Andries Smit
@andriessmit
Results-driven finance executive with expertise in financial transformation.
What I'm looking for
I am a results-driven finance executive with over 20 years of international experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and business transformation. My career is marked by a proven track record of optimizing financial performance and driving large-scale system integrations. I excel at aligning financial strategies with corporate objectives and enhancing operational efficiencies.
Throughout my career, I have led high-impact transformation initiatives, focusing on financial restructuring, automation, and cost optimization to drive sustainable growth. I take pride in building high-performing finance teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration to deliver measurable business value. My hands-on approach ensures that I not only set the vision but also work alongside my teams to achieve our goals.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Head of Finance and Systems
Rothschild Bank International
Feb 2023 - Present (2 years 3 months)
Led financial strategy and systems integration, ensuring financial accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Spearheaded major banking system migrations while optimizing financial reporting, budgeting, and performance analysis. Managed all finance functions, including regulatory and statutory reporting, and enhanced financial processes through automation.
Financial Systems Consultant
ICM Corporate Services
Aug 2018 - Present (6 years 9 months)
Led financial systems transformation and process optimization initiatives, driving automation, efficiency, and compliance across key financial operations. Project-managed the successful implementation of Microgen 5Series, consolidating client databases, financial data, and workflows into a unified system. Reviewed and re-engineered financial processes, identifying opportunities for automation and
Head of Finance / Systems – International Division
Skybound Capital Limited
Nov 2016 - Present (8 years 6 months)
Led financial strategy and systems transformation across multiple international regions, ensuring IFRS compliance, financial integrity, and operational efficiency. Spearheaded automation initiatives and financial controls to enhance global reporting, risk management, and business integration. Streamlined month-end processes, optimized liquidity planning, and contributed to executive management.
Head of Finance / Systems
AdaptIT
Jan 2015 - Present (10 years 4 months)
Directed financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring full IFRS compliance and accurate consolidation across all business entities. Implemented streamlined month-end and year-end reporting, enhancing timeliness and accuracy of financial reports. Led process automation and financial system enhancements, optimizing forecasting, budgeting, and tax planning for sustainable growth.
Head of Finance / Systems
Rothschild Trust Guernsey Limited
Jan 2012 - Present (13 years 4 months)
Led finance, systems, and investment services for the Guernsey branch, overseeing client accounting, bookkeeping, and procurement. Spearheaded a global finance platform migration project, successfully standardizing procedures and implementing a single financial system across multiple international locations. Reduced finance headcount by automating outdated procedures and strengthening internal con
Assistant Finance Director
Rothschild Trust Guernsey Limited
Jan 2007 - Present (18 years 4 months)
Oversaw multi-functional teams (32 staff), driving finance transformation, operational efficiency, and compliance in a global financial institution. Streamlined finance, bookkeeping, investment services, and central support teams, reducing headcount by introducing performance targets and process automation. Successfully cleared a backlog of 1,600 sets of accounts and consolidated three separate fi
Technical Accounts Manager
Rothschild Trust Guernsey Limited
Jan 2005 - Present (20 years 4 months)
Led a team of six, overseeing financial reporting, accounting systems, and compliance. Successfully developed and rolled out CaseWare accounting software to enhance efficiency and automated the daily transaction feed from Rothschild Bank. Managed key financial systems and cleared client accounting backlog, monitoring progress against targets.
Supervising Senior
KPMG Channel Islands Limited
Jan 2003 - Present (22 years 4 months)
Led a team of six, managing audits across Banking, Fund Management, Fiduciary Services, and Captive Insurance, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and IFRS. Planned and executed audits, prepared reports, and liaised with clients, while identifying control weaknesses and recommending improvements. Supervised, delegated, and reviewed work of audit staff, ensuring quality and efficiency.
Senior Internal Auditor
London Borough of Barnet
Jan 2003 - Present (22 years 4 months)
Performed internal audits to assess financial controls and operational efficiency. Identified areas for improvement and ensured compliance with relevant regulations. Contributed to strengthening governance frameworks within the organization.
Accounting / Audit Supervisor
KPMG South Africa
Jan 1997 - Present (28 years 4 months)
Supervised accounting and audit engagements, ensuring adherence to professional standards and regulatory requirements. Managed audit teams, reviewed financial statements, and provided guidance on complex accounting issues. Contributed to the successful completion of audit cycles.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
South African Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB)
Part 2 of the Chartered Accountant Qualifying Exam, Accounting
Completed the second part of the Chartered Accountant Qualifying Exam through the South African Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB). This achievement is a significant step towards becoming a fully qualified chartered accountant.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Specialist Diploma in Auditing, Auditing
Obtained a Specialist Diploma in Auditing from the University of South Africa (UNISA). This diploma provided specialized knowledge and skills in auditing practices and principles.
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA)
Part 1 of the Chartered Accountant Qualifying Exam, Accounting
Completed the first part of the Chartered Accountant Qualifying Exam through the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This foundational step is crucial for professional accounting certification.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Certificate in the Theory of Accounting, Accounting
Earned a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting from the University of South Africa (UNISA). This certificate provided a strong theoretical foundation in accounting principles.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
B.Compt (Accounting) Honours, Accounting
Completed a B.Compt (Accounting) Honours degree at the University of South Africa (UNISA). This advanced degree deepened knowledge in accounting and prepared for professional qualifications.
University of Pretoria
B.Compt (Accounting) Degree, Accounting
Obtained a B.Compt (Accounting) Degree from the University of Pretoria. This degree provided comprehensive knowledge in accounting and financial management.
Pietersburg High School
Grade 12 (Matric), General Education
Completed Grade 12 (Matric) at Pietersburg High School. This marks the completion of secondary education.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Skills
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