Kirsten Visser

I tend to take a reserved approach when speaking about myself, a trait often attributed to modesty. I find greater value in listening, learning from others, and drawing insight from those who have navigated complexity with purpose and conviction. My perspective has been shaped by a diverse set of influences over time, individuals who embody resilience, discipline, compassion, and individuality.

These influences have grounded me in a clear set of principles: accountability, integrity, temperance, and a belief that how you conduct yourself matters just as much as what you achieve. Professionally, this translates into a strong sense of ownership, consistency, and a drive to see things through properly. I am naturally curious, continuously learning, and motivated by improvement, both in systems and in people.

While I take my work seriously, I value perspective, humility, and maintaining balance. In summary, I am someone who takes responsibility, delivers with intent, and approaches both work and life with energy, honesty, and a grounded sense of self.

Financial Manager - Paragon

(2019-04)

Paragon is a private lending company that specialises in providing all debt solutions for companies or individuals and has established itself as a valued and trusted specialist in the field of raising finance and capital. Products and services include short term property backed finance, bridging finance facilities, debt advisory, raising capital and equity positions. Full accountability for finance, operations, funding, systems, and governance within a high-growth asset-backed lending business.

• Own the end-to-end finance function, including cashflow management, working capital, management reporting, and financial control
• Lead budgeting and forecasting aligned to strategic growth, funding requirements, and capital deployment
• Act as a key business partner to directors, providing financial insight, scenario modelling, and commercial decision support
• Lead funding strategy and execution, managing relationships with banks and institutional funders, including negotiation of funding lines, pricing, and commercial terms
• Oversee reporting to funders and stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and covenant alignment
• Drive operational effectiveness across the full deal lifecycle, improving turnaround times, scalability, and client experience
• Design and implement process improvements across origination, credit, collections, and reporting functions
• Lead end-to-end digital transformation initiatives, including implementation of ERP and Loan Management System, integrating front-to-back operations into a single platform
• Introduce automation and AI-driven solutions to enhance credit analysis, reporting efficiency, and data integrity
• Establish and embed performance management frameworks, including company-wide OKRs, departmental KPIs, and structured remuneration processes
• Ensure full compliance across tax, regulatory, and governance frameworks, including FICA/AML requirements
• Strengthen internal controls, risk management practices, and operational reporting visibility

Operations Manager, Internal Compliance Officer, Finance Manager, Business Development - Aylett & Company

(2014-12 - 2019-03)

Aylett & Company is a boutique investment house offering asset management services to retail, institutional and hedge fund clients. It is a small team of highly motivated and skilled individuals with a culture of performance and excellence. Held a broad, multi-functional leadership role across operations, compliance, finance, and business development within a boutique investment management business.

• Led fund operations and reporting, overseeing fund accounting outputs, workflow management, and delivery against strict deadlines
• Ensured regulatory compliance across FAIS, FICA, CISCA and related frameworks, acting as appointed Money Laundering Officer and primary liaison with the FSCA
• Designed and maintained internal policies, compliance registers, and governance frameworks, supporting audit readiness and regulatory inspections
• Managed full finance function, including monthly reporting, budgeting, tax compliance, payroll, and audit coordination across company and hedge fund structures
• Supported corporate actions, including shareholder restructures and company secretarial requirements
• Drove operational efficiency and process improvement, enhancing controls, reducing risk, and improving accuracy across business functions
• Managed supplier relationships, contracts, and IT coordination, ensuring appropriate infrastructure and service delivery
• Led team management and development, including workflow oversight, training, performance reviews, and hiring processes
• Supported business development and client engagement, including investor presentations, relationship management (IFA's, institutions, multi-managers), and sales strategy input

Senior Audit Manager (2011 to 2014), Trainee Accountant (2008 to 2010) - Baker Tilly Greenwoods

(2008-03 - 2014-11)

Baker Tilly Greenwoods is one of the oldest and largest independent auditing, accounting and advisory firms in Cape Town. As an independent member firm of Baker Tilly International, they operate within South Africa with associated independent member firms in Johannesburg and Durban. Integrity, trust and commitment are core values of the firm, and have been key features in their ongoing growth and success.

Progressed from trainee to Senior Audit Manager within a leading audit and advisory firm, managing a diverse portfolio of clients across multiple industries.

• Led end-to-end audit engagements, including planning, execution, review, and finalisation, ensuring high-quality delivery and regulatory compliance
• Designed and evaluated internal control frameworks, identifying risks and implementing practical improvements across client environments
• Prepared and reviewed financial statements (IFRS & IFRS for SMEs), including complex group consolidations across multi-entity structures
• Provided technical advisory on accounting, tax, company law, and structuring matters
• Managed client relationships, presenting audit findings, financial results, and recommendations to management and audit committees
• Drafted management reports and technical opinions, supporting informed decision-making
• Oversaw portfolio management and team delivery, including workflow planning, delegation, performance management, and cost control
• Mentored and developed junior staff, contributing to team capability and performance
• Gained broad exposure to tax compliance and structuring, including corporate, trust, and individual taxation, provisional tax, and restructuring considerations

B.Compt Hons - UNISA (2008)

B.Compt - UNISA (2006)

Java Programming - Van Zyl & Pritchard (2001)