Charles Samuels

I am a Chartered Accountant with over 13 years of experience in the finance industry, as Budget and Compliance Manager, Project Manager, Audit Controller (current roles), previous roles as Assistant Manager at PWC and Article Clerk to Audit Senior at A2A Kopano Incorporated, I have gained comprehensive knowledge and expertise in financial management, strategic planning, audit management, audit execution and operational optimization. I am adept at overseeing the full finance function, (not limited to but including, budgeting, forecasting and reporting) , ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements, and preparing accurate and timely management and financial statements.

In my current role as Manager Budget and Compliance at the Joe Gqabi District Municipality, I successfully led a finance team and played a key role in in the municipality’s financial planning and reporting as well as statutory reporting and compliance, including the preparation of the Annual Financial Statements. Three months after starting at my current employer I was appointed as the Project Manager responsible for the implementation of the Municipal Enterprise Management Systems reform. This showcased my ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and leadership skills. 

During my time, I was appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer at numerous times. One specific time was at the start of the Covid Pandemic, during mid-March. My strong finance acumen, combined with my analytical skills and attention to detail, enable me to provide accurate financial analysis and strategic insights to support executive decision-making. Within a few days of being appointed as Acting Chief Financial Officer, I was also appointed as Audit Controller. In this role, I am responsible for assembling the audit information, preparation of the audit file and overall management of the external audit. During this time the municipality received their first consecutive unqualified audit opinions without material differences for the 2020/21 and 2021/22 financial years. 

I have a proven track record of making sound financial decisions, implementing cost-saving initiatives, and maximizing operational performance. I have a solid foundation in financial accounting, tax regulations, and corporate governance. I am also highly proficient in utilizing advanced Excel techniques and financial software, which allows me to streamline financial processes.

Beyond my technical skills, I possess excellent leadership qualities and a collaborative management style. I thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments, and I believe in fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement. My strong communication and interpersonal skills enable me to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

Manager: Budget and Compliance

Joe Gqabi District Municipality - Barkly East, Eastern CapeJanuary 2016 to Present

ASSUMING OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE BUDGET, TREASURY AND

COMPLIANCE FUNCTION WHICH INTER ALIA INCLUDE:

Provide strategic support to the Chief Financial Officer

Preparing and implementing a funded budget

Preparation of annual financial statements

Management of Municipal Budget and reporting on expenditure patterns to Management

Cash and Investement Management

Preparation of annual financial statements

Advising the Chief Financial Officer and Management in terms of budgeting, accounting, analysis, financial reporting, cash management and other duties.

Develop, review and implementation of appropriate financial policies, procedures and rules applicable to the municipality

Preparing and submission of reports to Top Management, Provincial and National Departments as prescribed by various legislation

Preparing and implementation of medium term financial plans, calculation, determination and implementation of tariffs for Municipal Services and facilities

Monitoring and controlling of proper accouting systems

Additional responsibility include:

mSCOA Implementation Manager and Systems Administrator - Monitoring and controlling of proper accounting systems

Audit Controller: Manage the audit process

Implementation Manager: mSCOA

Joe Gqabi District Municipality - Barkly East, Eastern CapeMarch 2016 to Present

In addition to my core responsibilities, I am also appointed as the mSCOA Implementation Manager. Responsible for the implementation of the Integrated Financial Systems reform.

Audit Controller

Joe Gqabi District Municipality - Barkly East, Eastern CapeMarch 2020 to Present

In additional to my core roles, I am also the Audit Controller. Responsible for the Managing the Audit Process.

Assistant Manager

Price WaterHouse Coopers (East London) - East London, Eastern CapeJune 2015 to December 2015

Preparation of full accounting functions and preparation of accounting working papers and

annual financial statements for Municipalities

Perform Advisory Services to Departments and State Owned Entities

AUDIT SENIOR / AUDIT SUPERVISOR / AUDIT CLERK

A2A Kopano Incorporated - King William’s Town, Eastern CapeFebruary 2010 to May 2015

Preparation of annual financial statements for:

• Individuals
• Various forms of companies
• Close Corporations
• Non-profit organisations
• Municipalities

Monthly VAT calculations and submissions to SARS for various clients including responding to queries from SARS

Monthly payroll calculations and submissions to SARS for various clients including responding to queries from SARS

IT14SD submissions to SARS with regards to queries on financial statements

Preparation of full accounting functions and preparation of accounting working papers for companies not required to be audited as well as close corporations

Perform full audit functions and preparation of audit working papers for companies required to be audited

Preparation of full accounting functions and preparation of accounting working papers and annual financial statements for Municipalities.

Registered as a Chartered Accountant [ CA(SA) ] - 2017

University of Cape Town APC Professional Programme - 2016

UNISA Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences - 2015

UNISA BCOMPT Honours Degree - 2011

NMMU BCOM Accounting Degree for Chartered Accountants - 2007

Hoërskool De Vos Malan - 2004 (Passed with Exemption)