Curriculum Vitae – Yastheel Kewalpershad

Curriculum Vitae – Yastheel Kewalpershad 1

DETAILS Name: Yastheel Kewalpershad

ID No.: 920**********

Cell No: +27 (0-81-049-****

Email: addrdr@r.postjobfree.com

Address: 57 Villaggio Due, Leslie Avenue, Douglasdale, 2191 PERSONAL NARRATIVE

I am in Group Finance & Operations: SAP Implementation at AEL Intelligent Blasting (AEL, a division of AECI), reporting directly to the Global Financial Controller. This role entails my being responsible for the Group SAP Implementation and Analysis function as well as the operations surrounding the global financial systems. This role has allowed me to gain knowledge and insights into the different SAP modules I have worked with as well as insights into the different cultural re- gions of Africa, Oceana and South America – we will soon have operations in Europe and North America. Previously I was the Business Unit Financial Controller of the Mercedes-Benz Bus Division, as well as, be- ing the primary business partner to the Sales segment with a focus on Brand-Development and Strategy. This exposure has allowed me to gain a vast and in-depth knowledge of the Operations and Sales busi- ness within our respective market. Correspondence with our European Head Office forms a large part of my day-to-day and regular travel to Germany as well as other offices in Europe is vital to ensure alignment with global markets.

During my career I have held positions at other multinationals, namely Barloworld and Nestle SA. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (Accounting) and am currently studying toward completion of my CIMA qualification through the UK accredited body. I regard myself as being a highly motivated and capa- ble individual. I have a problem-solving mindset which has contributed to my career success thus far. What sets me apart from my peers is my people/management skills. I hold the ability to motivate and in- spire my team to achieve our goals and targets and keep them not only satisfied but engaged throughout the process. I hold the ability to transform large sets of information into an executable strategy. My strong analytics skills and the ability to explain complex concepts in everyday language is a trait which is highly valued by my superiors and colleagues alike. I am a team player that works well in a group. EDUCATION (PRIMARY)

2019 CIMA – CIMA

Management accounting.

2013 B. Com Accounting - UKZN (Westville)

Majors in Accounting, Tax, Auditing and Managerial Accounting & Finance.

2009 Grade 12 - Glenwood Boys High

Passed with distinction aggregate.

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EDUCATION (ADDITIONAL)

2015

2017

2018

Emotional Intelligence

Assertive Communication Skills

Advanced Excel

Lean Methodologies

Six Sigma

Lean for FMCG

ECAP (CHEP Pallet Management)

Impact (Stuttgart, Germany)

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

2019

2018

2017

Launch of new product in the Southern African market.

New Delegation of Authority (DOA) created, implemented and main- tained to empower sales team and minimize quotation turnaround time.

Pivotal in the implementation of the new SAP system (cbFC) roll out within Daimler. Ensured financial data was not compromised; conti- nuity of operations and system’s integrity was maintained. This was an international roll out.

Acting head of FUSO controlling until new permanent appointment of Business Controller was found.

Part of the team involved in a Daimler AG global decision to segre- gate the commercial vehicles business from passenger cars busi- ness. This was done through the creation of a separate legal entity for commercial vehicles.

Facilitated the receipt of R10m (potential bad debt) from a key ac- count customer whilst maintaining the continuity and integrity of the relationship during the vacation of the Sales Manager position.

SA representative for international discussions/consultations during the company split of classifying the commercial vehicles business as its own legal entity.

Developed new SAP system reports for the automation of manual processes.

Analyzed and corrected SAP system (SWT) flaws present since company roll out.

Created a document database for the entire controlling team, en- compassing monthly, quarterly and ad-hoc tasks to ensure continuity of operations.

Initiated the migration of the data warehouse from excel to SQL at Barloworld Logistics.

Reduced customer returns through data mining by 1.2%. 2016 Completed an entire asset audit of all IT equipment from 2003 - pre- sent; including disposal thereof at Barloworld Equipment. 2015 Reduced month-end reporting from 5 to 4 days at Nestle.

Drew up the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for stock counts, encompassing 5 different storage locations, for annual, quar- terly and monthly stock counts.

Saved Nestle R300 000 through waste reduction at the Milo plant. 2014 #1 support agent at CQS Back Office.

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EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

October 2019 – Present

(headhunted)

Group Finance (SAP) & Operations – AEL Intelligent Blasting Overview:

Implementation, Analysis and Improvement of Global SAP roll-out. Operational:

Project management of SAP issues experienced by the Group Fi- nance team.

Process creation and implementation of operations identified as necessary which are currently absent within the organization.

Cross-component functional and integration knowledge. Quickly identify and guide the processes that lie in the domain of other SAP components, thus providing visibility of end-to-end business pro- cesses.

Effective client management: Highly adaptable to the business us- ers for the duration of the project.

Ensure that a Group Finances’ business requirements are catered for in SAP, while at the same time aligning Group Finance expec- tations on what is, and what is not, possible in the system.

Simplification of complex terminology to ensure understanding.

Compilation of AS-IS and TO-BE documentation.

Assist with end-user testing.

Working with various SCRUM teams (SAP and Finance).

Engage with stakeholders to understand and document busi- ness/system processes, rules and requirements.

Responsible for the accuracy and integrity of systems data.

Development of financial management mechanisms (information systems) that minimize financial risk.

Other:

Drawing up of process flows for ease of understanding by business.

Optimization of financial operations and processes (CI).

Financial planning & analysis of Africa (group) results.

Autonomy within operations.

Incorporation of digital innovation within the business and finance operations.

Drawing up of full job descriptions for positions I’ve identified as vacant.

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August 2017 – September

2019

(headhunted by Mercedes-

Benz)

Controlling Business Analyst (Business Unit Controller): Buses – Mer- cedes-Benz South Africa

Overview:

Head of Operations, Finance and Information Technology for the MB Bus business unit.

Operational:

Adherence and compliance of the regular processes and the proper recording and documentation of all business cases according to the standards agreed with H/Q.

Continuous analysis and development of internal processes to en- sure compliance with internal and legal regulations for processing, implementing and managing initial business contacts.

Support of the Clearing Process, including the risk management.

Maintaining a close relationship with the Brand Manager, CFO and CEO to manage, develop and grow the brand.

Key counterpart with developing, implementing and maintaining sales strategies both nationally and globally.

Maintaining a growing the relationship with H/Q (Daimler AG, Mannheim & Ulm, Germany).

Travel regularly to different markets internationally to knowledge share, brainstorm and implement local strategies abroad and vice versa.

Understanding and keeping up-to-date with market developments to ensure systems, standards, procedures and the overall brand remain relevant in its segment.

Monitor the operations of the business involving identification of process inefficiencies and the development of countermeasures to optimize operational, systems and financial efficiency.

Provide inspired leadership to the organization.

Help promote a company culture that encourages top performance and high morale.

Work with (and form part of) MB Bus Board to determine values and mission and plan for short and long term strategies.

Identify and address problems and opportunities for the company.

Assist with marketing campaigns social media and digital strate- gies.

Project management of ad-hoc projects which arise.

New product launch. Full project plan; from analysis of market and economic needs, competitor analysis, business case compilation, project pitch/presentation for approval as well as roll-out of new model.

Operational (Finance Specific):

Responsible for tracking and implementing countermeasures in re- lation to sales targets (volumes, contribution, marketing, cam- paigns, etc.).

Development of financial strategies and action plans for expan- sions and new projects.

Responsible for sales and financial planning and periodic forecast- ing in its entirety.

Monitor the day-to-day financial requirements and gaps within the Curriculum Vitae – Yastheel Kewalpershad

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business; such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoic- ing, etc.

Keeping abreast of changes to financial regulations and legisla- tions.

Maintaining a close relationship with auditors to ensure manage- ment of IT and financial audit findings and compliance topics.

Identify, dissect and install countermeasures to mitigate internal controls’ findings.

Working capital and cash flow management; including historic trend analysis and forecasting.

Ensuring financial responsibility in use of company funds through interactions and relationships with Mercedes-Benz Financial Ser- vices as well as Treasury.

Debtor management.

Management of financial accounting, monitoring and reporting sys- tems.

Producing accurate financial reports to specific deadlines; develop- ing long-term business plans based off of these reports.

Maintaining a close relationship with auditors to ensure manage- ment of audit findings and compliance topics.

Operational (IT Specific):

Compilation of AS-IS and TO-BE documentation.

Assist with end-user testing.

Working with various SCRUM teams (SAP, Sales and Finance).

Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand and document business/system processes, rules and requirements.

Liaise with other BU Heads regarding systems improvements and enhancements.

Responsible for the accuracy and integrity of systems data.

Development of financial management mechanisms (information systems) that minimize financial risk.

Decision Support:

Supporting Planning and developing management-related infor- mation for the reporting to the Business Unit Headquarter, Manage- ment of Financial Controls and Sales.

Determination of project priority and business value.

Researching and reporting factors affecting business performance.

Presentation of financials and operational topics at board meetings.

Tracking of key-indicators, so as EbIT, RoS, CFbIT, Stocks / Net Assets, Costs (fix and variable); Cost-Center Controlling for the bus division in the Region.

Determination and approval of standard and special conditions in the support of the sales process.

Participation in price positioning of new products and repositioning of existing products. Participation in strategic price considerations.

Analysis of market trends and competitors to ensure market ade- quate prices in consideration of quantity and competitors.

Demonstrating, initiating and tracking of compensatory measures in case of plan deviations.

Preparing, presenting and tracking of projects for the implementa- tion to decision-making committees.

Other:

Self-development: Taking personal responsibility for learning and development through a process of assessment, reflection and ac- tioning. This can include both on and/or off the job training. This Curriculum Vitae – Yastheel Kewalpershad

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also includes the sharing of learnings with team.

Revenue management and controlling of the distribution organiza- tions (MPCs, Joint Ventures and Regional Centers) - as well as general distributor markets on basis of operational planning, target agreements and actuals evaluations to achieve the agreed perfor- mance targets.

Projects:

Implementation of SAP system (cbFC) within Daimler.

Global implementation.

Ensured financial data was not compromised; continuity of operations and system’s integrity was maintained.

Worked closely with International markets, attending workshops as a knowledge hub to gain intelligence from countries having already im- plemented as well as to share experience of local implementation.

Daimler AG Global Segregation of Commercial Vehicles from Pas- senger Cars.

Global segregation.

Done through the creation of a separate legal entity for commercial vehicles.

Worked closely with International markets, attending workshops as a knowledge hub to gain intelligence from countries having already im- plemented as well as to share experience of local implementation.

Status updates received from and feedback given to every sector of the business.

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November 2016 to June 2017 Business Intelligence Analyst - Barloworld Logistics Overview:

FMCG distribution throughout Southern Africa.

Operations management.

Optimization of processes, methodologies and reporting infrastruc- ture.

Operational:

Responsible for Visual Dashboards for Transport Management Ser- vices as well as Warehouse Management Services.

Update and correct master data timeously as per update request document.

Responsible to check and clear system control reports.

Manage system status, i.e. traffic controllers/services for month end processing.

Responsible for the accuracy and integrity of systems data.

Assist administration and planning department with queries.

Data management – archives, availability and accuracy.

Coordinate SCRUM teams to identify gaps within operations and systems.

Development of sustainable reporting templates in support of ops teams.

Liaise with H/O for updates of systems infrastructure with the aim to apply it to the contract.

Manage and liaise with BI team at H/O on creation of tailored sys- tems.

Create/update, document, implement and manage business pro- cesses.

Multiple and concurrent project management.

Claims tracking and resolution reporting.

Build alliances and partnerships with other organizations.

Initiate, plan, lead, design, execute and test projects.

Compile requirements documents for new solutions based on client brief.

Produce BRS (Business Requirement Specification) documents.

Systems testing, new and enhanced.

Carry out end-user testing.

Compilation of budgets/costs of projects.

Serve as primary liaison between all stakeholders (clients/business

& BI teams.

Development of financial strategies and action plans for expan- sions and new projects.

Decision Support:

Statistical analysis of data to identify trends correlation of infor- mation. The outcome of the analysis must provide insights and/or solutions that will reduce costs and improve efficiencies

Management reporting - Key Performance Indicators

Management reporting - daily, weekly and monthly.

Reporting on project status to both internal and external stakehold- ers.

Other:

Continuous Improvement (CI) specialist.

Member of the steering committee.

Projects:

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Creation of new Reporting Template for Operations.

Previously housed in Excel.

Static template. External stakeholders could not have data based on their respective areas due to time constraints or preparation.

Development of QlikSense template.

Migration of the data warehouse from excel to SQL.

Stakeholder requires data from previous day (ending at 24:00) before 06:00.

Existing system (MS Excel) could not handle data capacity.

Initiated, designed and implemented migration of database to SQL

(ability to have handle data capacity and update frequently thereby creating a live reporting environment).

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April 2016 to October 2016

(contractual position)

Management Accountant - Barloworld Equipment BRC

Overview:

Cost and management accountant.

Financial management, analysis, planning and forecasting. Operational:

Variance analysis - summary preparation and obtaining commen- tary.

Month-end reporting.

Attend monthly management meetings and review/report on finan- cial portions.

Assist with review and control over CAPEX spend.

Manage relationships and contracts with suppliers.

Matching and reconciling Caterpillar supplier accounts.

Ensuring Accuracy and timely processing of 3rd parties' invoices and vendors.

Responsible for the management of staff vendors.

Responsible for signing off and releasing payments, ensuring com- pliance with company policies.

Involvement and support during the preparation of interim and year- end tax returns.

WIP monitoring.

Involvement in process improvement projects. Create, document and implement standard operating processes and procedures.

Conduct feasibility studies and launch initiatives with regards to cost minimization areas/projects.

Liaise with internal/external auditors in areas of responsibility.

Preparation of audit pack and annual financial statements.

Responsible for the management of warranty accounting.

Review Balance Sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis.

Responsible for passing month-end correcting journals.

Management of the fixed asset register.

Ensure corporate governance.

Responsible for issuing of Forex (foreign exchange transactions).

Ensuring that inter-company accounts balance.

Decision Support:

Assist department managers with the preparation of their budgets and cash flow forecasts.

To provide accurate financial management information to all Bar- loworld Equipment business units, branches and depots.

Provide Income Statement reports to department managers and as- sist with follow up of variances to business plans as identified. Other:

Assistance and completion of any ad-hoc exercises. Projects:

1. Completed an Asset Audit of IT Equipment.

Last audit done in 2003.

Detailed report done on all equipment including values, dates acquired, dates disposed of and remaining lifespan. Curriculum Vitae – Yastheel Kewalpershad

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February 2015 to January

2016

(permanent graduate position)

Assistant Factory Controller - Nestlé South Africa Overview:

Factory controller of the dairy plant; managing brands Milo, Nesquik and Hot Chocolate.

Operations and Financial Management.

Operational:

Ensure audit guidelines and Nestlé accounting policy is observed.

Development of financial strategies and action plans for expan- sions and new projects.

Education of shop floor staff in use of SAP to improve material/labor control.

Maintenance of data integrity for SAP.

Actively involved in implementing the company’s environment and safety policies.

Implement procedure(s) to avoid write-offs and ensure obsolete and redundant materials are written off in accordance with head office directives.

Petty cash disbursement and replenishment.

Head of stock counting and stock control within the factory, the ex- ternal storages and subcontracting parties.

Creditor management.

Create, document and implement standard operating processes and procedures.

Decision Support

Provision of accurate and timely product costings.

Variance analysis, minimization and reporting (daily, weekly, monthly & yearly.)

Assist with preparation of the standard cost budget, revisions and forecasts; and submit on a timely basis.

Co-ordination and involvement in new product development teams - consisting of feasibility studies.

Provision of accurate monthly Actual Cost Calculation with con- sistent adherence to Period End Close timelines.

Ensure the Nestlé costing standards guidelines and methodologies are observed and applied consistently.

Validate and analyze financial and accounting information pertaining to the factory for management and employees.

Preparation of the monthly raw and packaging materials Working Capital reporting.

Involvement with all departments in continuous improvement initia- tives.

Involvement in shop floor control, daily process order variance meetings with the production department management teams.

Supporting the factory controller in decision support activities such as what if analysis.

Product costing and Compliance improvement.

Monitor and control factory fixed costs.

Other

Member of the Focused Improvement (FI) committee, the leaders of problem solving and people empowering within the factory. Head of coaching.

Member of the wellness committee. Primary contributor in the con- struction of the new gym facility at the Estcourt plant/factory. Curriculum Vitae – Yastheel Kewalpershad

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Presented to the board of directors as well as the factory manager and factory (financial) controller on numerous occasions. The sub- ject matter of the presentations differs depending on the issues ex- perienced at the factory, the budget process/status and forecast and any ad-hoc projects undertaken.

Projects:

Reduced month-end (ME) reporting from 5 to 4 days at Nestle.

ME reporting split between two factory controllers.

Split schedule of tasks based on strengths of each of the factory controllers.

Saved a full day in the ME closing process.

Drew up the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for stock counts, encompassing 5 different storage locations, for annual, quarterly and monthly stock counts.

Previous SOP was not tailored to the different locations. Very ge- neric.

New SOP drawn up with the liaisons of the supply chain and ware- house manager.

Saved Nestle R300 000 through waste reduction at the Milo plant.

R500 000 was to be disposed of at year end (lost) due to not pass- ing QA standards. This product is termed rework.

5% of rework could be added into the new production as a QA standard to allow for finished product to pass QA standards.

Proposed revised QA percentage of 10% then 8% to be added to new production.

Presented this to management and 8% was accepted as the new standard.

R200 000 worth of rework disposed of at year end. Curriculum Vitae – Yastheel Kewalpershad

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April 2014 to January 2015 Support Consultant - CQS Technology Holdings Overview:

It Support Consultant.

Graduate position.

Operational:

Providing support on BackOffice Suite (SecWare, TaxWare and CaseWare Time).

Worked with SQL to manage database issues.

Compiled presentations on a monthly basis to go into the knowledge base of common issues experienced. This is accessed by the clients.

Liaised with programmers to rectify client issues escalated to them.

Worked in teams to achieve predetermined service level agreement.

Client Management: identify, manage, report and resolve any is- sues/potential risks that were identified at the client and handled by the consultant. Ensure that all relevant parties receive all relevant communication.

Various tax and compliance related queries experienced by the cli- ents.

Produce BRS (Business Requirement Specification) documents.

Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand and document business/system processes, rules and requirements.

Create, document and implement standard operating processes and procedures.

KEY SKILLS Excellent presentation abilities.

Advanced Microsoft office (specifically Excel)

Proficient in SAP (FI, CO, SWT, cbFC, BPC, EPM, BW, ECC6, B1, S4, R3)

Microsoft SQL Server

QlikSense proficient

QlikView proficient

Business writing

International Travel

International communication skills

Software testing, functional testing

Project Implementation

Strategy Development and Execution

Ability to work under pressure and maintain tight deadlines

Excellent administrative skills

Ability to communicate at all levels

Project management

People management

Financial modeling

Problem solving

Strong leadership qualities

Talent to motivate and influence

Ability to provide direction and to act as a mentor

Ability to set objectives and devise plans to meet them

Build personal relationships quickly and develop local and global networks

Analytical thinking

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OTHER ACTIVITIES &

INTERESTS

Cricket (at a premier league level)

Paddle skiing

Fishing

Nutrition & Fitness

Football

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/ykewalpershad

Contact this candidate