Zimkhitha Mafu

I am a finance and investment operations professional with experience gained across leading South African asset management firms, supporting complex investment portfolios, operational projects, and cross-functional business initiatives. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for being highly organised, analytical, and dependable, with a strong ability to bring structure and clarity to complex processes and stakeholder environments. My experience spans investment operations, fund accounting, financial reporting, process improvement, system implementations (Fundamental Portfolio Manager, Charles River, Hiport, InvestPlus), and project coordination, where I have worked closely with portfolio managers, traders, custodians, legal teams, fund administrators, and senior stakeholders to deliver accurate and efficient outcomes.

I have contributed to strategic initiatives including fund launches, system migrations, portfolio mandate transitions, and operational improvements that strengthened controls and enhanced efficiency. I enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and working collaboratively across teams to achieve business objectives. Currently completing an MBA, I am looking to leverage my financial services experience, commercial mindset, and project coordination capabilities in a role where I can contribute to operational excellence, strategic decision-making, and sustainable business growth.

TRADE SUPPORT SPECIALIST at FUTUREGROWTH ASSET MANAGEMENT (2025-02 – 2025-04)

Worked across front, middle, and back-office teams to ensure the accurate capture, confirmation, settlement, and reporting of trades across multiple asset classes on CRIMS and Hiport. Partnered closely with traders, portfolio managers, custodians, brokers, compliance, finance, and technology teams to resolve exceptions, maintain data integrity, and support smooth trade lifecycle processes. Contributed to process and system improvements, CRIMS reconciliations, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency within a high-pressure environment.

Reason for leaving: Medical diagnosis and recovery requiring me to be home; MBA studies pursued during recovery

MARKET OPERATIONS SPECIALIST at ASHBURTON INVESTMENTS (RMB) (2023-02 – 2025-01)

Managed key market operations functions across trade booking, settlements, reconciliations, portfolio reporting, and fund administration processes. Partnered with portfolio managers, fund administrators, custodians, auditors, risk teams, and senior stakeholders to ensure accurate NAV reporting, regulatory compliance, and effective operational oversight. Played a key role in the successful onboarding and launch of three international ETF funds, coordinating activities across multiple stakeholders to ensure operational readiness and issue resolution prior to launch.

Supported the enhancement of controls, automation initiatives, and workflow improvements to increase efficiency and reduce operational risk.

Reason for leaving: Career pivot into front office and data management within Asset management.

INVESTMENT ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST at ALLAN GRAY (2020-02 – 2023-01)

Managed daily investment operations across multiple portfolios, including investment instructions, trade processing and settlement, cash movements, unit and investment reconciliations, and NAV controls. Performed detailed cash, holdings and transaction reconciliations, investigated variances and breaks, and worked closely with the Cash Management team, custodians, administrators and internal stakeholders to resolve outstanding items. Monitored fund and security pricing, exchange rates and investment data to support accurate valuations, while using Excel extensively for reconciliations, analysis and reporting.

Managed operational queries supported audit and regulatory requirements, and contributed to system implementations and process improvements, including CRIMS.

Reason for leaving: Career growth into an oversight role, from processor; and broader investment operations exposure.

SENIOR FUND ACCOUNTANT at CURO FUND SERVICES (2017-11 – 2020-01)

Oversaw daily fund accounting activities including NAV pricing, reconciliations, trade processing, cash management, and financial reporting across multiple investment portfolios on Hiport. Maintained strong relationships with clients, auditors, administrators, and internal stakeholders to ensure service excellence, reporting accuracy, and adherence to deadlines. Supported process improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, strengthening controls, and reducing operational risk.

Provided guidance and technical support to junior team members while contributing to a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Reason for leaving: Career progression from fund accounting/admin to end-to-end investment operations.

GRADUATE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT at SANLAM PRIVATE WEALTH (2017-02 – 2017-07)

Supported finance operations through general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, monthly reporting, and management information preparation. Worked with finance teams, investment stakeholders, and senior management to provide timely financial information, respond to ad hoc requests, and support smooth month-end processes.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) – REGENT BUSINESS SCHOOL (2025-01 – 2027-07)

BCom Honors in Finance and Investments – UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (2016-01 – 2016-12)

BCom in Finance and Investments – UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (2011-01 – 2015-12)