Jacqui Brooks

As an accomplished and versatile financial professional with over two decades of hands-on experience at an international company, I’ve built and led a high-performing finance team from the ground up, committed to establishing world-class standards of excellence and rigorous adherence to regulatory frameworks. My expertise spans the full spectrum of finance functions, from cash management and credit control to VAT submissions, multi-currency accounting and financial reporting, ensuring robust compliance with SARB and SARS. A key focus of my career has been driving innovation within the finance domain. I've successfully implemented and migrated ERP systems (Pastel, IFS), integrating financial insights at the core of new projects and digital transformation initiatives. This practical experience includes leading cloud migrations, implementing CRM modules, and streamlining operations to eliminate paper-heavy processes. My track record includes consistently achieving clean audit results, a testament to my ability to organize and maintain immaculate financial records. Beyond technical proficiency, I combine deep operational know-how with strategic insights. I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of financial professionals, sharing my comprehensive practical experience to empower them with the skills and mindset needed to excel in a dynamic financial landscape. When not hard at work with my financial cap on, I enjoy I spending time outdoors, camping, walks and time with my family and friends The following quote sums up my approach to work and life in general: ” A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty” attributed to Winston Churchill

In this role I established, recruited and scaled the entire financial operation for a renowned, international Norwegian company. Highlights included: ⎯ Transformed paper-based recording systems to Pastel and then in 2013, migrated all financial operations to IFS, an ERP system which included a comprehensive suite of financial management and accounting capabilities ⎯ Trained and acted as Super User in IFS capabilities, integrating finance data and processes with the wider business, specifically new projects ⎯ Recognised as responsible for clean audit results over many years (internal and external audits), with financial records found to be in alignment with world class standards ⎯ Designed and implemented a paperless system just before Covid shutdown, which had measurable efficiency savings ⎯ Recognised for above and beyond efforts to recover a R700,000 fraudulent transaction I supervised a growing team of professional accounting staff including credit controller, credit manager and administration team members and was responsible for bank reconciliation, cash book input, debtors, creditors, cash management, supplier master data and properly authorised payments. I arranged and authorised multi-currency payments to Group suppliers, liaising with banks for premium rates and collated and completed all documents necessary for banks to transfer funds, complying with SARB and SARS requirements (shipping documents, BOP forms, SAD500, etc). Other responsibilities included: Commented [J1]: Slightly trimmed down this role as there is a space constraint in LinkedIn ⎯ Prepared and submitted accurate and compliant VAT return to SARS, avoiding interest and penalties ⎯ Prepared and submitted all financial and management accounts required by Head Office for consolidation ⎯ Transferred monies to maximise positive cash flow benefits ⎯ Produced budgets and forecasts to aid in strategic decision making – ensuring that departmental budget was adhered to and addressing all out of line situations

Forensic and Investigative Auditing – NQF level 6 (equivalent to National Diploma) UNISA Project Management Foundations University of Cape Town