Brenda Motshewa
Gaborone,BOTSWANA
Summary
A Chartered Accountant with 20 years of experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance across diverse sectors. Expertise in aligning financial strategies with organizational objectives while ensuring regulatory adherence. Skilled in leading finance teams, optimizing systems, and delivering actionable financial insights for leadership decision-making.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Director
NIAMAZ PTY LTD
Gaborone
08.2024 - Current
- Managing trade finance tools (LCs, FX, trade loans) for supermarket and import/export operations.
- Negotiating credit terms with large retailers and suppliers, ensuring healthy cash flow.
- Overseeing financial reporting for trade performance, cost margins, and risk mitigation.
- Aligning financial planning with procurement and logistics across multiple channels.
Finance & Administration Director
MILLENNIUM UNIVERSITY
Blantyre
01.2016 - 01.2024
- Directed financial, estate, and administrative operations for the University.
- Managed donor and research grant funds according to international guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with policies, internal audit readiness, and stakeholder reporting.
- Served on governance boards and regulatory committees to support institutional oversight.
- Led cross-departmental teams to enhance operational workflows and performance.
- Developed training programs on financial policies and best practices for staff.
- Provided guidance on budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes.
- Oversaw payroll processing including timekeeping, benefits administration, and tax filing.
Chief Finance Officer
CRYSTAL WATERS RESORT
Salima
06.2008 - 06.2015
- Managed daily and strategic finances of a hospitality venture.
- Developed and monitored budgets; liaised with tax authorities and auditors.
- Implemented financial controls to mitigate risks and enhance compliance efforts.
- Leadership role in implementing new ERP system across multiple departments.
- Directed financial strategy and planning for the resort operations.
- Collaborated with Human Resources on employee welfare.
Project Finance Officer
SABRETA ENTERPRISES
Blantyre
02.2004 - 04.2008
- Controlled budgets and payments for resort construction.
- Monitored contracts and forecasted cash flow.
- Oversaw payroll processing, ensuring compliance with regulations and accuracy of payments.
- Reviewed and approved expense reports, ensuring alignment with company policies.
- Oversaw all postings and reconciliation of ledgers and accounts.
Assistant Audit Manager
SOLOMON HARE SERVICES, UK
Bristol
10.2001 - 01.2004
- Assisted in planning and executing audit engagement processes.
- Collaborated with team members to review financial statements for compliance.
- Supported management in developing audit strategies and methodologies.
- Facilitated communication between clients and auditing teams for effective coordination.
- Monitored performance by analyzing financial data, preparing reports and making recommendations for improvement.
- Collected and analyzed financial data to identify improvements for controls and compliance.
Auditor
SOLOMON HARE CHARTERED ACCOUNTS
Bristol
09.2000 - 09.2001
- Supported senior auditors in executing fieldwork and data analysis tasks.
- Prepared audit work papers, including trial balances, reconciliations, and other analysis.
- Set up audit work paper files and developed client documentation request list.
Education
ACCA Affiliate -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
United Kingdom02.2001
BSc (Hons) - Accounting Practice
University of South Wales
Newport, United Kingdom05.2000
Skills
- Budgeting & Expenditure Monitoring
- Donor & Grant Fund Compliance
- Trade Finance & Import/Export Accounting
- Financial Reporting (IFRS/IPSAS)
- Procurement Finance & Contract Oversight
- Internal Controls & Audit Coordination
- Taxation & Regulatory Liaison
- Board & Stakeholder Reporting
- Team leadership
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
Accomplishments
- Led the full financial and regulatory setup of a new company, including registration, bank accounts, tax compliance, and financial systems, ensuring a smooth and compliant launch.
- Developed the company's financial structure, including budgeting frameworks, internal controls, and accounting policies from the ground up.
- Negotiated key contracts and commercial terms, including supermarket supply agreements, ensuring financial sustainability from day one.
- As the primary lead, I was responsible for the successful acquisition of the Global Grant Community GFGP certification of Millennium University, positioning the university to access international grants above five hundred thousand euros from reputable donors e.g EU and African Union.
- Developed an accounting degree program and successfully registered and accredited it with Malawi Accountants Board and Malawi National Council of Higher Education.
- Developed a resort from an investment of USD 500,000 at acquisition to a USD 3,000,000 worth of investment within 7 years.
Hobbies and Interests
- Tennis
- Reading Non-Fiction books and articles
- Travelling and making connections
- Gardening
References
References available upon request.
Leadership And Governance
- Vice Chairperson of Finance Committee, Board of Trustees, Phoenix International Primary School, 01/01/22, 12/01/24
- Treasurer of Finance Committee, Board of Trustees, Phoenix International Primary School, 01/01/21, 12/01/24
- Treasurer PTA, Broadhurst Primary School, 01/01/25, Present
- Taskforce Member, Malawi Higher Education Gender Policy, 01/01/21, 12/31/21
- PTA Member, St. Andrew's International High School, 01/01/20, 12/01/24
Timeline
Finance Director
NIAMAZ PTY LTD
08.2024 - Current
Finance & Administration Director
MILLENNIUM UNIVERSITY
01.2016 - 01.2024
Chief Finance Officer
CRYSTAL WATERS RESORT
06.2008 - 06.2015
Project Finance Officer
SABRETA ENTERPRISES
02.2004 - 04.2008
Assistant Audit Manager
SOLOMON HARE SERVICES, UK
10.2001 - 01.2004
Auditor
SOLOMON HARE CHARTERED ACCOUNTS
09.2000 - 09.2001
ACCA Affiliate -
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
BSc (Hons) - Accounting Practice
University of South Wales
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