Cassandra Sharp
Senior Accountant with 36+ years' experience in financial control, reporting, and compliance within regulated capital markets and wealth management environments
Hire this person
Send a job offer directly to this candidate
About
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.
Experience
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%.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting & Economics – University of South Africa (UNISA)
