Open to opportunities

SIMBARASHE KALONGO

@simbarashekalongo

Detail-oriented finance professional with over a decade of experience in financial reporting, internal audit, and process automation.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m seeking a finance role where I can leverage my expertise in project accounting, business management and internal audit to strengthen financial controls, drive operational efficiency, and contribute to strategic decision-making

I am an accounting professional with eleven years of experience across project accounting, internal audit, payroll, and financial reporting. I hold a BCom Rationum (Accounting, Economics) and a BCom Honours in Economics.

In my current role as Projects Accountant I prepare project budgets and donor financial reports, account for project fund movements, perform audit working papers, and monitor budget variances to support senior management decisions.

As a Senior Internal Auditor I reviewed financial systems and controls across multiple countries, prepared documentation for external audits, and advised leadership on risk and compliance matters to strengthen governance.

I am proficient with NetSuite, Pastel, advanced Excel and Microsoft Office, payroll processing, reconciliations, and IFRS-based financial reporting; I pursue ongoing professional development including SAIPA certification.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Projects Accountant

Current

The Salvation Army

Feb 2020 - Present (5 years 9 months)

•Developed and managed project budgets exceeding $500K, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational policies.
•Produced detailed financial reports and audit-ready documentation for international stakeholders.
•Monitored budget variances and implemented corrective actions, improving grant fund use by 15%.
Use advanced Excel functions to automate financial tracking and reporting.

Financial Reporting Donor Reporting Excel Budgeting Grants Management Internal Controls

Current

Payroll Officer

Current

The Salvation Army

Feb 2020 - Present (5 years 9 months)

•Streamlined monthly payroll processing for 100+ employees, ensuring 100% compliance with statutory requirements and deadlines.
•Automated payroll journal entries and cost centre allocations, reducing manual errors by 30%.
•Resolved payroll queries efficiently, enhancing employee satisfaction and minimizing processing delays.
•Coordinated with finance and HR teams to optimize payroll workflows

Payroll Processing Payroll Compliance Journal Entries Costing Allocations Payroll Reconciliation Employee Queries Excel

Current

National Church Treasurer

Current

The African Apostolic Church

Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 10 months)

Maintain church funds and records, capture receipts and payments, prepare budget allocations and forecasts, and compile financial reports for leadership.

Budgeting Financial Reporting Payment Processing Forecasting Record keeping Excel

Senior Internal Auditor

The Salvation Army

Jan 2014 - Jan 2020 (6 years)

•Led cross-border internal audits across South Africa, Eswatini, and Namibia, identifying and mitigating key financial risks.
•Reviewed and optimized financial systems, enhancing process automation and compliance.
•Prepared audit documentation for external auditors, ensuring 100% accuracy and timely submission.
•Advised senior management on risk management strategies and optimize internal control.

Internal Audit Risk Assessment Internal Controls Audit Reporting & Compliance Financial Analysis

Finance / Internal Audit Clerk

The Salvation Army

Nov 2010 - Dec 2013 (3 years 1 month)

•Maintained accounting records in compliance with GAAP, supporting accurate financial reporting.
•Automated reconciliations for debtors, creditors, and bank accounts, reducing errors and processing time.
•Generated monthly financial reports and supported finance officers with system training.
•Assisted in internal audits, contributing to improved risk management and process efficiency.

Bookkeeping Reconciliations Financial Reporting Debtors Creditors Cash Management Accounting Systems Support

Assistant Accountant

UTC Computers

Nov 2009 - Oct 2010 (11 months)

Maintained company books to trial balance, performed bank and ledger reconciliations, captured receipts and invoices, and handled customer sales queries and stock pricing.