Heidi Mare Nel
London,ON
Summary
Proven Finance Controller with a track record of enhancing financial efficiency at Dark Fibre Africa Pty. Ltd. by streamlining reconciliation processes and optimizing cash flow management. Skilled in ERP systems and team oversight, I have successfully implemented strategies that significantly improved financial reporting accuracy and operational productivity. Talented financial leader well-versed in accounting principles and regulations. Motivated to keep company financial operations compliant, accurate and cost-effective. Ready to bring 15+years of experience and take on challenging new role. Skilled Controller bringing 15 years of experience working with Global Corporate companies, Telecommunications ,Manufacturing,Retail and Automotive organizations. Proven leadership and successful in leading teams in achieving financial goals. Accomplished in working with executive leaders to develop business, financial and growth strategies. Detail-oriented financial professional adept at coordinating fiscal plans, AP and AR operations as well as inventory management. Good mathematical, communication and problem-solving abilities. Advanced skills in all Software. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Controller
Dark Fibre Africa Pty.Ltd. Pretoria Head Office
Pretoria, South Africa
2009.02 - 2019.06
- Reduced month-end closing time by implementing efficient reconciliation processes and procedures.
- Oversaw preparation of annual budgets, providing accurate financial guidance for key business decisions.
- Established efficient payroll processes that ensured timely payment of salaries while maintaining compliance with all relevant labor laws.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve overall business performance through strategic financial analysis and recommendations.
- Accurately process approved invoices for payment.
- Prioritize workflow in a high-volume department to ensure deadlines are met.
- Work proactively, with your team to ensure fair distribution of the work in the department and to resolve issues with vendors and invoices.
- Comply with, and assist in developing, accounting controls to reduce errors.
- Verify and manage workflow from other area offices
- Assist with other administrative functions as required, such as filing, scanning, and reception backup
- Streamlined accounts payable and receivable processes for improved efficiency, resulting in reduced outstanding debts and increased cash flow availability.
- Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
- Enhanced cash flow management with proactive forecasting and budgeting strategies.
- Optimized inventory management practices using advanced analytics tools for better demand forecasting and stock level optimization.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with banks, investors, and other financial partners to ensure optimal financing options.
- Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
- Reviewed documents and data to give accurate presentations and forecasts to upper management.
- Managed budgets, assets, portfolios, accounts payable, and receivable and general financial reporting procedures.
- Provided treasury and cash management by overseeing reconciliation of banking activity, credit card processing, and sales tax returns.
- Managed outstanding balance amounts by evaluating reports and determining collection statuses.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Senior Credit Controller
Ruto Mills.Pty.Ltd. Foodcorp Organization
02.1999 - 12.2009
- Provided ongoing training and mentorship to junior credit controllers, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team.
- Strengthened internal controls by identifying inefficiencies in existing procedures and recommending improvements to support sustainable growth.
- Developed customized reporting tools for better visibility of aged receivables, enabling proactive management of potential bad debts and writeoffs.
- Collaborated closely with other departments – such as Sales or Customer Service – to resolve billing issues promptly and prevent future occurrences.
- Negotiated payment terms with customers based on their individual circumstances, maintaining good relationships while protecting the company''s interests.
- Established departmental targets for collections activities, driving accountability among team members and improving overall performance metrics.
- Implemented industry best practices for credit control operations, keeping abreast of regulatory changes and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.
- Regularly reviewed customer credit limits, adjusting them based on payment trends and financial health to strike the right balance between risk management and sales growth.
- Successfully reduced debtor days through implementation of strict payment deadlines, clear communication with customers, and persistent follow-up on past due accounts.
- Reduced overdue accounts by consistently monitoring receivables and initiating timely follow-ups with clients.
- Optimized credit policies to balance business growth with minimized risks, resulting in increased revenue opportunities without compromising financial stability.
- Evaluated credit risk by conducting thorough reviews of new customer applications, including financial analysis and reference checks.
- Reviewed and verified income, credit reports and employment histories for each borrower.
- Reduced past due balances and bad debt by coordinating collection efforts with customer service, sales and billing departments.
- Devised collection recovery strategies to resolve customer issues and delinquent cases.
- Performed semi-annual account credit limit reviews and credit increase review requests from financial service and sales teams.
- Used company updated new Software tp perform credit appraisals, document verification and loan approvals.
- Made decisions and recommendations about extending lines of credit.
- Negotiated payment plans and loan terms with delinquent customers.
- Complied with internal controls and government regulations.
- Worked in tandem with sales team and customers to negotiate payments and verify account reconciliations.
- Conducted presentations to upper management and executive teams for loan recommendations.
Assistant Accountant
National Brands Pty. Ltd.
02.1989 - 09.1999
- Maintained detailed financial records of accounts receivable and payable status and bank reconciliations.
- Assisted with monthly and quarterly income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports to inform decision-makers.
- Maintained accurate and complete documentation to facilitate accounting and filing functions.
- Reviewed general ledger entries and assessed accuracy.
- Assisted with timely month-end closing procedures, resulting in accurate financial reporting.
- Analyzed and verified employee expense reports for accuracy.
- Processed payroll by validating work hours and attendance of employees.
- Improved financial accuracy by conducting thorough account reconciliations and adjusting journal entries.
- Monitored status of accounts receivable and payable to facilitate prompt processing.
- Facilitated month-end and year-end closing processed to support accuracy and completeness of financial reports.
- Reduced invoice processing time with efficient data entry and verification of accounts payable transactions.
- Monitored bank account activity regularly, identifying potential errors or fraudulent transactions for swift resolution.
- Reconciled company accounts for credit cards, employee expenses, and commissions.
- Assisted in the implementation of new accounting software, leading to more efficient workflows and reduced manual input errors.
- Provided excellent customer service to both internal departments and external clients while addressing inquiries related to invoices or payments promptly.
- Evaluated and improved financial records to make important business decisions.
- Supervised accounting staff to provide feedback and evaluate progress.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of GAAP guidelines, ensuring compliance in all financial reporting tasks.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, fostering an environment of trust and enabling prompt resolution of any billing discrepancies.
- Enhanced cash flow management through prompt invoicing and effective accounts receivable follow-up procedures.
- Strengthened internal controls through regular review of policies and procedures, identifying areas for improvement or clarification.
- Tracked funds, prepared deposits and reconciled accounts.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Identified legal tax savings and recommended ways to improve profits.
Education
High School Diploma -
Boston College
South Africa,Pretoria02.1996
Skills
- Accounting Software Proficiency
- Payroll Management
- Cash Flow Management
- ERP Systems Expertise
- Internal Controls
- Cost accounting
- Revenue Recognition
- Accounts reconciliation
- Financial Policies Development
- General ledger accounting
- Payroll Processing
- Accounts receivable management
- AP/AR invoicing
- Statement Reconciliation
- Internal control management
- Processing payments
- Financial document review
- Collections understanding
- Team Oversight
- Pricing and costing
- Data Tracking
- Expense Control
- Financial Planning
- Finance
- Financial Forecasting
- Account Reconciliation
- AP/AR Invoicing
- Budget Administration
- Staff Management
- Revenue Generation
- Public Accounting
- General Ledger Accounting
- Financial Statement Review
- Internal Control Management
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
- Accounts Payable and Receivable Auditing
- Pricing and Costing
- Purchase Tracking
- Office Workflow Improvements
- Month-End and Year-End Closings
- Account and Ledger Reconciliations
- Non-Profit Accounting
- Collections Understanding
- Corrective Actions
- Budget Preparation
- Strategic Planning
- Manage Investment Strategies
- Negotiation
- Bookkeeping
- Retail Sales Customer Service
- Microsoft Word
- Staff Training
- Microsoft Excel
- Active Listening
- Credit Card Payment Processing
- Report Transcription
- Customer Relations
- Account Management
- Order Fulfillment
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Report Preparation
- Stocking and Replenishing
- POS Systems Expertise
- Administrative Support
- Shipping and Receiving Understanding
- Recordkeeping Strengths
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Development
- Call Center Operations
- Typing Proficiency
- Multi-Line Phone Talent
- Travel Planning
- Stockroom Procedures
- Customer Consulting
- Shipping Procedures Understanding
- Route Dispatch
- Problem-Solving Ability
- Office Equipment Proficiency
- Service Standard Compliance
- Document Control
- Critical Thinking
- Managing Multiple Tasks
- Clerical Support
- Closing Sales
- Order Processing
- Customer Relationship Management
- CRM Software
- Computer Proficiency
- Money Handling Abilities
- Delivery Scheduling
- Refund Processing
- Materials Transport
- Technical Support
- POS Systems and Ordering Platforms
- Administrative and Office Support
- Invoice Preparation and Processing
- Research
- Filing
- Calendaring
- Coordination
- Spreadsheets
- Proofreading
- Minute Taking
- Customer Retention Strategies
Languages
English
Professional Working
Affiliations
- Health and Safety Business emotional intelligence as team player.Teambuilding events
Reading,Business Planning,Event planner for Non Profit Originations.
Team building planner monthly and quarterly to build a strong team the dor C's Communication,Camaraderie,Commitment,Confidence in each individual employee for companies.
Reading books of new technology and gardening. Event planner for big events example for children , cancer patients and well known singers on a yearly basis.
Additional Information
Strong Customer Services, Customer Data Management, General Ledger, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Costing, Pricing. Journal Entries, Stock Control, Petty Cash.Accounting.
Diploma in Customer Services English South Africa.
Strategic thinker; results-oriented, highly integrity and ethical standards. Team Player, Reconciliation, Banks, Forecasting. fast-paced working environments as Team leader with attention to detail.
Inventory control. Business related with all departments in different companies corporate and retail.
Supervision of staff.
Adept at building strong relationships with customers, buyers, shareholders, and owners.
Meetings with employees and business owners daily and monthly
Month end targets, Weekly, Monthly Quarterly and Financial year ends.
Proficient with all business computer system. Microsoft Advanced Office Suite, QuickBooks, SAP, FreshBooks, Accpac, Account Mate, Xerox, ERP, Sage, CRM.
Awards and company share quarterly. Revenue turnover of 1 billion at Dark Fibre Africa South Africa staff of 800 employees from 2015 to 2019 on projects. Won diamond award for best team leader.
Diploma in Credit management. Emotional Intelligence, Business Management
Quote
Every problem is a gift—without problems we would not grow.
Tony Robbins
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
Microsoft
SAP
Oracle
Quickbooks
Adobe
Accomplishments
- Reduced accounts receivable days to 30 day consulting in increased year-over-year revenues of $500000.
- Optimized workflow and reduced variances by recommending and introducing new accounting software.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Supervised team of 4 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridTimeline
Controller
Dark Fibre Africa Pty.Ltd. Pretoria Head Office
2009.02 - 2019.06
Senior Credit Controller
Ruto Mills.Pty.Ltd. Foodcorp Organization
02.1999 - 12.2009
Assistant Accountant
National Brands Pty. Ltd.
02.1989 - 09.1999
High School Diploma -
Boston College
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