Shumane Vela

Results-driven Data & Automation Consultant with 4+ years of experience designing enterprise automation, business intelligence, and analytics solutions within the insurance and research sectors. Proven expertise delivering SQL, Power BI, Power Automate, SSIS, and advanced Excel solutions that improve operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and support executive decision-making. Experienced in leading cross-functional initiatives involving finance, actuarial, accounting, claims, and technical stakeholders while translating complex business requirements into scalable automation solutions.

Strong background in financial reporting, data governance, process optimisation, predictive analytics, and digital transformation. Recognised for combining technical expertise with business acumen to deliver measurable improvements in reporting, compliance, operational performance, and stakeholder experience.

Accounts Automation Specialist - Munich Reinsurance of Africa

(2026-01)

Lead automation initiatives supporting Life Technical Accounting by designing scalable reporting and automation solutions that improve financial operations, governance, and regulatory compliance.

• Designed and implemented automated FSRI accounting and reporting solutions using Power BI, Power Automate, and Advanced Excel, improving reporting efficiency and reducing manual processing.
• Built automation solutions supporting FSRI 9 and FSRI 17 account booking processes across finance operations.
• Developed forecasting models that enabled improved planning and more informed operational decision-making.
• Automated statement processing, reconciliations, and credit control activities, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual effort.
• Standardised process documentation, operating procedures, and governance controls to strengthen compliance and audit readiness.
• Delivered training to accountants and claims professionals to support successful adoption of new automation solutions.
• Improved master data quality through analytics, monitoring, and governance initiatives supporting enterprise reporting standards.
• Collaborated with finance, actuarial, and operational stakeholders to deliver business process improvements aligned with regulatory requirements.

Data Analyst - Munich Reinsurance of Africa

(2023-01 - 2025-12)

Designed enterprise reporting solutions, optimised ETL pipelines, and delivered analytics supporting claims, underwriting, finance, and business decision-making.

• Represented the data team during a major enterprise data consolidation initiative, creating a "single source of the truth" thus improving alignment between business and technical teams.
• Improved ETL performance by approximately 35% through optimisation of SSIS and Power Query workflows.
• Developed an automated claims validation solution that reduced manual reporting effort by more than 50% while improving reporting accuracy.
• Optimised SQL queries and data models to improve reporting performance and support faster executive decision-making.
• Performed POPIA compliance reviews and implemented corrective actions supporting enterprise data governance.
• Established data quality and metadata standards that strengthened audit readiness and reporting consistency.
• Designed comprehensive data cleansing and quality assurance frameworks supporting predictive analytics and business reporting.
• Delivered predictive analytics supporting underwriting decisions and strategic insurance initiatives.

Research & Development Analytics Intern - National Research Foundation

(2019-01 - 2020-12)

Supported industrial research through data analysis, laboratory testing, predictive analytics, and client reporting.

• Analysed industrial datasets to identify opportunities for operational improvement and product innovation.
• Conducted laboratory testing using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
• Presented analytical findings and technical recommendations to research stakeholders and clients.

Laboratory Lecturer - Nelson Mandela University

(2020-01 - 2022-12)

Delivered undergraduate instruction in Python, artificial intelligence, machine learning, telecommunications, and data analytics while leading outreach initiatives promoting STEM careers.

• Taught practicals and analysis of data with tools to more than 300 students.
• Conducted telecommunications lab work covering optical fibre and high-speed data transmission.
• Led Women in Physics South Africa outreach initiatives and served as a guest speaker at STEM career events.

Short-Term Insurance NQF Level 4 - Graduate Institute of Finance (2023-12)

Master of Science - Physics - Nelson Mandela University (2022-12)

BSc Honours - Physics - University of Johannesburg (2018-12)

BSc - Physics & Mathematics - Walter Sisulu University (2015-12)