Simone Heynes CA (SA)

Experience

• 

  Grant Thornton International Ltd

  Jan 2012 - Dec 2017

  • Planned, managed, and concluded audits with precision. • Supported larger audits for successful execution. • Managed budgets, controlled overruns, and optimized investments. • Negotiated fees with clients for favorable outcomes. • Cultivated and maintained strong client relationships. • Compiled management and audit committee reports. • Provided on-the-job training and mentorship. • Engaged as a trainer in Grant Thornton programs. • Demonstrated adeptness in budgetary control. • Gained exposure to diverse industries, enriching industry knowledge. Show less • Compiled Annual Financial Statements complying with IFRS for accuracy.• Completed tax computations meeting statutory requirements. • Interpreted taxation legislation to minimize tax liabilities.• Coordinated resources for group audit engagements, optimizing efficiency.• Ensured tight deadlines were met by managing workflow and resources.• Presented findings and recommendations to managerial staff.• Managed audit teams of varying sizes for clients of different scales.• Executed statutory audits for diverse clients, ensuring compliance.• Prepared management reports with improvement recommendations.• Provided staff training on technical and problem-solving skills.• Gained industry exposure in mining, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing. Show less

  • Audit Manager

    Jun 2015 - Dec 2017

  • Audit Senior Associate

    Dec 2014 - May 2015

  • Trainee Accountant

    Jan 2012 - Nov 2014
• 

  Africanbank

  Jan 2018 - now

  • Manage accounting frameworks for operating expenses.• Ensure strict compliance with IFRS and tax regulations.• Prepare annual operating expense budgets and adjust forecasts.• Establish cost drivers impacting the budget.• Develop forecasting frameworks for different business areas.• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities.• Maintain robust internal controls for general ledgers.• Prepare and distribute monthly management accounts.• Provide ongoing financial support to various departments.• Foster collaboration across diverse teams.• Efficiently manage month-end processes.• Review reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledgers regularly.• Coordinate with external and internal auditors.• Analyze variances and distribute monthly operational costs.• Track non-interest income revenue by product through weekly and monthly reporting. Show less • Managed high volumes of financial activity in a fast-paced environment.• Managed 22 finance professionals, handling invoices, payments, and financial reporting.• Managed Finance's relationship with AccTech (accounting system vendor). • Developed and maintained robust control policies and procedures. • Enhanced team efficiency through accounting system changes and automation.• Enhanced collaboration and built strong working relationships across various teams.• Ensured transactions adhered to IFRS and tax legislation.• Effectively managed month-end processes.• Prepared and distributed management accounts on a monthly basis.• Reviewed reconciliations, journal entries, and general ledgers.• Prepared financial statements for group and individual entities.• Acted as the finance business partner for Transactional Banking.• Liaised with external and internal auditors. Show less

  • Senior Manager: Consumer Banking Products

    May 2021 - now

  • Financial Manager - Financial Accounting

    Jan 2018 - May 2021