gugu zulu
@guguzulu1
Experienced Business Operations Manager driving data-driven transformations.
What I'm looking for
I am a Business Operations professional with over 10 years of experience in delivering large-scale process improvements and data-driven transformations within the financial services sector. My career has been marked by a proven track record of reducing onboarding time by 40%, managing reconciliations for portfolios exceeding R300M, and developing stakeholder reporting frameworks that inform executive decision-making.
In my current role as an Account Manager at Investec Bank, I have successfully digitized client lifecycle management, which has significantly improved operational efficiency. My expertise in system implementation and digital product deployment has allowed me to enhance SLA compliance by 25% and reduce manual reporting time by 80% through the development of Power BI dashboards. I am passionate about cross-functional collaboration and continuously seek ways to improve governance and performance across teams.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Account Manager – Wealth & Investment
Investec Bank
Jan 2022 - Present (3 years 5 months)
Reduced onboarding cycle time by 40% by digitising client lifecycle management across two platforms. Oversaw reconciliations for portfolios >R300M monthly, improving data accuracy and risk control. Developed Power BI dashboards for portfolio reporting to ExCo, reducing manual reporting time by 80%.
Reconciliation Specialist – Private Bank & Capital Markets
Investec ICIB
Jun 2016 - Dec 2021 (5 years 6 months)
Led reconciliation and exception management for monthly transactions exceeding R5B. Collaborated with IT and Governance teams to deploy two new systems, improving onboarding TAT by 40%. Produced 30+ tailored insight reports for JSE clients and committees to support strategic planning.
Finance Officer – Bank Reconciliations
Liberty Life
May 2014 - Jun 2016 (2 years 1 month)
Delivered zero audit adjustments for 24+ monthly cycles through precise reconciliations and controls. Supported FP&A with cash flow analysis and variance reports to inform strategic budget decisions. Improved month-end close process by 30% through streamlined reporting procedures.
HRMS Development Coordinator
Johannesburg Development Agency
Apr 2011 - Mar 2014 (2 years 11 months)
Finalised over 700 contractor contracts and onboarding documents in compliance with HR policies. Introduced digital tracking systems, reducing contract retrieval and approval times by 30% and 25% respectively. Coordinated recruitment and scheduling processes for development projects under tight deadlines.
Finance Operations Officer
Aveng Grinaker-LTA
Jan 2009 - Jan 2011 (2 years)
Managed account reconciliations for ZAR 5–7M payables, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance. Maintained 7-day SLA for vendor payments, enhancing supplier relationships and service levels. Resolved payment discrepancies and disputes, increasing vendor satisfaction by 25%.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of South Africa
Diploma in Investment and Portfolio Management, Investment and Portfolio Management
Studied advanced investment analysis, portfolio strategy, and market risk modelling. Gained expertise in financial markets and investment vehicles.
University of the Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Commerce, Financial Management
Focused on corporate finance, business economics, and strategic financial planning. Developed a strong foundation in financial management principles and practices.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
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