Andri Strauss

Accounting Manager with 10 years of progressive experience in financial reporting, taxation, management accounting and business advisory within professional practice. Recognised for leading teams comprising qualified senior accountants, article clerks and experienced bookkeepers, system implementation, improving business processes and delivering trusted financial advice to agricultural and commercial SMEs, including family-owned enterprises and multi-stakeholder relations. Led the Hopetown satellite office of the Risen Advisory group following the acquisition of an independent accounting practice, overseeing a team of six accounting professionals, managing a portfolio of approximately 250 clients and driving operational improvements through leadership, recruitment, process optimisation and digital transformation.

Strong technical expertise in IFRS for SMEs reporting and taxation advisory, complemented by practical leadership experience and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Accounting Manager at Risen Advisory (2023-01 – 2026-12)

Joined Risen Advisory in Kimberley before being approached by the firm's directors to relocate to Hopetown following the acquisition of an independent accounting practice. Led the day-to-day operations of the acquired office and played a key role in its successful integration into the Risen Advisory group, rebuilding the department, strengthening operational performance and delivering high-quality accounting, taxation and advisory services.

• Led and developed a team of six accounting professionals, including remote employees.
• Managed recruitment, interviewing and onboarding to rebuild and strengthen the department.
• Oversaw workflow planning, quality assurance and service delivery across approximately 250 client engagements.
• Fostered a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Mentored qualified senior accountants, article clerks and experienced bookkeepers while providing ongoing technical guidance and performance feedback.
• Played a key leadership role in increasing departmental revenue by 40% by rebuilding the team, improving operational performance and driving higher levels of client service.
• Supported the successful integration of a newly acquired accounting practice into the Risen Advisory group.
• Improved departmental stability through stronger internal processes, communication and leadership.
• Worked closely with directors to align the office with the group's operational standards.
• Led the migration of clients from Pastel to Xero.
• Introduced Draftworx to replace Excel-based (manual) financial statement preparation.
• Standardised accounting processes to improve consistency, efficiency and scalability.
• Championed the adoption of cloud-based accounting technologies across the office.
• Reviewed annual financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS for SMEs.
• Reviewed monthly management accounts and provided technical guidance to the accounting team.
• Supported budgeting, forecasting and financial planning across a diverse client portfolio.
• Developed financial forecasts and supporting documentation for bank funding applications.
• Prepared project feasibility analyses and cash flow projections to support financing decisions.
• Assisted business owners in interpreting financial information to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Advised clients on complex accounting, taxation and financial reporting matters.
• Assisted clients with group structural planning.
• Oversaw Corporate Income Tax, VAT and Provisional Tax compliance.
• Reviewed complex taxation matters while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and professional standards.
• Liaised directly with SARS on technical and compliance-related matters.

Associate at Simplify Accounting Services (2020-01 – 2023-12)

Built and managed an independent client base, providing end-to-end accounting, taxation and advisory services.

• Prepared and reviewed annual financial statements.
• Prepared monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Managed VAT, Income Tax and Payroll compliance.
• Assisted clients with budgeting, cash flow forecasting and financial analysis.
• Prepared supporting documentation for bank funding applications.
• Conducted project feasibility assessments for client financing initiatives.
• Assisted with cloud accounting implementations.
• Managed client relationships and provided business advisory services.
• Liaised with SARS on tax and compliance matters.

SAICA Trainee Accountant (completed) at BKD Auditors (2018-01 – 2019-12)

• Performed external audit procedures across a diverse client base.
• Prepared annual financial statements and tax computations.
• Planned and completed audit assignments.
• Liaised directly with clients on audit and compliance matters.
• Strengthened technical expertise in financial reporting, taxation and internal controls.

SAICA Trainee Accountant at Certified Master Auditors (South Africa) Inc. (2016-01 – 2017-12)

• Assisted with external audits across a range of industries.
• Prepared audit working papers and supporting documentation.
• Assisted with the preparation of annual financial statements.
• Gained practical exposure to taxation, internal controls and regulatory compliance.
• Built a strong technical foundation in accounting, auditing and professional standards.

B.Com in Management Accounting – North-West University (2015-12)