Romeo C.

✨ Newly Added

Head of Finance

South Africa9+ years experience$6,000/mo

Notable Highlight

Negotiated favorable vendor relationships and introduced process improvements that strengthened financial governance and improved profitability.

Experience Summary

is a finance and accounting leader with over 8 years of progressive experience managing end-to-end finance operations for high-growth organizations across multiple industries. His expertise spans financial reporting, accounting operations, strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, treasury, cash flow management, taxation, audit readiness, and executive financial leadership. He has successfully led finance teams of up to 15 professionals while partnering closely with executive leadership to drive business growth, strengthen governance, and improve operational performance. ERP & Accounting Software - NetSuite ERP - Sage One - Xero - QuickBooks - CaseWare - Draftworx - Hubdoc - Syft Analytics - Payspace - Paystack - SimplePay Productivity & Reporting - Microsoft Excel (Advanced) - Microsoft Office Suite - Google Sheets - Google Workspace (G-Suite) - Finance & Analytics - Financial Dashboards KPI Reporting Tools - Financial Reporting Systems - Budgeting & Forecasting Models - Cash Flow Forecasting - Financial Modeling

Key Achievements

Played a pivotal role in growing an e-commerce brand's annual revenue from million to over million through strategic financial leadership, strengthened financial controls, optimized cash flow, and partnership with executive management on commercial and operational decisions. Simultaneously led the finance function, managed a team of up to 15 finance professionals, improved governance, and implemented integrated management systems that contributed to achieving ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 certifications. - Led finance departments for more than six years, building and mentoring high-performing accounting teams while driving operational excellence and cost efficiencies. - Successfully implemented finance process automation, ERP improvements, and scalable financial controls across multiple organizations, improving reporting accuracy and operational efficiency. - Directed end-to-end finance operations covering Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Treasury, Payroll, General Ledger, Financial Reporting, Budgeting, Forecasting, Tax, and Audit Management. - Strengthened internal controls, ensured compliance with IFRS and US GAAP, and consistently supported successful external audits and regulatory compliance initiatives. - Managed banking relationships, cash flow, treasury functions, and working capital strategies while providing financial insights that supported executive decision-making and long-term business growth. - Implemented Sage One payroll systems and enhanced credit control processes that improved cash flow management and reduced working capital pressures. - Negotiated favorable vendor relationships and introduced process improvements that strengthened financial governance while improving profitability.

Skills

Finance & Accounting, Financial Management, Financial Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Management Accounting, General Ledger (GL), Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), Month-End & Year-End Close, Balance Sheet Reconciliations, Bank Reconciliations, Budgeting & Forecasting, Cash Flow Management, Treasury Management, Inventory Accounting, Cost Management, Payroll Management, Tax Compliance, Financial Statement Preparation, Working Capital Management, Accounting Standards & Compliance, US GAAP, IFRS, Internal Controls, Audit Management, Audit Readiness, Risk Management, Financial Compliance, Corporate Governance, VAT Compliance, Income Tax Management, Statutory Reporting, Regulatory Compliance, ERP & Financial Systems, NetSuite ERP, Financial Systems Implementation, ERP Optimization, Financial Process Automation, Dashboard Development, KPI Reporting, Financial Modeling, Variance Analysis, Leadership & Strategy, Finance Leadership, Team Leadership, Executive Stakeholder Management, Board Reporting, Commercial Finance, Strategic Financial Planning, Business Partnering, Scenario Planning, Investment Analysis, Capital Raising, Banking Relationship Management, Process Improvement, Change Management, Staff Development, Operational Finance, Financial Operations, Treasury Operations, Credit Control, Procurement Finance, Asset Management, Cash Management, Commercial Decision Support, Pricing & Margin Analysis, Budget Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Consolidations, Intercompany Accounting, Journal Entries, Fixed Asset Accounting, Cost Accounting, Revenue Recognition, Forecast Accuracy, Business Performance Analysis, Internal Audit Support, ERP Administration, Financial Analytics, Continuous Improvement, Stakeholder Communication.

Work Experience

Head of Finance

Ren. · Sandton, South Africa · Feb 2025 – Present

Direct and manage daily financial activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and treasury operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
Develop and enforce robust policies and procedures to maintain compliant, streamlined, and scalable financial processes.
Optimize cash flow to support operational needs and strategic initiatives while ensuring liquidity and financial stability.
Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard assets, mitigate risks, and prevent fraud or discrepancies.
Lead the annual budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes, aligning with organizational goals and growth strategies.
Partner with the executive team to formulate long-term financial strategies, identify investment opportunities, and drive sustainable growth.
Conduct scenario planning, sensitivity analysis, and risk assessments to navigate market volatility and organizational changes.
Spearhead capital-raising initiatives, cultivating relationships with banks, investors, and other financial stakeholders to secure funding.
Deliver timely, accurate, and comprehensive financial reports to the executive team, board of directors, and key stakeholders.
Analyze financial performance, KPIs, and market trends to provide data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.
Develop and maintain advanced reporting tools and dashboards for real-time visibility into financial health and performance.
Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights to guide executive decision-making.
Ensure full compliance with local and international financial regulations, tax laws, and accounting standards (e.g., GAAP/IFRS).
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory bodies, ensuring seamless audits and reviews.
Proactively identify and mitigate financial risks, including credit, operational, and market exposures.
Maintain meticulous documentation to support compliance, audits, and regulatory requirements.
Oversee the evaluation, selection, and implementation of cutting-edge financial systems to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy.
Drive automation of routine financial processes to reduce manual effort, improve scalability, and support data integrity.
Champion continuous process improvements to align financial operations with industry best practices and organizational goals.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

Financial Operations Manager

Ren. · Sandton, South Africa · Oct 2024 – Jan 2025

Oversee daily financial transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and treasury functions.
Design and enforce policies and procedures for accurate, efficient, and compliant financial operations.
Monitor and optimize cash flow, ensuring adequate liquidity for operational and strategic initiatives.
Implement financial controls to mitigate risks and prevent discrepancies or fraud.
Drive the financial planning process, aligning budgets and forecasts with company objectives.
Collaborate with the executive team to develop long-term financial strategies and identify growth opportunities.
Conduct scenario planning and risk analysis to anticipate financial impacts of market or organizational changes.
Lead initiatives to secure funding or capital, including managing relationships with banks, investors, and stakeholders.
Deliver timely and accurate financial reports to the executive team, board, and relevant stakeholders.
Analyze financial trends, KPIs, and key business metrics to provide actionable insights.
Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools for real-time financial performance tracking.
Translate financial data into clear, concise recommendations for decision-making.
Ensure compliance with local and international financial regulations, tax laws, and accounting standards.
Act as the primary liaison with auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities.
Identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks, including credit, operational, and market risks.
Maintain comprehensive documentation to support audits and compliance reviews.
Oversee the selection and implementation of financial systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
Automate routine financial processes, reducing manual intervention and increasing scalability.

Head of Accounting

KR · Olifantsfontein, South Africa · Aug 2023 – Sep 2024

Ensure adherence to exemplary internal control environments, identifying areas for improvement and implementing measures.
Lead the internal and external audit relationships, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Manage and operationalise an appropriate Delegation of Authority Matrix, including spend approvals and decision rights.
Ensure accurate, timely, and complete period end close (P&L, BS, and CF); conduct substantive reviews for Asset Management.
Oversee technical compliance, reviewing business processes and trading operations for appropriate technical treatment.
Collaborate with Group finance and audit teams on changes and judgemental accounting decisions.
Consolidate and report actual performance for different business units, communicating overall performance to senior management.
Conduct quarterly reviews of high-risk balance sheet accounts to ensure accurate reflection of the business's financial position.
Manage bank accounts and relationships; oversee cashflows and working capital management.
Lead the team in delivering statutory accounts and associated Board and Committee reporting in line with regulatory requirements.
Manage Finance operations teams, supporting their needs and ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Ensure well-documented financial systems and processes, identifying areas for improvement and automation.
Oversee all aspects of taxation, including corporation tax and VAT.
Oversee accounting processes, period end close, and control mechanisms for the Asset Management business unit.
Understand professional indemnity risk and provisioning methodology, working with relevant teams to mitigate risks and ensure adequate reserves and insurance.
Manage the Procurement and Fleet teams, driving efficiencies and cost savings through strategic procurement decisions.
Support the company's carbon emission targets.
Demonstrate exemplary behaviours, focusing on operating profit and cash generation.
Continuously review team structure and responsibilities to meet business needs and provide cross-training.
Undertake ad hoc investigations and projects as requested by the Finance Director, Managing Director, and senior management team.
Supervise accounting department operations and team of up to 15 employees.

Head of Finance

KWM · Alberton, South Africa · Mar 2020 – Aug 2023

Manage the financial reporting for the organisation, including monthly financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, 5-year financial plans, and all statutory financial reporting.
Provide sound financial support and insights to enable the board to make critical business decisions.
Present financial results and insights to the Board.
Play a key role in the formulation of the business's strategy.
Manage the taxation affairs of the organization and liaise with the external tax firm for specialist advice.
Manage the cash flow of the company and ensure it has the appropriate treasury controls.
Manage hedging and foreign currencies when necessary.
Manage the External Auditor relationship and ensure the organisation is compliant with accounting standards.
Manage the company's banking and borrowing arrangements.
Manage the company's financial systems.
Conduct investment appraisal and analysis.
Present results to non-finance people to understand.
Recruit, train, mentor, and develop staff.
Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Tax, Treasury, Payroll, Financial and Management Accounting functions.
Implement risk management to ensure the business has a solid risk framework in place.
Oversee commercial decision making from tender analysis, margin analysis, and pricing analysis.
Advise and implement best practice methods to increase revenue and reduce costs.
Advise on market changes and provide strategic financial recommendations to the board.
Manage and track budget and accounting information including billing, collections, and tax information.
Review all formal finance, HR, and IT related policies and procedures.

Accountant

IECCA · Alberton · May 2017 – Jan 2020

Post financial transactions for clients.
Process sales invoices, Accounts Payables invoices, and credit notes.
Secure financial information by complete system back-up.
Prepare monthly and recurring general journal entries.
Compute payroll.
Prepare General Ledger reconciliation to control accounts.
Process Accounts up to Trial Balance.
Complete and submit IT12's (personal income tax).
Complete and submit IT14's (company income tax).
Complete and submit VAT201 forms.
Complete and submit EMP201 forms.
Complete and submit EMP501 forms.
Conduct biannual payroll reconciliation and submission.
Conduct PAYE and VAT registration for clients.
Attend SARS appointments.
Prepare monthly Management and Performance reports.
Conduct routine spot-cash counting at branches.
Process and reconcile the Cashbook and Bank.
Prepare cash flow forecasts.
Manage petty cash.
Prepare Fixed Asset Register and reconcile to balance sheet.
Compute Depreciation and Accumulated Depreciation Schedules.
Ensure compliance by administering timely payment of statutory taxes.
Assist in the development and implementation of strategy, targets, work routines, and objectives in the Accounting and Finance function to manage achievement of service delivery goals.
Prepare and report monthly Management Accounts.