Quicbooks, Accpac , SAP , Microsoft
Nicholaas van Heerden
Gaborone,Botswana
Summary
Finance professional ready to drive financial strategies and optimize performance. Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Strong focus on team collaboration and flexibility to meet changing needs. Reliable, analytical, and results-oriented with keen eye for identifying opportunities for improvement. Experienced with financial analysis, budget management, and strategic planning. Utilizes financial data to drive business decisions and optimize operations. Knowledge of regulatory compliance and risk management essential for maintaining financial integrity. Pursuing full-time role that presents professional challenges and leverages interpersonal skills, effective time management, and problem-solving expertise. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Finance Manager
Senn Foods Logistics
01.2016 - 09.2025
- Overseeing the finance department.
- Debtors, Creditors, Petty Cash, Payroll.
- Monthly management accounts, Preparing annual financial statements, and tax computations for submission to external auditors.
- Monthly VAT returns to BURS.
- Monthly and annual PAYE & OWHT returns to BURS.
- Monthly and annual reports to Board and shareholders.
- Preparation of annual budgets.
- Managed accounts by analyzing costs and revenues.
- Projected future trends based on analysis work.
- Managed complex expense reporting.
- Developed strategies for minimizing tax liability.
- Worked closely with auditors during all audit processes.
- Performed financial risk assessments for all future business projects.
- Organized sales and profit reports.
- Prepared, reviewed, and submitted crucial budget plans for company.
- Supervised staff of 16 finance department members.
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
- Negotiated favorable terms with vendors, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
- Enhanced budget management by implementing expense tracking and cost reduction strategies.
- Optimized cash flow with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable.
- Developed comprehensive financial reports for executive decision-making support.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
- Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
- Ensured compliance with local, state, federal tax regulations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
- Collaborated with IT to develop secure, efficient electronic invoicing system, reducing processing times and errors.
- Spearheaded annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and facilitating smoother departmental operations.
- Coordinated with external auditors to ensure smooth and compliant audit process each fiscal year.
- Optimized cash flow management, allowing for timely investment and debt reduction.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Evaluated and negotiated contracts to procure favorable financial terms.
Financial Consultant
Penrich Insurance Brokers
01.2013 - 01.2015
- All aspects in the Finance Department.
- Prepared detailed reports analyzing portfolio performance against established goals, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
- Reviewed existing client portfolios, identifying opportunities for diversification and risk mitigation.
- Devised comprehensive financial plans for clients to achieve short and long-term financial goals.
- Researched and evaluated potential investment products for clients.
- Updated clients on changes in tax laws and other regulations affecting investments.
- Collaborated with clients to develop customized investment portfolios.
Financial Consultant
Bank Gaborone
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Preparing group monthly and annual financials.
- VAT returns to BURS.
- Annual Budgets.
- Prepared detailed reports analyzing portfolio performance against established goals, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
- Reviewed existing client portfolios, identifying opportunities for diversification and risk mitigation.
- Analyzed market trends and identified investment opportunities, resulting in enhanced portfolio performance.
- Managed a diverse range of client portfolios, consistently outperforming benchmark indices.
- Researched and evaluated potential investment products for clients.
General Manager (Dealer Principal)
Lesedi Motors
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Oversaw successful launch of new product lines, coordinating between departments to ensure unified approach and timely delivery.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and penetrating new market segments with tailored marketing strategies.
- Led team to exceed sales targets, implementing motivational incentives and comprehensive training programs.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
Finance Manager
Lesedi Motors
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Negotiated favorable terms with vendors, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
- Enhanced budget management by implementing expense tracking and cost reduction strategies.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Developed comprehensive financial reports for executive decision-making support.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
- Improved financial forecasting accuracy, utilizing advanced analytical models.
- Increased financial efficiency by streamlining and automating financial reporting processes.
- Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
- Implemented cost-control measures that substantially decreased unnecessary expenditures.
- Streamlined internal audit process, enhancing efficiency and reducing discrepancies.
- Oversaw successful integration of financial systems post-merger, ensuring seamless transition for all stakeholders.
- Played key role in strategic planning sessions, offering insights that shaped company direction and growth.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
General Manager, Accountant & Guide
Modumela Lodge
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Enhanced team collaboration and communication by introducing new project management tool, leading to more efficient project completions.
- Expanded business operations into international markets, navigating regulatory environments and cultural differences for successful entry.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Led team to exceed sales targets, implementing motivational incentives and comprehensive training programs.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
General Manager
Khwai River Lodge
02.2001 - 12.2002
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Developed and executed strategic plans for business growth and expansion, resulting in increased market share.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Maximized efficiency by coaching and mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, company procedures, and technology systems.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with introduction of customer feedback system, leading to service improvements and repeat business.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure better pricing, reducing operational costs while maintaining product quality.
- Addressed customer complaints and feedback with immediate action, turning dissatisfied customers into loyal patrons.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
General Manager and Accountant
Quality Building Supplies
02.1999 - 01.2001
- Hardware and Building Supplier
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining workflow processes and adopting cutting-edge technology.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Gathered financial information, prepared documents, and closed books.
- Reconciled accounts and reviewed expense data, net worth, and assets.
- Completed daily cash functions like account tracking, payroll and wage allocations, budgeting, donating, and cash, and banking reconciliations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with external auditors, ensuring smooth and efficient audit process.
- Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
- Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation for audit findings.
General Manager & Guide
Xyga Fishing Resort
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Family owned business
- Guided groups of up to 20 people on scheduled tours.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase sales and profitability.
- Implemented operational strategies and effectively built customer and employee loyalty.
- Analyzed market trends/data to identify potential opportunities for business growth within existing or emerging markets successfully.
- Directed comprehensive sales efforts to exceed revenue targets consistently while maintaining customer satisfaction levels.
- Drove revenue growth by identifying and penetrating new market segments with tailored marketing strategies.
Audit, Accounting & Company Secretarial
Price Waterhouse
01.1990 - 12.1996
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Education
Chartered Accountant - Accounting
ACCA
London , UKSkills
Timeline
Finance Manager
Senn Foods Logistics
01.2016 - 09.2025
Financial Consultant
Penrich Insurance Brokers
01.2013 - 01.2015
Financial Consultant
Bank Gaborone
01.2009 - 01.2012
General Manager (Dealer Principal)
Lesedi Motors
01.2007 - 01.2008
Finance Manager
Lesedi Motors
01.2005 - 12.2006
General Manager, Accountant & Guide
Modumela Lodge
01.2003 - 01.2004
General Manager
Khwai River Lodge
02.2001 - 12.2002
General Manager and Accountant
Quality Building Supplies
02.1999 - 01.2001
General Manager & Guide
Xyga Fishing Resort
01.1997 - 01.1998
Audit, Accounting & Company Secretarial
Price Waterhouse
01.1990 - 12.1996
Chartered Accountant - Accounting
ACCA
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 16 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
Certification
CPA - Certified Public Accountant
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimePart TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
RemoteOn-SiteImportant To Me
Career advancementFlexible work hoursHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid sick leaveCompany CultureWork-life balanceStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingTeam Building / Company RetreatsPersonal development programsQuote
There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins
Software
Languages
English
Advanced (C1)
Afrikaans
Advanced (C1)
Setswana
Intermediate (B1)