Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
I help businesses grow by turning complex financial data into clear, strategic decisions. With over 8 years in financial services — spanning Big 4-adjacent practice, accounting partnerships, and commercial group finance — I've built a career on three things: technical rigour, practical leadership, and an ability to simplify the complex. Currently serving as Group Finance Manager at Drainmen Services Group, I oversee group-level financial reporting, treasury, tax compliance, and team development across a multi-entity structure. My background includes: - Group Financial Manager (Drainmen Services Group) - Running my own accounting practice (Zeelie Professional Accountants SA) - Training and mentoring SAIPA candidates through articles - Independent reviews and tax advisory for SME clients - Hands-on experience with Sage, Xero, Pastel, and Power BI I'm passionate about building finance functions that actually serve the business — not just tick boxes. Open to conversations around finance leadership, SME advisory, and professional development in the accounting space.
Key Responsibilities • Lead and manage a team of 6 finance professionals, including planning meetings, training and performance reviews, development and reviewing of work. • Set processes and controls in place for the finance function • Prepare and present management reporting packs, cashflow reports, budgets and financial plans • Analyze financial performance against targets and prior periods • Supporting business decisions through financial modelling • Advise management on cost control and profitability management • Providing management with key insights and recommendations to support strategic decision making • Variance analysis of actual to budget • Oversee internal controls to safeguard business and prevent fraud • Ensuring compliance with tax legislation, statutory filing deadlines and regulatory requirements • Review, process and sign off all VAT, payroll, and tax submissions; manage all SARS correspondence and tax audits • Draft Annual Financial Statements and manage asset register • Oversee monthly intercompany reconciliations, debtors collection, creditors reviews and banking • Manage company secretarial functions (CIPC annual returns etc) and insurance claims • Liaise with external accounting firm and manage audits
• Led the full financial accounting function including month-end close, reconciliations, and management reporting • Ensured compliance with statutory reporting requirements and coordinated with external auditors • Implemented process improvements to strengthen internal controls and reporting accuracy
• Led a professional accounting practice delivering audit, tax, and advisory services to SME clients across multiple industries • Performed independent reviews and statutory compilations in compliance with IFRS for SMEs • Managed a portfolio of tax clients including preparation and submission of income tax, VAT, and provisional tax returns • Mentored junior accountants and supported SAIPA trainees through their training programmes • Developed and maintained strong client relationships, acting as a trusted financial adviser to owner-managed businesses
• Managed preparation of annual financial statements, tax returns, and management accounts for a diverse client base • Supervised and reviewed work of junior staff, maintaining quality standards across client engagements • Supported clients with Sage and Pastel bookkeeping, payroll processing, and regulatory submissions
• Completed accredited SAIPA training contract, gaining experience across audit, accounting, and tax disciplines • Prepared financial statements and tax computations for SME and individual clients • Developed practical expertise in Sage, Pastel Partner, and SARS e-filing systems