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.
