconciliations, investigating and resolving breaks promptly.
• Strengthened financial controls and improved month-end reporting processes, reducing the close cycle by 20% and improving accuracy.
• Prepared audit schedules and liaised with external auditors, achieving full compliance and reducing audit timelines by 15%.
• Managed supplier payments, purchase ledger, and cash control, including payment runs and credit card management.
• Supervised and mentored junior finance staff.

Accountant at FNB Stockbroking & Portfolio Management (1990-01 – 1997-07)

Capital markets back-office accounting and controls

• Performed daily and monthly client and bank reconciliations within stockbroking operations, resolving discrepancies.
• Supported trade-related accounting, month-end reporting, and variance analysis for trading activity.
• Maintained accurate financial records across brokerage and portfolio accounts, with experience in AP/AR and General Ledger management.
• Strengthened financial controls and improved reporting accuracy by 25%.

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting & Economics – University of South Africa (UNISA)