Open to opportunities

Ellen Combrinck

@ellencombrinck

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Chartered Accountant and CFO driving strategic finance and operational excellence.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking senior finance roles where I can lead finance teams, drive strategic planning, strengthen controls, support M&A, and deliver clear, timely financial insights in a collaborative, growth‑focused company.

I am a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) with extensive experience leading full financial management for multi‑national and group operations, including roles as Chief Financial Officer and Group Financial Manager. I deliver accurate financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cash‑flow management to support executive decision‑making.

Throughout my career I have built and mentored finance teams (from trainees to senior managers), implemented controls and SOPs, led audits and compliance efforts, and developed financial models and analytical tools that improved variance analysis and cost control.

I bring practical experience in risk mitigation, contract negotiation, ERP/IT oversight and tax and regulatory compliance, and I contribute strategic financial input to support growth, M&A and operational efficiency.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Chief Financial Officer

Current

Bananaworld Group

Jun 2025 - Present (3 months)

Oversee full financial management for South African and Mozambique operations, implemented financial models and controls that improved reporting and supported strategic decision-making; managed a finance team of 17 and delivered monthly shareholder reporting.

Financial Reporting Cash Flow Management Budgeting & Forecasting Risk Management SOP Development Financial Modelling Internal Controls Stakeholder Engagement

Group Financial Manager

Westvaal Motor Group

Jun 2021 - May 2025 (3 years 11 months)

Led full group financial management across motor and property divisions, optimized reporting for OEM requirements, managed a team of 46 and improved cash flow, credit control and compliance processes.

Cash Flow Management Financial Modelling Compliance Asset Management Credit Control Contract Negotiation

Financial Manager

TSGRO Farming Service

Jun 2020 - May 2021 (11 months)

Managed full financial function and IFRS financial statement preparation for RCL Foods group entities, led budgeting, risk assessments and loan pack evaluations while delivering monthly stakeholder reporting.

IFRS Budgeting Forecasting Tax Compliance Risk Assessment

Audit Manager / General Manager

JBK Accountants Incorporated

Dec 2018 - May 2020 (1 year 5 months)

Led audit and accounting engagements including financial statement compilation, audit execution and management reporting, supervised and trained staff and ensured SAICA training centre compliance.

Audit Management Financial Statements Staff Training Risk Assessment Payroll SAICA Compliance

Audit Supervisor

PBS Chartered Accountants Incorporated

Jun 2018 - Nov 2018 (5 months)

Supervised audit engagements and trainee development, performed control testing and contributed to audit planning and reporting for client portfolios.

Controls Testing Audit Plans Financial Reporting Risk Assessment

Group Accountant

Saturn Management Company

Nov 2017 - May 2018 (6 months)

Managed group accounting functions for FRP Schutte Group entities, prepared management accounts and supported budgeting and reporting processes.

Group Accounting Management Accounting Budgeting Reporting Financial Analysis

Senior Accountant / Audit Manager

JBK Accountants Incorporated

Feb 2016 - Oct 2017 (1 year 8 months)

Performed senior accounting and audit responsibilities including statutory filings, trainee supervision and improvement of internal controls and audit processes.

Audit Statutory Filings Internal Controls Financial Reporting Payroll

Trainee Accountant / Audit Senior

PwC

Jan 2012 - Feb 2016 (4 years 1 month)

Completed SAICA articles and audit engagements, progressed through training exams and supported audit teams in financial statement preparation and control testing.

Audit Financial Accounting Controls Testing SAICA Articles Financial Statements