Looking for a job

Ralph Smart

@ralphsmart

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Chartered accountant driving financial operations, planning, forecasting, compliance and strategic improvements.

South Africa

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a remote finance role where I can apply accounting, governance and process-transformation skills to support operations and strategic initiatives, driving accuracy and efficiency.

I am a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)) and seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in accounting, regulatory governance and business process transformation across retail, manufacturing and financial services. I have led finance functions for multi-store retail and e-commerce operations, managed financial operations for a major UK savings and investment business, and delivered audit and advisory services at a partner level.

My career highlights include directing financial planning and cash-flow management, managing relationships with regulators, auditors, tax authorities, and driving profitability through strategic analysis and operational efficiency. I seek a remote role where I can apply operational support and strategic initiative expertise to deliver accurate reporting, compliant controls and measurable business improvements.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Finance Director

Beach & Beyond

Jul 2013 - Jul 2025 (12 years)

Directed all financial and administrative operations for a multi-store and online retail and manufacturing business, improved financial controls and managed cash flow, taxation and supplier/lease negotiations to support growth.

Financial Planning Cash Flow Management Tax Compliance Inventory Control Financial Reporting

Head of Finance

OneFamily Group

Jun 1995 - Apr 2013 (17 years 10 months)

Led financial operations, compliance and reporting for a savings and investment business with ~2 million customers and £6bn AUM, driving profitability improvements and supporting strategic initiatives including acquisitions and IT upgrades.

Financial Reporting Regulatory Compliance Fund Management Liaison Stakeholder Management Team Leadership

Partner

Routledge Taylor

Nov 1986 - May 1995 (8 years 6 months)

Led audit and financial management services at a chartered accountancy firm, delivering audit, tax and advisory services and advising clients on start-ups, acquisitions, financing and tax efficiency.

Audit Tax Advisory Advisory Financial Management Corporate Finance Compliance Business Development

Senior Auditor

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Apr 1981 - Jun 1986 (5 years 2 months)

Progressed through chartered accountancy articles to lead major audit assignments across sectors, conducting financial investigations and building technical expertise in audit, tax and compliance.

Tax Compliance Risk Assessment Technical Accounting Audit Management