Marlanie Govender

I am a finance professional with over 20 years of experience in accounting, accounts payable, treasury operations, cash management, financial reporting, and internal controls. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for delivering accurate financial information, maintaining strong governance standards, and supporting business objectives in fast-paced environments. My expertise includes managing end-to-end accounts payable functions, preparing and monitoring cash flow forecasts, overseeing treasury operations, performing complex bank and intercompany reconciliations, managing foreign exchange requirements, and ensuring the integrity of financial reporting.

I have successfully coordinated internal and external audits, maintained Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss accuracy, and consistently met demanding month-end reporting deadlines. In my role at Seaboard Trading, I led the Accounts Payable team while overseeing treasury activities, bank reconciliations, cash management, foreign exchange transactions, audit coordination, and financial reporting. I partnered with cross-functional teams to strengthen financial controls, improve operational efficiency, and support strategic business decisions.

I later joined the Trade Accounting team, where I was responsible for preparing and reporting the Profit & Loss (P&L) for the trading desk, ensuring accurate financial reporting, timely analysis, and compliance with internal controls and reporting deadlines. I am recognised for my analytical approach, attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and commitment to continuous improvement. I enjoy building strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, banks, and auditors, and thrive in collaborative environments where accuracy, accountability, and service excellence are valued.

Trade Accountant - Seaboard Trading - Umhlanga, Durban

(2015-04)

Transitioned into the Trade Accounting team, where I assumed responsibility for preparing and reporting the daily and monthly Profit & Loss (P&L) for the trading desk. Analysed trading performance, investigated P&L variances, and worked closely with traders and management to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial results.

• Record and reconcile physical and derivative commodity trades in the trading/ERP system
• Prepare a monthly trade P&L for each strategy
• Reconcile trader P&L to accounting records and investigate variances
• Ensure that trade and operational bookings in the trading system are accurate and are correctly reflected in the accounting records
• Reconcile purchase and sales contracts, freight, insurance, demurrage, and other trade-related costs
• Liaise with operations, logistics, and counterparties to resolve discrepancies
• Monitor open contracts and ensure timely recognition of revenues and costs
• Ensure accurate and complete accounting of inventory and ensure that accruals are accurately recorded
• Perform inventory reconciliations, including silo, warehoused and in-transit inventory
• Liaise with traders, operations, logistics, suppliers, and external stakeholders (banks, auditors, customs agents) to facilitate smooth operations and resolve financial matters
• Support operational and strategic initiatives with financial expertise and an understanding of trading economics
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations related to trading activities
• Assist with external audits and provide supporting documentation
• Ensure compliance with IFRS/US GAAP and internal accounting policies
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and segregation of duties
• Contribute to system improvements and process automation initiatives

Cash Management/Accounts Payable - Seaboard Trading - Umhlanga, Durban

(2015-04)

Supervised and supported the Accounts Payable team, driving accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with company policies. Performed monthly bank reconciliations across multiple bank accounts, ensuring the integrity of cash balances and resolving reconciling items promptly. Prepared and monitored daily and monthly cash flow forecasts to support business liquidity and working capital requirements.

Managed treasury operations, including payment scheduling, banking relationships, and foreign exchange requirements.

• Execution of all ZAR/USD payments
• Preparation and execution of FECs, loans and interest payments
• Administration and reconciliation of Petty Cash (ZAR/USD)
• Reconcile SAFEX (online platform for trading)
• Maintain binder of agreements, authorized signatories, and other administration with relevant banks
• Maintain binder with all Reserve Bank documentation, policies, and procedures
• Checking of Bank documents
• Attend to foreign exchange requirements and control
• Reconciliation of all cash and investment accounts and bank statements
• Reconciliation and documentation maintenance for debit/stop orders on banking facilities
• Prepare weekly cashflow analysis for all Global regions, for financial planning processes
• Prepare the FEC MTM and reasonableness
• Manage relations and agreements with banks and financial institutions
• Manage the company's debt portfolios, including loans and credit facilities
• Ensure compliance with the monetary policies, authorization mandates, all financial regulations and reporting requirements
• Prepare reports for senior management on EUR P&L and analysis of cash position
• Oversee the Global treasury for each division
• Oversee Accounts Payable
• Reconciliation Supplier Statements
• Month end process General Ledger reconciliation

Financial Administrator - Foskor Pty Ltd - Richards Bay

(2006-09 - 2014-10)

Streamlined daily Accounts Payable operations, ensuring swift and accurate invoice processing, purchase order management, and expense report handling. Spearheaded the maintenance and reconciliation of Petty Cash, reinforcing financial integrity and accountability. Executed efficient payment transactions via banking systems, contributing to robust cash management practices.

• Journal entry capturing and general ledger reconciliation, maintaining impeccable financial records
• Managed high-volume invoice processing (up to 1,000 monthly) for a multi-site organization, with creditor transactions ranging from R25m to R30m
• Enhanced vendor relations and optimized supply chain efficiency through meticulous invoice management and proactive communication
• Achieved seamless internal and external audits, attributed to exemplary recordkeeping and comprehensive documentation
• Conducted weekly banking tasks and ensured accurate receipting of incoming funds, reinforcing fiscal responsibility
• Managed monthly financial close activities, including accruals and provisions, to ensure accurate financial reporting
• Reconciled company cell phone accounts, ensuring transparent and fair cost allocation among employees
• Maintained organized filing systems and performed VAT, bank, and general ledger reconciliations, ensuring financial accuracy
• Forecasted cash requirements, contributing to strategic financial planning and liquidity management
• Processed payments for travel office invoices, ensuring timely settlement
• Supplier information to the database

Sales Reporting Analyst - MONDI BUSINESS PAPERS - Richards Bay

(2003-01 - 2006-08)

• Managed monthly closing stock reporting for paper and pulp finished goods to the finance department
• Ensured accurate balancing of finished goods and stock in transit
• Developed comprehensive book stocks reports, detailing finished goods by warehouse and product
• Conducted in-depth analysis of year-to-date finished goods
• Performed verification of stock reports against trial balance, maintaining up-to-date MTD and YTD sales data
• Audited quarterly stock counts, reconciling and investigating variances
• Created detailed schedules of receipts and dispatches by transporters, alongside analysis of variable selling expenses
• Produced visual graphs for Supply Chain meetings to illustrate sales, production, and stock statistics
• Maintained master files for transporter rates and managed payment processes, ensuring alignment with forecasts
• Executed meticulous verification of all transporter payments

Accounts payable controller - MONDI BUSINESS PAPERS - Richards Bay

(2002-01 - 2003-12)

• Managed timely and accurate payment processing to maintain supplier relationships and cash flow efficiency
• Streamlined invoice processing by matching them with corresponding purchase orders to ensure compliance
• Conducted thorough verification to align invoices with purchase orders, ensuring financial accuracy
• Coordinated with department managers to secure necessary invoice approvals, enhancing internal controls
• Allocated costs meticulously in accordance with accounting standards and corporate policies
• Performed detailed analysis of supplier ledgers to maintain accurate financial records
• Proactively requested missing statements and invoices to ensure completeness of financial data
• Executed supplier statement reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies promptly