Catherine Struwig

Supports import/export operations as a consultant, covering shipment coordination, pre-alerts/bookings, customs documentation, and delivery coordination. Assists with invoicing, bookkeeping (Sage One), and creditor/debtor reconciliation processes.

Managed ocean and air import/export shipment coordination, including pre-alerts/bookings, empty equipment releases, customs documentation, and VGM/Navis pre advising. Oversaw invoicing and bookkeeping in Sage One, completed creditor reconciliations, and ensured debtor collections.

Controlled and coordinated ocean import shipments from pre-alert stage through delivery of cargo to the importer, including invoicing of disbursements. Supervised and trained 12 import controllers in daily import operations and documentation handling.

Oversaw foreign creditor invoicing and reconciliation processes across multiple branches (estimated pay-away value: R3.5 million monthly). Managed spot exchange contracts and banking payments via Standard Bank Business Online, posted settlements in Compu Clear, and handled exchange conversion profit/loss write-offs.

Managed ocean export operations, including export quotes by Incoterms, negotiating freight rates, and coordinating bookings with shipping lines. Prepared export bill of entry documentation, raised commodity compliance alerts, consolidated shipping documents, arranged master bill of lading collection, and completed marine insurance certificates.

Controlled airfreight import and export documentation and coordination, starting from overseas pre-alerts through customs clearance and delivery. Logged files on Compu Clear, prepared export bills of entry, arranged airline bookings, and invoiced consignments.

Processed foreign invoices and credit notes for freight, handling, and profit share by tracing related shipping files and completing reconciliations. Managed exchange-rate conversions and submitted reconciliation documentation to Standard Bank in line with exchange control regulations (estimated pay-away value: R3.5 million monthly).

Supervised a team of three to ensure timely export data transmission and documentation dispatch for textile and craft exports, including perishables and hazardous cargo. Managed purchase order monitoring, FCL load-ability consolidation, vendor/carrier bookings, customs export documentation, invoicing, and monthly reporting.

Coordinated ocean import workflows from overseas pre-alerts through customs clearance and delivery to consignees. Logged shipments on the in-house system, arranged examinations if required, invoiced all disbursed costs, and closed files.

Maintained local and foreign creditor accounts, reconciliations, and payments while expediting orders with freight forwarders. Managed costing, journals, invoicing, cashflow, stock control, and export/import documentation including export forms (e.g., F178, NEP) and exchange-rate monitoring.

Managed foreign creditors and import-related financial processes, including import costings and foreign SWIFT payments. Produced and reconciled required documentation while liaising with clearing and forwarding agents.

Handled all aspects of banking operations, ending in the foreign exchange department. Built expertise in day-to-day banking processes through a long-term role.