Open to opportunities

Helgaardt Swartz

@helgaardtswartz

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Experienced accountant and payroll specialist delivering accurate financial controls.

Namibia

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a finance or payroll leadership role where I can apply technical accounting expertise, streamline processes, ensure compliance, and mentor teams in a collaborative, growth-oriented organization.

I am an analytical, organized and detail-oriented accountant with GAAP expertise and broad experience across accounting, payroll, taxation and administrative management. I consistently deliver high-quality strategic solutions to resolve financial challenges and support business growth.

My background includes end-to-end payroll management, financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, tax planning and compliance, audit liaison, and internal control development. I have hands-on experience with multiple accounting systems and have led finance and administrative teams to improve processes and ensure accuracy.

I am collaborative, confidential, and results-driven, with a track record of preparing timely management accounts, VAT and tax submissions, and optimizing procurement and asset management. I seek roles where I can apply technical accounting skills and strategic financial oversight to add measurable value.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Accounting/Payroll Officer

Current

City Stationers

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 1 month)

Manage end-to-end payroll and accounting functions, producing accurate management accounts and ensuring statutory tax and VAT compliance; improved payroll accuracy and timely reporting across the organisation.

Payroll Processing Financial Reporting Tax Compliance Excel

Accounting Finance Administrator

Droombos Guesthouse

Apr 2024 - Nov 2024 (7 months)

Handled accounting and financial administration for the guesthouse, including billing, cashflow management, and monthly reporting to support operations and owner decision-making.

Cash Flow Management Invoicing Financial Reporting Xero

Finance Administrator/Payroll Officer

City Stationers

Jan 2020 - Mar 2024 (4 years 2 months)

Provided finance administration and payroll services as a consultant, maintaining ledgers, reconciliations, and statutory submissions to ensure accurate financial control and timely payments.

Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Payroll Sage Pastel SAGE Pastel

Finance Officer

Helmsman Group

Oct 2022 - Jan 2024 (1 year 3 months)

Delivered finance officer duties including management accounts, payroll oversight, and audit liaison to strengthen internal controls and ensure compliance with accounting standards.

Management Accounting Payroll Internal Controls Audit Management Excel

Finance-Payroll Officer

International Group of Companies

Mar 2021 - Sep 2022 (1 year 6 months)

Managed payroll operations and finance tasks, ensuring accurate salary processing, statutory filings, and operational finance support across the group.

Payroll Compliance Payroll Systems Tax Filings Accounts Payable Reporting

Accountant-Administrative Manager

H & J Trading

Jan 2013 - Dec 2019 (6 years 11 months)

Oversaw accounting and administrative functions, including ledger management, creditor/debtor control, and office administration to support business continuity and compliance.

General Ledger Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable Office Administration

Accountant-HR Manager

L and A Express

Apr 2008 - Dec 2012 (4 years 8 months)

Combined accounting responsibilities with HR management, delivering payroll, recruitment, and performance management while maintaining accurate financial records.

Payroll Recruitment Performance Management Accounting HR Policies

Bookkeeper-Payroll Officer

JB Bookkeeping and Taxation Services

Mar 2005 - Mar 2008 (3 years)

Provided bookkeeping and payroll services, prepared tax documentation, and maintained client accounts to ensure accurate statutory compliance and timely submissions.

Bookkeeping Payroll Tax Compliance

Bookkeeper-Senior Administrator

Dirkies Electrical and Plumbing Maintenance

Jan 2001 - Feb 2005 (4 years 1 month)

Managed bookkeeping and senior administrative duties, maintaining financial records, payroll processing, and office administration to support service operations.

Bookkeeping Payroll Administrative Management MS Excel

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Namibia University of Science and Technology

Bachelor of Technology, Accounting and Finance

2004 - 2009

Activities and societies: Relevant coursework: Advanced Financial Accounting and Reporting; additional strategic and accounting-related studies.

Completed a Bachelor of Technology in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Business Administration, covering advanced financial accounting and reporting.