Open to opportunities

Fatima Reis

@fatimareis

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Senior public-sector finance professional specializing in payroll compliance.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a senior finance role in the public sector where I can lead payroll and compliance functions, strengthen internal controls, mentor teams, and contribute to clean audits and efficient financial operations.

I am a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 25 years’ experience in the South African public sector, specialising in payroll management, financial administration, and PFMA compliance.

I have led payroll and salary administration for 400+ employees, managed statutory submissions (EMP201/EMP501), and implemented internal controls that contributed to multiple clean audits.

My technical experience includes working with PERSAL, BAS, LOGIS, Great Plains, Pastel, Cashfocus and VMS to ensure timely payments, accurate reconciliations and audit readiness.

I combine strong analytical skills with collaborative leadership, coaching teams to deliver efficient, compliant financial operations while maintaining transparency and service excellence.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Assistant Director – Financial Administration

Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

Sep 2015 - Mar 2024 (8 years 6 months)

Directed end-to-end payroll and salary administration for 400+ employees, streamlined travel and subsistence claim processing to a 3-day turnaround, and contributed to eight consecutive clean audits through strengthened internal controls and timely statutory submissions.

Payroll Management Payroll Tax (SARS) Submissions Reconciliations Audit Management Travel & Subsistence Claims Debt Recovery People Management

Financial Accounts Controller

Independent Development Trust

Apr 2008 - Sep 2015 (7 years 5 months)

Managed expenditure, supplier and landlord payments, reconciliations and financial reporting for leased assets, ensuring timely payments and supporting audit readiness across quarterly and annual statements.

Reconciliations BAS LOGIS Great Plains Vendor Management Financial Reporting Audit Support

Senior State Accountant

Department of Home Affairs

Jun 1995 - May 2007 (11 years 11 months)

Managed salary administration, payroll processing and departmental reconciliations, approved payroll transactions and claims in line with PFMA and Treasury guidelines, and supervised staff to improve accuracy and transparency.

Payroll Processing Staff Supervision