DITSALA TLHAKANELO
Gaborone
Summary
Focused and results oriented professional lady with a passion to reach the highest level in the auditing, accounting and business world. Valuable Auditor offering strong research and problem-solving skills. Adept at performing risk assessment procedures on key business activities and processes. Knowledgeable of business and financial language.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Auditor I-Financial and Compliance Audit
Office of the Auditor General
01.2019 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive, Central Government financial and compliance audits
- Prepare quality working papers in compliance to the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs), ISA (International Standards in Auditing)
- Audit planning, risk assessments, audit programs, preparation of system descriptions of components, tests of controls, substantive tests, working paper documentations and cross reference work papers to evidence to support the audit reports in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
- Discuss audit findings with clients and propose adjusting journal entries
- Prepare Management Letter and Audit Reports for auditees.
- Enhanced audit efficiency by implementing risk-based audit methodologies and data analytics tools.
- Streamlined internal control systems for improved financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
- Ensured timely completion of audits by effectively managing resources and prioritizing tasks based on risk assessments.
- Reviewed business processes to identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant accounting standards and industry best practices, ensuring audits were conducted in accordance with applicable guidelines.
- Facilitated effective communication between auditors and auditees during engagements, promoting a positive working relationship between parties involved.
- Provided valuable insights to executive management, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- Mentored junior auditors, enhancing their technical skills and professional development through ongoing training and feedback.
Principal Auditor II-Policy, Research &Development
Office of the Auditor General
01.2019 - 02.2024
- Conduct research to enable the office to stay abreast with the latest developments, new standards and effective audit methodologies
- Customization and update of audit manuals to ensure that they are relevant and uptodate
- Monitoring and evaluation of the Office of the auditor General Annual Overall Audit Plan
- Quality assurance; Provide independent assurance that the quality control systems and practices in the organisation are working effectively and that the Office of the Auditor General issues appropriate reports
- Developing, updating policies and procedures relating to quality assurance and other key areas
- Preparing reports on progress level, i.e Institutional Capacity Building, management information
- Ensuring that the work is performed in accordance to professional standards and regulatory and legal requirements
- Conduct special audits on behalf of the Auditor General upon request
- I.e (SACU Secretariat)
- Conduct the annual audit of the Human Resource Development Council-Training Levy Fund
- Preparation of financial reports of parastatal organizations for the Auditor Generals report.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives within the audit department, resulting in increased productivity and effectiveness of audit engagements.
- Identified significant risks within the organization, developing targeted audit procedures to address them.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to audits and risk management.
- Performed root cause analyses on identified issues, driving sustainable solutions that strengthened overall control environment.
- Mentored junior auditors, enhancing their technical skills and professional development through ongoing training and feedback.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant accounting standards and industry best practices, ensuring audits were conducted in accordance with applicable guidelines.
- Provided valuable insights to executive management, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Senior Auditor-Parastatal Audit Division
Office of the Auditor General
01.2012 - 01.2018
- To deliver consistent high quality Audit services to the following Botswana Government Public Sector Enterprises, Parastatals: Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana
- (2012-2015), Botswana Postal Services (2012-2017), PPADB (2012-2014), Botswana Railways (2012-2019), HRDC- Training Levy Fund
- Coverage included: Prepare quality working papers in compliance to the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs), ISA (International Standards in Auditing)
- Audit planning, risk assessments, preparation of system descriptions of components, audit programs and working paper documentations supporting the audit reports in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards
- Attend cash counts and stock taking as at year end of the public enterprises
- Special audit examinations and investigations for statutory bodies as and when directed
- Any other assignment given by the office.
- Maintained professional knowledge by attending IFRS updates and Tax workshops annually.
- Streamlined the audit process by leveraging technology tools such as data analytics software, leading to more efficient audits.
- Assessed the effectiveness of corporate governance structures, contributing to enhanced transparency and accountability within organizations.
- Reduced instances of non-compliance by conducting thorough audits and providing clear recommendations for improvement.
- Enhanced audit efficiency by implementing risk-based audit strategies and streamlining processes.
- Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Accountant
Ministry of Finance – Accountant General (Revenue)
06.2006 - 12.2011
- Collection and sorting of cash (notes & coins) and remittance of deposits to Bank of Botswana
- Receipt government revenue and facilitate payments to customers and capturing the payments and/or receipts on the accounting system (oracle)
- Verifying the validity, accuracy, classification and completeness of supporting documents for payments and/or receipts
- Prepare and balance cash control on daily basis
- Submit monthly returns to Accountant General (Head Office)
- Update revenue collectors chart and receipt book register
- Maintain files of authorizing officers and revenue collectors’ specimen signatures and appointment letters
- Supervision of junior staff and general administration of the treasury office
- Act as Treasury Cashier when required.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Handled large transaction volumes accurately, maintaining high levels of operational excellence within the branch.
- Adhered to established security procedures and reported potential fraud or safety violations to management for immediate recourse.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently processing transactions and addressing inquiries.
- Resolved complex customer issues while adhering to regulatory guidelines, minimizing potential liability for the institution.
- Assisted in the training of new tellers, ensuring a smooth transition into their roles.
- Collaborated with colleagues to maintain optimal productivity during peak periods, ensuring timely resolution of customer needs.
- Identified potential fraudulent activities and reported them to appropriate parties for further investigation, safeguarding customers'' financial assets.
- Increased transaction accuracy with meticulous attention to detail and adherence to banking policies.
Accounts Assistant (Internship)
Longman Botswana
12.2003 - 02.2004
- Assisting with payment of creditors and royalties
- Receiving of cash and cheques
- Assisting with preparation of debtors accounts and following them for payment
- Assisting with preparation of payroll
- Assisting with bank reconciliation statements, petty cash
- Preparing orders, invoices and any other duty relating to accounting.
- Assisted in the preparation of accurate financial reports for senior management decision making.
- Performed administrative and clerical duties such as word processing, data entry, faxing and copying.
- Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments, and documented account updates.
Education
Professional - Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA)
Botswana Accountancy College
Gaborone, Botswana09.2019
BBA - Accounting
Helderberg College
Somerset West, Capetown, South Africa11.2005
Skills
- Computer literacy (Microsoft Office, Accpac, Oracle – Government Accounting and Budgeting System, (GABS) Team mate),IDEA, ACMS
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Mature, assertive and self-driven
- Good customer relations acumen
- Excellent communication skill and telephone etiquette
- Excellent adaptability
- Results oriented
- Internal Controls
- Audit Planning
- Data Analytics
- Client Relationship Management
- Risk Assessment
- Compliance Monitoring
- Financial statement analysis
- Process Mapping
- Fraud detection techniques
- Annual Audit Plans
- Problem-solving abilities
Accomplishments
- Regional Statutory Audits
- Southern African Development Community (SADC) 2023-2024 Audit
- Southern African Customs Union (SACU) 2021-2022 Audit
Postaladdress
P. O. Box 46035, Gaborone
Contacts
+267 72686259, +267 3917230
Emailaddress
ditstlhakanelo@gmail.com
Educationalbackgroundandqualifications
- 09/2019, Professional Qualification, Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, (ACCA)
- 2002-2005, Bachelor of Business Administration – Accounting, Helderberg College, Somerset West; Capetown
- 1999-2000, Senior Secondary-BGCSE, Kagiso Senior School-Ramotswa
Shortcourses
- 06/04/23 - 09/01/23, Training of Trainers program, AFROSAI-E Pretoria
- 02/09/20 - 02/14/20, Regional Institutional Capacity Building Workshop, AFROSAI-E Pretoria
- 11/04/19 - 11/08/19, Regulatory and Performance Audit updates, AFROSAI-E Pretoria
- 02/18/19 - 02/22/19, Trainer of trainers, BPSC
- 11/30/18, FIA-NOCLAR (BICA), 4 hours of CPD credit
- 11/16/18, Income Taxes-Deferred Tax, 8 hours of CPD credit
- 10/23/18, Applied Ethics Workshop, 4 hours of CPD credit
- 07/15/15 - 12/31/17, ACCA, Botswana Accountancy College full time
- 07/09/15 - 07/10/15, BICA IFRS updates Workshop
- 08/05/14, BICA IFRS Updates Workshop
- 09/16/13 - 10/11/13, Audit of Public Sector Enterprises, International Centre for Information Systems & Audit ICISA, Noida, India
- 04/26/13, Ernst & Young Income Tax & VAT Seminar, Gaborone
Forenames
DITSALA SYLVIA
Personal Information
- ID Number: 506527216
- Date of Birth: 12/30/83
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: Motswana
- Driving License: Light duty Botswana driver’s licence holder (# 193082)
Spokenlanguages
English & Setswana
References
- Tshepho Moruti, Internal Audit Manager, Botswana Postal services, tmoruti@botswanapost.co.bw, +267 3953131
- Patson Lebogang, Chief Auditor, Office of the Auditor General, plebogang@gov.bw, +267 3617127
- Evelyn Tebo Mosiakgabo, Principal Accounts Officer, Accountant General (Revenue), +2673610137
- Letang Moeketsi, Assistant Finance Manager, Longman-current Orange, +267 3693700
Hobbies and Interests
- Church
- Aerobics
- Traveling
Timeline
Principal Auditor I-Financial and Compliance Audit
Office of the Auditor General
01.2019 - Current
Principal Auditor II-Policy, Research &Development
Office of the Auditor General
01.2019 - 02.2024
Senior Auditor-Parastatal Audit Division
Office of the Auditor General
01.2012 - 01.2018
Accountant
Ministry of Finance – Accountant General (Revenue)
06.2006 - 12.2011
Accounts Assistant (Internship)
Longman Botswana
12.2003 - 02.2004
Professional - Association of Chartered Accountants (ACCA)
Botswana Accountancy College
BBA - Accounting
Helderberg College
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