Leola Katzke

LEOLA KATZKE ASPIRING FINANCE DIRECTOR I am a results-driven Finance leader, known for my unwavering work ethic—“Solid as a Rock,” as Ashford & Simpson would say (you’re probably singing it now--Johannesburg, South Africa DESIRED ROLES 😉). With a proven track record as a Group Finance Manager, I lead finance teams, streamline financial policies, processes, and reporting for a prominent, globally recognized energy organization. I bring several years of experience, within various industries, and I am a certified Finance Manager Finance Director with specialized expertise in Strategic Leadership and Head of Finance Management from the University of Illinois. QUALIFICATIONS Financial Accounting Currently, I am advancing my expertise by pursuing a Tax Technician qualification and preparing for Tax Articles with Financial Management SAIT to further deepen my knowledge in corporate Strategic Leadership & Management taxation and compliance. Strategic Leadership Capstone Corporate Strategy I am passionate about driving operational efficiency and Business Strategy leveraging automation to enhance financial processes. By Designing the Organization applying my advanced proficiency in financial software, I Managing theA Organization EN GLISH FRIKAANS Applications of Everyday Leadership Foundations of Everyday Leadership Business Administration Business Communications Protection of Personal Information have developed and refined financial models, tools, and dashboards that have significantly improved business operations and board level reporting. My background includes extensive experience in FP&A, Advanced Formulas & Functions accounting, complex financial structures, and multi- Excel: PivotTables in Debt currency environments, with hands-on expertise in Excel: VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP budgeting, forecasting, reconciliations, tax, VAT, payroll, Payroll Essentials and audits. I’ve delivered critical financial reports to senior MS Excel Advanced executives, shareholders, and auditors, ensuring alignment OPSA Membership with strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. Social Content Strategy LANGUAGES As a lifelong learner, I am a meticulous analyst and an adept leader, dedicated to fostering high-performing English teams and delivering comprehensive financial insights Afrikaans that drive organizational success. ENTITY INDUSTRY ROLE 2023 - Current Lola Ledgers Financial & Accounting Services to Several Game Reserves Founder 2023 - Current USP&E Global Investment Portfolio Chairwoman 2023 - Current USP&E Global Operations and Management (O&M) Group Financial Operations Manager 2023 - Current SAPE and E Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Group Financial Operations Manager 2023 - Current Made at Scale Design & Manufacturing Advisor to their Financial Manager PERIOD 2018 - - 2021 Feinschmecker Enterprise FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) Finance Manager Executive Assistant to the CEO, CFO, and Sales Director 2017 - 2018 Hotel Hope Non-profit General Manager 2014 - 2017 Awethu Capital Funding Investments Financial Associate 2013 - 2014 Academic Rights Press Publishing Business Administrator 2012 - 2013 Kiklo Risk Management Internet Service Provider Office Manager and Personal Assistant 2010 - 2012 XDSL (Stem Connect) Internet Service Provider Administrator and Personal Assistant 2005 - 2010 Various Clothing Stores and Restaurants Till Operator, Bartender, Waitress PERIOD ENTITY INDUSTRY ROLE 2023 - Current USP&E Global Operations and Management (O&M) Group Financial Operations Manager Financial Leadership & Oversight: Led and managed all financial operations for the holding company, multiple foreign subsidiaries, and a non-profit entity. Provided strategic financial advisory services, ensuring robust financial governance and adherence to corporate policies. Accounting & Financial Reporting: Oversaw the approval and processing of all accounting journals (e.g., adjustments, depreciation, interest, loans, payroll, provisions). Managed the group’s accounting structure, including project code allocations, Chart of Accounts, and intercompany reconciliations. Handled complex multi-currency accounting, including FX gains/losses and foreign currency transactions. Banking Operations & Cash Flow Management: Managed over 20 active bank accounts across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring proper transaction allocations and authorizations. Performed weekly cash flow forecasting and analysis for multiple entities, ensuring optimal liquidity and financial stability. Worked closely with internal teams to ensure cash flow reports were accurate and aligned with operational needs. Foreign Exchange & Treasury: Directed foreign exchange activities, including booking and authorizing forex deals, global transfers, and cross-border payments. Liaised with banks to manage foreign exchange exposure and optimize currency positions. Accounts Payable & Receivable (AP/AR): Oversaw the sign-off of international AP payments and AR invoices in accordance with contractual terms of EPC and O&M projects. Ensured accurate aging analysis of AP/AR balances and took corrective action where necessary to maintain working capital efficiency. Payroll & Taxation Compliance: Managed the payroll process for group companies, including foreign nationals and expats, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. Filed PAYE, SDL, UIF, and VAT returns, and conducted annual and interim employer tax reconciliations, ensuring timely submissions and regulatory compliance. Statutory Compliance & Regulatory Reporting: Ensured compliance with relevant statutory requirements, including COIDA/WCA filings, StatsSA submissions, and BO registrations. Coordinated with external auditors for timely year-end reporting and ensured all necessary financial documents were filed in compliance with local and international regulations. Internal Controls & Audit Management: Led end-to-end audit processes, including facilitating the audit planning, execution, and implementation of auditors' recommendations. Ensured internal controls were in place to safeguard financial integrity and mitigate operational risks. Team Leadership & Staff Management: Managed a team of six professionals, including an Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeper, Malian Accountant, Cost Controller, Management Accountant, and HR Specialist. Provided leadership, mentorship, and training to ensure the team’s efficiency and development. Investment Portfolio Leadership: Elected Chairwoman of the company's investment portfolio, representing the organization in strategic investment decisions, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, and overseeing portfolio performance to maximize shareholder value. PERIOD 2018 - - 2021 ENTITY Feinschmecker Enterprise INDUSTRY ROLE FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) Finance Manager Executive Assistant to the CEO, CFO, and Sales Director Financial Asset Management: Administered monthly depreciation calculations, passing relevant journal entries and managing asset disposals and sales. Oversaw asset finance, installment agreements, and amortizations, ensuring accurate treatment and reporting. Bank Management & Payment Authorizations: Served as the primary liaison for banking operations, conducting annual reviews. Managed payment authorizations for various expenses, including wages, shareholder dividends, loans, creditors, and intercompany transfers. Oversaw cross-border payment processing and the management of company credit cards, including applications, cancellations, limit increases, and expense allocations. Cash Management & Forecasting: Managed merchant machines and petty cash, providing weekly cash flow statements and maintaining up-to-date reconciliations of bank balances. Led cash flow forecasting with accurate input on inflows and outflows. Inventory Management: Supervised inventory management and stock take processes, including inputting stock counts, reconciling totals, and applying relevant valuations. Produced reports on stock quantities, values, and monthly adjustments. Month-End Processing & Reporting: Managed month-end processing, including journal entries for stock adjustments, depreciation, payroll control, and amortization. Delivered comprehensive management reports, including profit & loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow, aged debtor/creditor analysis, and detailed cost accounting metrics. Audit Coordination & Financial Statements: Led the annual audit process, liaising with auditors, process adjusting journal entries, and review financial statements. Statutory Compliance & Regulatory Oversight: Ensured compliance with statutory requirements such as workmen’s compensation (COIDA/WCA) submissions, insurance updates, and AGM pack preparation. Managed company CIPC amendments and documentation submissions, ensuring adherence to corporate governance standards. Leadership & Process Improvement: Initiated and led various process improvements, including a complete overhaul of purchases capturing, inventory valuation methods, and payroll controls. Introduced systems for better tracking of employee vaccine statuses and oversaw the implementation of a new inventory system. Project Management & Mergers: Led the merger and acquisition project with Enterprise Foods via Country Bird Holdings, managing due diligence and financial reporting. Acted as the key liaison during the integration process. Executive Assistance: Served as Executive Assistant to the Managing Director, coordinating travel, meetings, and office administration. Assisted in creating presentations, reviewing documentation, and managing signatures for key agreements and communications. Managed the Director's calendar and facilitated communication between the executive team and various departments. Cross-Departmental Collaboration & IT Liaison: Collaborated with departments across finance, sales, logistics, and admin, providing support for operational and financial reporting. Acted as the main liaison between IT and executive teams.