BARATI LEKONE

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Supported the preparation of annual financial statements ensuring clarity, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Assisted with group reporting packs, maintaining consistency across financial data sets.
• Analyzed weekly cash flows to evaluate liquidity and overall financial health.
• Coordinated the monthly management pack, including performance commentary and variance analysis.
• Preparing quarterly financial reports for the board pack and audit reporting committee, ensuring clarity and completeness.

General Ledger & Transaction Management

• Ensured timely and accurate entry of general ledger transactions, contributing to the integrity of monthly and year-end reports.
• Maintained and managed fixed asset registers, enabling accurate tracking and depreciation reporting.

Audit & Compliance Support

• Delivered comprehensive audit support (external and internal), including financial reporting, documentation, and control testing.
• Prepared monthly and quarterly reports ensuring regulatory and loan covenant compliance with timely, accurate submissions to stakeholders.
• Supported internal controls compliance, collaborating with auditors to ensure transparency and accuracy.

Risk Management

• Finance Risk Champion, regularly updating the finance risk register and managing incident reporting protocols.
• Identified and reported potential financial risks in line with company policies and procedures.

Process Improvement & Internal Controls

• Reviewed and updated internal finance processes to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with policy and regulatory standards.

External Audit Leadership

• Led external audits for clients across mining, insurance, and automotive sectors, adapting to the unique risks and compliance requirements of each industry.
• Conducted end-to-end audit processes including planning, execution, and reporting for large multinational and local companies.
• Coordinated with cross-functional teams and client stakeholders to ensure audit deliverables were completed within timelines and scope.
• Reviewed and analyzed financial statements for accuracy and adherence to relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Supervised junior audit staff, providing on-the-job training and performance feedback to maintain high-quality audit standards.

Assurance Engagements Management

• Managed specialized assurance engagements including trust fund audits and share capital issuance reviews.
• Ensured compliance with corporate governance and regulatory obligations throughout engagement cycles.
• Liaised with legal advisors, tax consultants, and client management to validate financial accuracy and compliance in special engagements.
• Delivered comprehensive assurance reports with clear, actionable recommendations to improve internal controls and financial reporting.

Audit Strategy & Risk Assessment

• Prepared audit planning memorandum, incorporating detailed client background, control environments, and risk matrices.
• Performed in-depth audit risk assessments to identify potential misstatements or compliance gaps.
• Developed tailored audit programs addressing specific industry and client risks.
• Assessed internal control systems and recommended improvements for enhanced efficiency and reliability.
• Utilized data analytics tools to support risk-based audit approaches and identify anomalies.

Compliance with International Standards

• Documented audit evidence in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS), ensuring traceability and completeness.
• Prepared and reviewed audited financial statements in compliance with IAS and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Monitored changes in global accounting and auditing standards, ensuring ongoing compliance in audit execution.
• Ensured audit documentation met internal quality review and regulatory inspection standards.