Laura Sandilands is a 57-year-old British and South African citizen with over 30 years of experience in financial and human resources management roles. She holds a BA Honours in Business Studies and is fully literate in MS Office, especially Excel, as well as various accounting software packages. Laura is currently employed as the Finance Manager of Brink's Southern Africa, overseeing financial reporting and internal controls. She has held previous roles as an accounting consultant for SMEs, General Manager of Finance and Payroll, and Financial Accountant for several companies.
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PERSONAL DETAILS
Surname: AUSKER
Name: LAURA SANDILANDS
Date of Birth: 8th
November 1959
Age: 57 years
Gender: Female
ID Number: 591108 0228 18 5
Marital Status: Married ( 2010)
Nationality: British / RSA permanent resident ( 1982)
Health: Excellent
Children: 2 daughters, aged 26 & 23 (not dependents)
Residential Address: 79 Bedford Place
19 Sovereign Street
Bedfordview
2007
Postal Address: P O Box 75998
Gardenview
2047
Contact Numbers: 011 622 4246 (Home)
082 347 9141 (Cellular)
E-mail: laura.ausker@gmail.com (private)
Driver’s Licence: Full, code 08, no restrictions
Criminal Record: None
Religion: Christian
Extramural: Gardening; Walking; Reading
3. 3
Reading and promoting use of good English/
Improvement of communication skills.
English & computer lessons to factory staff.
English German French Afrikaans
Write 100% 80% 75% 25%
Read 100% 90% 75% 50%
Speak 100% 80% 50% 50%
Comprehension 100% 90% 75% 65%
Fluency 100% 90% 75% 65%
EDUCATION
Tertiary: BA Honours(RSA: B.COM Hons)Business Studies 1982
Leeds Metro University, UK
Schooling: A’ levels (3) - 1978 ] Letchworth
O’ levels (11)- 1976 ] Grammar School
A’ Levels German Pass Grade C
( post Matric)French Pass Grade D
History Pass Grade E
A/O’Levels Use of English Pass
General Paper Pass Gr C
English Grade 2
O’Levels English Language Grade C
(Matric) English Literature Grade A
History Grade A
Geography Grade C
French Grade B
German Grade B
Mathematics Grade B
Biology Grade C
Computer / IT: Fully literate
Highly skilled in MS OFFICE, especially Excel
Axapta (MS-based)
SAP/ Business Objects
Pastel / Pastel Evolution
Languages:
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EMPLOYMENT RESUMÉ
Current employer Brink’s Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd
Address: 9 Derrick Rd, Spartan, Kempton Park 1619
PO Box 34, Isando, 1600
Period of Employment: 11 August 2015 - current
Position(s) held: Finance Manager Southern Africa and Kenya
Staff complement: 5 direct staff members
Remuneration package: Available on request -includes performance-related
bonus.
References: Available on request
General summary
1. Management of the finance function and overseeing the finance team.
2. Preparation of budgets, forecasts and cash flows.
3. Maintenance of financial ledgers and accounting processes.
4. Preparation of Monthly consolidated P&L and Balance Sheet.
5. Timely production of statutory and internal financial reports.
6. Financial modelling and analysis.
7. Cash management and treasury duties.
8. Ensuring that appropriatesystems and internal controls are implemented and maintained.
9. Overseeing the Payroll process in coordination with the HR manager.
10. Preparation/reviewof various local reporting requirements such as Income Tax, VAT, and
PAYE returns.
11. Prepare various corporate reporting requirements timely and accurately.
12. Strive for the excellence in adhere to the company’s 3 values, ACT (Accountability, Customer
Focus, Trust), at all time.
13. Full HR, IR & payroll functions, including CCMA/ union negotiations, contracts & disciplinary
procedures & processes, COIDA/ WCA.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR FINANCE MANAGER:
Improve Internal Audit report rating from “Unsatisfactory” to a minimum “Needs Moderate
Improvement” by improving internal controls to ensure financial/accounting transactions are
reasonably, accurately, and completely reported. If internal audit scope is only focused on
follow up of prior year's observation, the target rate is "Satisfactory".
Improve and maintain the accounting department team up-to the Brink’s standard – hold the
team accountable for their roles & responsibilities and work independently. Support and
monitor to ensure that the team's specified KPIs are achieved.
6. 6
Prepare Monthly Consolidated P&L and Balance Sheet accurately and timeously.
Timely and accurate filing of all statutory requirements for SA & Botswana. Bring Kenya
statutory requirements up-to-date.
Prepare various corporate reporting current requirements timely & accurately.
Improve the company’s DSO to meet the current year’s plan, at a minimum.
Previous employment (1): Self-employed
Period of Employment: February 2015 – August 2015
Position(s) held: Financial / payroll manager/ management
consultant to a number of SMEs.
References: Sue- Night Vision Tech / Scissor Hands 083 252 0204
John – JA Trading 084 443 1559
General summary
The primary requirement for this position is to manage the complete financial and management
accounting processes as well as payroll and to provide sound advice which is compliant with
relevant legislation.
Previous employer (2): PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF
SOUTHERN AFRICA PTY LTD
Address: 3 Margaret Avenue, Kempton Park 1619
PO Box 5524 Kempton Park 1620
Period of Employment: August 2011 - 31st
January 2015
Position(s) held: General Manager: Finance & Payroll
Staff complement: 5 direct staff members
Remuneration package: Available on request -includes guaranteed 13th
cheque & 14th
cheque, dependent on profitability.
References: Available on request
7. 7
General summary
The primary requirement for this position is to manage the financial department of PMI and its
subsidiaries according to sound financial systems, practises and processes that are compliant
with relevant legislation, meet principles of Adcorp Group policies and that will allow the
organisation to achieve its strategic financial objectives.
Principal duties and responsibilities:
FUNCTIONAL:
Prepare monthly financial data for input into monthly management accounts
Provide accurate financial reports and schedules
Preparation and revision of quarterly forecasts and annual budgets
Co-ordination and management of year end procedures with close liaison with ASSC
Co-ordination of relationship between outsourced back office & internal head office, and
company to ensure optimum functionality
Resolution of problematic creditors with outsourced back office & internal head office
Conducting regular internal audits across all financial aspects of PMI
Liaison with external auditors during external audit processes
Monitoring of property leases and input to managers
Updating of all financial and payroll policies and procedures
The management of the implementation of all financial and payroll systems
Establish and maintain tools for budgeting, financial reporting and accounting
Special projects and maintenance of financial systems
Maintenance of fixed asset register to ensure correct processing and classification
according to accounting principles
Co-ordination and updating of annual insurance policies
Signing off of all perm and contractors payroll reports
Auditing of sample of perm and contractors personnel files monthly
Ensure absolute confidentiality of all personnel information.
Ensure that the division is optimally resourced and operating according to sound
accounting principles
Provide technical direction to direct reports
Manage the performance and development of the financial team in line with the People
Development Policy.
Ensure effective implementation of current HR policies and procedures and labour
legislation.
Ensure all new managers are inducted on Finance and payroll processes
Ensure any changes are communicated to the business and appropriate training
conducted if required.
ANALYTICAL
8. 8
Analyse Management accounts monthly to explain causes of variances and highlight
trends in financial data
Identify, clarify and correct monthly management accounts
Comparison and revision of quarterly forecasts and annual budgets of budget versus
actual
Analysis of key balance sheet accounts
Analyse and report on trends and financial data
Investigate and take corrective action with difficult problematic DSO in conjunction with
GM’s to ensure compliance with Adcorp agreed targets
Compliance reporting to senior management of all systems
Evaluation of current risk control measures and recommendations made to mitigate risk
Investigation of all insurance claims and analysis thereof
Review of all payroll reports to ensure compliance to group policies
STRATEGIC
Provide financial inputs and guidance to senior management
Preparation of risk schedule against key financial indicators
Auditing of key financial risk indicators
Reporting on risks
Implementation of systems, policies and procedures to eliminate risk
Work with Adcorp internal audit to identify, eliminate and report on financial risks
Previous Employer (3): ADCORP GROUP BUSINESS SERVICES
Address: 55 Angus Crescent, Longmeadow Business Estate,
Edenvale, 1609
Private Bag X 10010, Edenvale, 1610
Period of Employment: February 2008 - August 2011
Position(s) held: Financial Accountant
Staff complement: +/- 20 staff members in accounts department;
Remuneration package: R 34 916 pm CTC + benefits
(Performance bonus DEC 2010 : R 64 000,00 )
References: Ms Beata Matuszewska 083 294 4458
Ms Raeesa Tayob- 083 488 4515
Areas of Accountability:
9. 9
The core function is cash management, full creditors & fixed assets management, statutory
returns, maintenance of general ledger, year-end procedures , supervision of all accounting staff
as well as general administration.
Full functionality of, direct / indirect responsibility for tasks including, but not limited to:
Financial – Syspro/ Axapta
Cashbooks: weekly and monthly functions and
reconciliations;
Creditors –COD / account reconciliations;
General ledger reconciliation- balance sheet and
income statement
Inter-company journal entries & reconciliations;
Payroll balance sheet reconciliations;
Fixed assets-daily, monthly & annual management;
Monthly management reporting to head office;
Budget preparations;
Communication with operating companies on daily/
weekly/ monthly operating matters and resolution of
queries;
HR – Staff management
FC representative on Charter Compliance
Committee;
Training requirements for all staff;
Day-to-day management of staff;
Previous Employer (4): LIGHTWORKS PTY LTD
Address: 15 Friesland Drive, Longmeadow Business Estate,
Edenvale, 1609
P O Box 783837 Sandton 2146
Period of Employment: January 2007 - February 2008
Position(s) held: Accounting Manager
Staff complement: 5-6 in accounts department; 1 in HR / Payroll
Remuneration package: R 16 600pm + 13th
cheque;
100% company contribution to provident fund &
group life
50% company contribution to medical aid.
10. 10
References: Mr Lance Lamprecht – Director 082 440 6537
Mr John Wilson – General Manager 083 297 3078
Reason for seeking alternative Change to group’s reporting structure has now
employment: limited scope of position originally given;
Company has not honoured salary review, even
though additional job responsibilities were given /
fulfilled; salary package not commensurate with
experience and level of responsibility given and
tasks completed.
Areas of Accountability:
Full functionality of, direct / indirect responsibility for the following:
Financial – Pastel Evolution / SAP
Cashbook, banking, petty cash: daily, weekly and
monthly functions and reconciliations;
Creditors –COD / accounts reconciliations;
Debtors - Statements & collections;
(Average debtors +/- R3.5 -6million pm)
General ledger reconciliations / inter-company
journal entries;
Reconciliation of all credit card statements and
correct expense allocation;
Monthly cost analysis e.g. telephone & cell phone
usage and reporting to directors of any pertinent
variances.
Forex –
All functions related to imports & exports
Costings (development of excel spreadsheets to
facilitate function)
Liaison with local shipping agents and overseas
suppliers;
Completion of all shipping documentation;
Reserve Bank forex applications;
Statutory: Monthly and annual returns for:
VAT;
PAYE / SDL / UIF;
WCA/ COIDA – returns
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All STATS SA quarterly / annual returns;
All correspondence and queries related to the
above.
Salaries / Wages – Pastel
Full monthly payroll reconciliations ;
Casual wages;
All documentation relating to new staff
Induction training all staff of new and amended
company procedures;
Reconciliation and control of staff loan accounts,
including interest calculations;
Indirect / support function of:
Calculation of monthly salaries, approximately
150 salaried employees;
Electronic transfers of all wages & salaries;
Updates to relevant bodies of changes in
personnel, e.g. UIF submissions, MEIBC for
pension and provident funds;
Completion and follow-up on all WCA claims;
Secretarial / Administration
Daily administrative functions, e.g. supervision office
cleaners, maintain office consumables and stationery
supplies.
Reconciliation and liaison with service providers
concerning over-charge on service delivery e.g. City
of Joburg, Joburg Water, Pikitup.
Editing / proof-reading of all company literature and
other external documentation BEFORE publication /
submission to ensure correct language usage and
meaning.
Previous Employer (5): KONPLAST PTY LTD
Address: 11, 4th
Street Wynberg Sandton 2090
PO Box 322 Bramley 2018
Period of Employment: February 2000 – January 2007
Position(s) held: Accountant: Finance and Human Resources;
P A to Managing (2) & financial directors.
Staff complement: 2 in wages / 2 in accounts.
Remuneration package: R 13 545 pm + 13th
cheque;
12. 12
50% company contribution to medical aid.
Reason for seeking alternative
employment: Career opportunities limited as company is family-
controlled;
Salary not market-related; company unable to
increase this to package commensurate with
experience and level of responsibility given and
tasks completed;
Areas of Accountability:
Full functionality of, direct / indirect responsibility for the following:
Financial – Syspro
Cashbook, banking, petty cash: daily, weekly and
monthly functions and reconciliations;
Creditors –COD / accounts reconciliations;
Debtors - Invoicing /statements/ collections;
(Average debtors +/- R400-R900 OO pm)
Stock - Control / monthly stock takes & variance
analysis- stock holding +/R1.6M
General ledger / inter-company journal entries;
Costing of new products, including material &
labour input costs;
Monthly cost analysis e.g. telephone & cell phone
usage and reporting to directors of any pertinent
variances.
Forex –
All functions related to imports & exports
Costings (development of excel spreadsheets to
facilitate function)
Liaison with local shipping agents and overseas
suppliers;
Completion of all shipping documentation;
Reserve Bank forex applications;
Statutory: Monthly and annual returns for:
VAT
PAYE / SDL / UIF
RSC Levies
COIDA – returns & claims
All correspondence and queries related to the
above.
13. 13
Salaries / Wages – Accsys
PeopleWare
All documentation relating to new salaried staff;
Advice to all staff of new and amended company
procedures;
Control of staff loan account, including interest
calculations;
Calculation of monthly salaries, fortnightly and
weekly wages, as well as leave pay runs, including
calculation of actual hours worked- close interaction
with factory foremen.
Approximately 40 salaried, 50 permanent wages &
150 temporary / contract workers;
Handling & resolution of all related queries;
Electronic transfers of all wages & salaries;
Updates to relevant bodies of changes in personnel
e.g. UIF submissions, MEIBC for pension and
provident funds;
Completion and submission of monthly MEIBC,
union and housing loans’ returns;
Completion and follow-up on all WCA claims;
Completion of certificate of service and applications
for disability pension;
Liaison with various organisations for labour-related
matters e.g. SEIFSA, MEIBC and forwarding of
information to relevant departments within
company;
Attend counselling sessions for factory staff and
counsel, if relevant;
Complete appraisals on staff under direct control
and input on appraisals for other staff.
Personal Assistant to Directors
Advice of any pertinent changes / issues within
company;
Ensure, where necessary, appropriate arrangements
made for appointments e.g. travel/ catering /
outside reservations;
Reconciliation of all credit card statements and
correct expense allocation;
Overseas travel arrangements – liaise with travel
agents and overseas contacts to set up itinerary.
Arrange foreign exchange;
Maintain confidentiality of all company and personal
information for all directors.
Calculation of monthly salaries and payments
thereof.
14. 14
Deputise for managing / financial directors in their
absence, including day-to-day
functions and handling of debtors and creditors/
bank.
Secretarial / Administration
Front Office: stand-in if required;
Ensure main reception area is well-maintained and
manned at all times;
All reception duties, as & when required;
Agendas & coordination of meetings;
Taking & typing of minutes.
All other daily administrative functions, e.g.
supervision office cleaners, maintain office
consumables and stationery supplies.
Reconciliation and liaison with service providers
concerning over-charge on service delivery e.g. City
of Joburg, Joburg Water, Pikitup.
Exhibitions / Advertising / Editorial
Initial organisation & coordination of
2-3 exhibitions per annum- set up / staffing /
production of sample range;
Design of magazine and catalogue entries in
conjunction with DTP department;
Editing of all company literature BEFORE publication
to ensure correct language usage and meaning.
Previous Employer (6): RUD CHAINS PTY LTD
Address: Plot 127 Larch Rd BENONI AH 1501
Period of Employment: November 1996 – January 2000
Position(s) held: P A to Managing Director
Bookkeeper / Financial Accountant
Remuneration package: R 4 000,00 pm (mornings only) + 13th
cheque
Petrol allowance
Cellphone allowance
Non-contributory hospital plan insurance
Reference: MR MERVIN SMART – Managing Director
083 461 0733; 033 343 3512(w) 033 343 1520 (h)
15. 15
Reason for leaving: Relocation of offices from Edenvale to Benoni
Areas of Accountability
Full functions of the following, using BRILLIANT, / MS OFFICE:
Personal Assistant to Managing Director-
Organising all local & overseas travel
Confirmation of all appointments
Coordination & control of sales force
Handling of all visitors
Completion of all travel and cash expense returns for
directors.
Financial –
Cashbook, cash flow, banking, petty cash
Creditors – COD / accounts/ reconciliations
Debtors - Invoicing /statements/ collections
Stock - Control / monthly stock takes
Monthly analyses / Ordering (overseas)
Forex –
All functions related to imports & exports
Costings (development of Excel spreadsheets to
facilitate function)
All payments
Liaison with overseas holding company
Statutory -
All monthly & annual returns in respect of:
VAT
PAYE / SDL / UIF
RSC Levies
COIDA – returns & claims
Salaries/ Wages
Calculation of monthly sales commission
Control of staff loan accounts;
Calculation of monthly salaries & weekly wages;
Handling & resolution of all related queries.
Expense Control for Senior Management
Analysis of credit card expenditure;
Telephone expenses;
Petrol / fleet purchases.
16. 16
Insurance
All company assets including stock, premises and
motor vehicles;
Submission and follow-up of all claims.
Secretarial
Front Office
All reception duties, as & when required;
Agendas & coordination of meetings;
Taking & typing of minutes.
Exhibitions / Advertising
Initial organisation & coordination of
1 -2 exhibitions per annum;
Design of magazine and catalogue entries in
conjunction with design studios.
Previous Employer : N/A
Period: December 1989 – November 1996
Occupation: Full-time mother
Previous Employer (6): EDCON (EDGARS STORES LTD)
Address: Head Office EDGARDALE
Crown Mines Johannesburg
Period of Employment: October 1982 –December 1989
Positions held: A: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT- U P R S
B: ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT - Treasury
C: ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT- Finance Systems
Reference: MR C L E DASH – Technical Services Controller
011 706 5050 ( home)
Reason for leaving: MATERNITY
17. 17
A: FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT- U P R S (part of EDCON)
October 1986 – December 1989
Full functions of and accountability in:
Production of Budgets: Annual / Quarterly / Monthly for approval by EXCO.
PC-based for uploading to mainframe systems;
Revision at end of each quarter to incorporate any market
changes.
Operating Actuals: Analysis of Monthly: To review and analyse out-of-
line situations and, where appropriate, recommend
corrective action
Annual 3 Year Business To produce all required financial schedules and stats
Plan: reflecting policies, strategies and business plans & to
provide sound financial advice to ensure a practical and
reasonable plan from a financial viewpoint.
Control of Accounting To provide maximum control over all ledger postings;
Functions: To ensure timeous processing of all documentation and
the reconciliation of all general ledger accounts
B: ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT- Treasury (HO)
November 1983 – October 1986
Full functions of and accountability in:
Balancing of all group loan accounts.
Budgeting for daily cash requirements
Bank statement downloads from major banks ( FNB / STANDARD)
Calculation of interest payable / receivable for call funds;
Management of all call borrowings.
Monitoring of foreign currency rates and effects on costings of imports.
Application and control of all change Control applications, including omnibus approvals.
Production of Budgets- financial input to cost centres with regard to gearing, borrowings,
currency and interest rates.
18. 18
C: ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT- Financial Systems: Head Office
October 1982 –November 1983
Full responsibility and accountability for:
Maintenance and control of group’s financial database.
Liaison with Group Systems: To ensure timeous and accurate production of financial
reports.
Examination of Financial :To simplify, where possible, the statutory and monthly
reports, reporting structure and reports’ contents.
Identification of new Systems To identify, through discussions with users,
development requirements & new needs, and to investigate the feasibility of these
requirements.
Design and Control of Forms: For use in HO Finance and Accounts.
Previous Employer (7): ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
As an integral part of the B A (Honours) Business Studies, the universities / polytechnics require
all students to complete 3 x 6 month periods of industrial training:
Employer: HAWKER SIDDELEY ELEKTROMOTOREN : GERMANY
Period of Employment: APRIL 1980 – SEPTEMBER 1980
APRIL 1981 - SEPTEMBER 1981
Responsibilities: Preparation of sales and purchase ledgers for submission to UK;
Detailed statistical analysis of sales and orders;
Maintenance and control of orders book.
Employer: ALPHA LAVAL : South Wales, UK
Period of Employment: APRIL 1979 – SEPTEMBER 1979
Responsibilities: Co-ordination of user and data processing departments during installation
and link-up to HO London database control;
Training of users in new system.