Melanie-Jean Vlahakis
Lusaka,Zambia
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with expertise in SAP, Microsoft Analysis, SAGE Evolution, Pastel Partner, ACCPAC, REGIE, and Microsoft Office. Demonstrates strong analytical skills and proficiency in financial software applications. Committed to leveraging technical skills to enhance organisational efficiency and drive business success.
Driven professional with excellent organisational and communication skills, coupled with knack for problem-solving and streamlining processes. Adept in managing multiple tasks efficiently and fostering productive relationships. Set to make significant impact in [Desired Position] role.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Finance Administration Consultant
Pick n Pay
01.2024 - 09.2025
- Ensured budget adherence through capital expenditure (Capex) monitoring
- Prepared the Capex Budget
- Maintained fiscal control by applying regular store expenses approval procedures
- Supported inventory management by conducting stock takes on packaging
- Managed the finance department for 4 months in the absence of the Head of Finance, including supervision of accountants and clerks, management accounts and reporting
Finance Consultant
Zayohub/Mafisa
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Implemented effective systems and controls to optimize financial processes
- Transitioned the accounting system to SAGE and upgraded payroll to a web-based platform for improved efficiency and data security
- Prepared audit files and financial statements in compliance with donor specifications
- Prepared and presented board papers to support informed decision-making
Finance Officer
Specialty Emergency Services
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Executed thorough reconciliations required for audits, including entering audit adjustments into financial statements for previous years, ensuring historical accuracy
- Conducted detailed reconciliations for debtors and service providers for prior years, resolving discrepancies and enhancing financial integrity
Finance Manager
Specialty Emergency Services
01.2013 - 12.2017
- Computerized the accounting from a manual/excel system
- Transitioned the company from a family-owned business to a corporate
- Implemented processes, procedures, systems & controls
Assistant Bursar
Baobab College
01.2010 - 12.2013
- Set up systems & controls from the onset
- Corrected Financial Statements as well as getting audits up to date
- School became profitable due to good financial management and subsequently implemented new building projects
Accountant
CHC Commodities
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Conducted extensive research of source documents and reconciliations
- Corrected prior year Financial Statements and entered corresponding audit adjustments
Project Accountant
COMESA Regional Integration Project
01.2004 - 12.2006
- Administrator for the last phase of the project with a lead on the Program's finance and administration
- Liaison Officer between European Union office and COMESA (Common market for Eastern and Southern Africa)
- Achieved closure of various old projects and closed audits for EDF 7 & 8
Office Manager
EU Electoral Unit (Managed by the British Council)
01.1998 - 12.2003
Management Accountant
Rothmans of Pall Mall Plc
01.1998 - 12.2003
Business Services Department Trainee
Coopers & Lybrand
01.1998 - 12.2003
Education
Assistant Bursar -
Baobab College
01.2010 - 01.2013
CHC Commodities Accountant - undefined
01.2007 - 01.2009
Project Accountant - undefined
COMESA Regional Integration Project
01.2004 - 01.2006
Skills
- SAP
- Microsoft Analysis
- SAGE Evolution
- Pastel Partner
- ACCPAC
- REGIE
- Microsoft Office
Affiliations
- Chartered Governance Institute (CGI), Institute of Chartered Secretaries (ICSA)
- Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA), registered
Custom
- Member and former committee member, Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia
- Initiated and lead donations and fundraising for Our Lady’s Hospice, Kalinga Linga
- Alzheimer’s Research & Prevention Foundation - Brain Longevity Specialist
- Passionate about sustainable living and environmental conservation through active recycling practices and waste reduction initiatives
- Enthusiastic about growing my own organic produce
Timeline
Finance Administration Consultant
Pick n Pay
01.2024 - 09.2025
Finance Consultant
Zayohub/Mafisa
01.2021 - 12.2023
Finance Officer
Specialty Emergency Services
01.2019 - 12.2021
Finance Manager
Specialty Emergency Services
01.2013 - 12.2017
Assistant Bursar
Baobab College
01.2010 - 12.2013
Assistant Bursar -
Baobab College
01.2010 - 01.2013
Accountant
CHC Commodities
01.2007 - 12.2009
CHC Commodities Accountant - undefined
01.2007 - 01.2009
Project Accountant
COMESA Regional Integration Project
01.2004 - 12.2006
Project Accountant - undefined
COMESA Regional Integration Project
01.2004 - 01.2006
Office Manager
EU Electoral Unit (Managed by the British Council)
01.1998 - 12.2003
Management Accountant
Rothmans of Pall Mall Plc
01.1998 - 12.2003
Business Services Department Trainee
Coopers & Lybrand
01.1998 - 12.2003
Similar Profiles
Thurston ArendseThurston Arendse
Night shift at Pick n Pay Hyper BrackenfellNight shift at Pick n Pay Hyper Brackenfell
Hansie PieterseHansie Pieterse
Retail Store Manager at Pick N Pay RetailersRetail Store Manager at Pick N Pay Retailers
THABISO MAPHORITHABISO MAPHORI
RETAIL STORE MANAGER at PICK N PAY RETAILERSRETAIL STORE MANAGER at PICK N PAY RETAILERS
RAJAB MTONGARAJAB MTONGA
Project coordinator at Liquid intelligent technologiesProject coordinator at Liquid intelligent technologies
CHILUFYA KAREN CHISHIMBACHILUFYA KAREN CHISHIMBA
Student Mentor – Finance & Administration Support at Texila American UniversityStudent Mentor – Finance & Administration Support at Texila American University