Hilaria Ndeshihafela Nakanyala
Walvis Bay
Summary
An experienced Management Accountant with over 15 years of expertise in financial management, cost accounting, budgeting, and strategic reporting across diverse industries, including ports, transport, aviation, and public administration. Proficient in preparing IFRS compliant financial statements, conducting variance analysis, and implementing cost optimization strategies to improve operational efficiency. Demonstrated strong leadership abilities by effectively supervising teams and driving organizational success. Currently pursuing an MBA to further enhance business strategy, analytical acumen, and leadership capabilities for greater impact.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Management Accountant
Namport
04.2015 - Current
- Compile and distribute monthly total Namport and departmental financial performance reports with key metrics
- Compile and prepare quarterly management reports for the Board Audit Committee outlining the organization's operational and financial performance
- Prepare Financial Statements in compliance with IFRS
- Monitor the implementation of financial targets within departments and divisions, identifying any deviations, and taking corrective action to advise management and provide guidance in alignment with organizational goals
- Conduct monthly analysis and variance reports, and ensure accurate cost allocation from Job Cards in the Plant Maintenance module to the appropriate cost centers in SAP
- Compile, analyse, and assess the cost-effectiveness and profitability of port activities, operational projects, cost centers, and business units
- Execute monthly journal entries by analyzing discrepancies in income statements and reconciliations, and ensure accurate financial records
- Identify and capitalize qualifying expenses while ensuring compliance with investment management processes
- Process capital budget requisitions, ensuring budget availability and proper documentation before release
- Maintain and develop profit and cost center structures according to the company's chart of accounts
- Provide internal customers with instructions and guidance on financial concepts, MS Excel, and SAP CO Module
- Design and oversee comprehensive cost models to generate accurate costing reports for management for port activities
- Initiate reviews of cost-effectiveness and profitability across port activities and projects
- Manage the commodity costing process and advise on cost implications before project implementation
- Analyze cost trends and provide recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and optimize pricing strategies
- Generate routine cost reports for management based on cost models and relevant documentation
- Collect, compile, and analyze monthly cargo volume statistics, vessel visits, and facility utilizations to support operational decision-making
- Compile and prepare relevant statistical reports for stakeholders and inclusion in the annual report
- Submit fuel refund claims to the Road Fund administration and complete quarterly Balance of Payments surveys for the Bank of Namibia
- Compile and generate external and internal performance and statistical reports
- Define, compile, budget processes, guidelines, templates, performance indicators, deliverables, accountabilities, and set a timetable, in compliance with the Public Enterprise Governance Act (PEGA), Chief Legal and Company Secretary, to support management and cost center owners in annual budget (OPEX & CAPEX) preparation
- Preparation and compilation of volume forecasting to determine the revenue budget
- Plan departmental sessions with the budget committee to review financial projections, align budgetary goals with strategic objectives, and address any discrepancies or concerns before presentation to Manco, Exco, and the Board Audit Committee
- Collaborate with management to review budgets and ensure accurate allocation in SAP
- Compile the final consolidated budgets report and business plan, and ensure Board of Directors approved budgets are accurately posted in SAP
- Provide training on budgeting and financial management principles to internal stakeholders
- Serve in Bid Evaluation Committees as directed by the CEO, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations
- Successfully assumed the role of Acting Manager for five (5) months, showcasing leadership skills
- Effectively led the management accounting team, ensuring business continuity and delivering high-quality services while maintaining operational excellence
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
Namport
12.2009 - 03.2015
- Oversee and manage the Ports' debtors’ book to ensure financial accuracy and effective debt management
- Design and implement robust policies and procedures for revenue, credit control, and debt collection to maintain operational efficiency
- Prepare and present credit risk reports to the Audit Committee, providing insights into potential risk exposures
- Analyze service delivery, customer needs, and statistical data, performing observations to identify trends and support service improvements
- Develop and enforce the Credit Control Policy, ensuring timely invoicing and efficient collection of outstanding balances
- Compile and report monthly debtors' age analysis to the Executive: Finance, supporting proactive debt management
- Prepare Debtor's Days Outstanding reports in line with IFRS standards to track collections performance
- Calculate provisions for bad debt and identify accounts for write-offs as necessary
- Monitor and assess customer credit exposures, reporting significant risks to the Finance Manager
- Oversee the credit application process by validating, analyzing, and certifying customer credit requests, securing final approval from the Executive: Finance
- Manage daily credit limits to minimize bad debt exposure and support overall revenue integrity
- Execute revenue management activities to ensure accurate and comprehensive revenue recording
- Staff Supervision
- Oversaw the credit approval process for new customers, minimizing the risk of bad debt write-offs.
- Conducted census, financial, and insurance reports of payors to determine necessary actions for overdue or credited accounts.
Regional Cost Accountant
Trans Namib
10.2007 - 12.2009
- Annual budget preparation and control of (Operational and capital)
- Preparation of monthly performance reports (variance, forecast & divisional income statement)
- Debtors' control and reconciliations
- Creditors control, payments, and reconciliations
- Maintenance of general ledger and reconciliation of control accounts
- Project and contract workers' salaries preparations, control, payments, and reconciled control accounts
- Stock and asset management, control, and reconciliations
- Maintain Fixed Assets Register
- Petty cash control and reconciliations
- Staff Supervision
- Led a nationwide asset revaluation project in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and enhancing financial reporting accuracy
- Developed a diesel usage tracking system for locomotives and workshops, which optimized cost control, improved internal processes, and supported more precise cost analysis and fuel budgeting
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing processes and recommending enhancements to safeguard company assets.
- Assisted procurement team in evaluating supplier contracts to ensure the best possible terms were negotiated while minimizing risk exposure.
Accountant: Accounts Receivables - Revenue Accounting
Air Namibia
11.2006 - 10.2007
- Prepare and send invoices for ticket sales, cargo, and additional service fees to clients, agencies, and business partners
- Monitor accounts receivable to ensure timely payments and follow up on overdue balances
- Report credit risk exposure to the Finance Manager and assist in compiling credit risk reports for the Audit Committee
- Reconcile revenue accounts, track receivables aging, and prepare monthly reports on outstanding payments
- Work closely with finance and sales teams to resolve discrepancies, support financial reporting, and ensure accuracy
- Maintain records of financial transactions, customer interactions, and payment histories
- Follow up on outstanding balances, adhering to Credit Control Policies, and initiate legal actions when necessary
- Assist with audit preparations and compliance with airline revenue accounting policies and standards
- Recommend and implement improvements to streamline receivables processes and enhance cash flow
Accountant Collections
Municipality of Hentiesbay
11.2005 - 10.2006
- Manage Debtors' accounts to ensure strict adherence to Municipality Credit Control Policy and Procedures
- Implement and enforce credit control measures to reduce outstanding debts, consistently aligning with policy guidelines to optimize collections
- Liaise with legal Advisors on collections and repossessions, including managing Attorney control account reconciliations
- Monitor outstanding consumer accounts using Debtors Age-Analysis, initiating actions on defaulters and managing bounced payments
- Process payments to creditors, resolving invoice and payment inquiries promptly
- Prepare monthly cut-off lists and manage journals for disconnection and reconnection fees
- Compile monthly loan summaries for Low-Cost Housing and Decentralized Build Together programs
- Support payroll processing and contributed to Human management tasks
Administrative Assistant (IFMS Project – Integrated Financial Management Systems)
Ministry of Finance
09.2004 - 10.2005
- Provide dedicated administrative support to the Project Manager, ensuring optimal prioritization and time management
- Record and document minutes for Steering Committees, Financial Advisors, Project Teams, and Core Team Leaders
- Address functional inquiries across multiple modules, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Receivables, Medical Aid, Housing Collateral, Payroll, Debt Management, Budget Control, Fixed Assets, and Project Costing
- Post and allocate approved budget figures to relevant accounts, managing Capital and Operational budgets by ministry, and ensuring timely fund release for each ministry
Assistant Accountant: Accounts Receivables
Ministry of Finance
08.2002 - 08.2004
- Conduct comprehensive bank reconciliations for the State Account, ensuring accurate alignment between the Cash Book and BON Bank Statements, in compliance with the State Finance Act and Treasury instructions
- Assist the reconciliation of Customs and Excise accounts, ensuring timely and accurate reporting in accordance with regulatory requirements and fiscal policies
- Assist VAT reconciliations, verifying transactions and ensuring compliance with VAT regulations, facilitating accurate reporting and remittance to the tax authorities
- Follow up on redeposits, referred items, and transits with respective Ministries, Offices, and Agencies (OMAs) to ensure compliance and accuracy in financial reporting
- Compile and certify reports of all income received for each Ministry, Office, and Agency, ensuring correctness and compliance with financial regulations before distribution
- Assist in preparing financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders, contributing to transparent financial management and accountability
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve discrepancies and enhance the accuracy of financial records, supporting overall financial integrity within the Ministry
- Provide support during audits by preparing necessary documentation and addressing inquiries related to accounts receivable and reconciliations
- Assisted with monthly and quarterly income statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports to inform decision-makers.
Teller
Bank Windhoek
11.2001 - 07.2002
- Maintain adequate cash levels within approved limits, considering daily, monthly and month-end requirements
- Ensure all debit and credit transactions adhere to prescribed procedures, identifying and rectifying any technical errors promptly
- Accurately update and complete the teller register daily to ensure accountability
- Adhere to cost recovery guidelines to optimize financial performance
- Resolve discrepancies in line with Performance Management Contracts, ensuring accuracy in daily balances
- Provide exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries and complaints professionally and efficiently, and ensuring appropriate referrals when necessary
- Identify and refer potential business opportunities to relevant departments, contributing to the bank's growth
- Undertake other reasonable tasks as assigned by management
- Disbursed cash and checks accurately while maintaining thesecurity of cash drawers.
Tutor for Financial Accounting
Polytechnic of Namibia
01.2001 - 12.2001
- Create tailored lesson plans and learning modules for Financial Accounting and Cost Management
- Foster a productive and engaging tutoring atmosphere
- Assess student progress and help with tests, projects, and assignments
- Facilitate discussions to deepen understanding of course material
- Use positive reinforcement to motivate and build student confidence
- Adjust teaching methods to meet diverse learning styles and needs
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Liverpool John Moores University
10-2025
Certificate in Business Analytics -
University of Cape Town
11.2023
Management Development Programme -
University of Stellenbosch
10.2017
Bachelor of Technology - Accounting & Finance
Polytechnic of Namibia (NUST)
04.2005
National Diploma - Accounting & Finance
Polytechnic of Namibia (NUST)
04.2002
Skills
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Financial analysis
- Financial reporting
- Management reports preparation
- Financial statements preparation
- SAP ERP
- Procurement Act
- Excel proficiency
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Staff training
- Interpersonal communication
- Operating budgets
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Cost accounting
- Variance analysis
Certification
- Computerized Accounting Pastel Version 5, Polytechnic, 07/05 - 11/01
- Control of Accounts Receivable, Corporate Training Solutions, 06/11
- Customer Care & Services, Corporate Training Solutions, 06/12
- Debt Collection over the phone, 2011
- Fraud Prevention, 2011
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 10/20/79
- Nationality: Namibian
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Management Accountant
Namport
04.2015 - Current
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
Namport
12.2009 - 03.2015
Regional Cost Accountant
Trans Namib
10.2007 - 12.2009
Accountant: Accounts Receivables - Revenue Accounting
Air Namibia
11.2006 - 10.2007
Accountant Collections
Municipality of Hentiesbay
11.2005 - 10.2006
Administrative Assistant (IFMS Project – Integrated Financial Management Systems)
Ministry of Finance
09.2004 - 10.2005
Assistant Accountant: Accounts Receivables
Ministry of Finance
08.2002 - 08.2004
Teller
Bank Windhoek
11.2001 - 07.2002
Tutor for Financial Accounting
Polytechnic of Namibia
01.2001 - 12.2001
Master of Business Administration -
Liverpool John Moores University
Certificate in Business Analytics -
University of Cape Town
Management Development Programme -
University of Stellenbosch
Bachelor of Technology - Accounting & Finance
Polytechnic of Namibia (NUST)
National Diploma - Accounting & Finance
Polytechnic of Namibia (NUST)
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