Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
AssistantManager
Irja Keendawala

Irja Keendawala

Windhoek

Summary

I possess traits such as problem solver, the ability to work as part of a team, independently if need be and being able to adapt and integrate effectively. I am a business and finance professional with strong technical skills and experience in taxation, financial accounting, management accounting, corporate governance, and auditing. By profession, I am a qualified Chartered Accountant in Namibia, registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountant in Namibia (ICAN) with over 5 years working experience.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant manager

Deloitte & Touche Namibia
10.2022 - Current
  • Preparation of financial statements on CaseWare and review of financial statements prepared on CaseWare
  • Processing of accounting information on PASTEL
  • Provided technical IFRS accounting advisory on application of IFRS to various transactions and drafting management position paper
  • Performance of due diligence with focus on accounting and financial reporting aspects
  • Drafting of ESG Framework for banking clients
  • Integrated report adoption and review of clients integrated report to ensure it is inline with the integrated reporting framework
  • Supported in the application adoption process during the implementation of the application at clients
  • Training client staff on the use of applications we helped implement
  • Preparation of proposals, training material and reports using PowerPoint
  • Overseeing different projects and being the project lead
  • Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
  • Mentored junior team members, improving overall performance and team success.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of clients across various industries.
  • Monitored ongoing projects closely for quality assurance and ensuring adherence to deadlines.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, leading to increased loyalty and retention.
  • Built client relationships by responding to inquiries, identifying and assessing clients' needs, resolving problems, and following up with potential and existing clients.

Senior Audit Analyst

Deloitte Australia
01.2022 - 09.2022
  • Perform auditing fieldwork in terms of Audit Standards for Private Entities (ASPE) and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) within the engagement management system (EMS)
  • Audit planning
  • Reduced audit timeframes with efficient planning, scheduling, and execution of audit procedures.
  • Testing of internal controls at the PCAOB level
  • Improved internal control systems for financial reporting by conducting thorough audits and providing actionable recommendations.
  • Communicated audit findings
  • Work allocation to the audit team
  • Mentored junior auditors on proper audit methodologies, contributing to their growth within the organization.
  • Communicate audit progress to the audit manager and audit client management
  • Perform engagement risk assessment and audit planning
  • Prepare reports for communication to the audit committee of the client
  • Prepare management representation letter
  • Strengthened client relationships through regular communication and timely delivery of results
  • Prepare audit budget, monitor throughout the audit, and perform variance analysis
  • Communicated with client staff to obtain necessary information for audits.
  • Prepare audit reports.

Audit Senior

Deloitte & Touche Namibia
01.2021 - 12.2021
  • Perform auditing fieldwork in terms of International Auditing Standards (ISAs) within the engagement management system (EMS)
  • Audit planning
  • Communicated audit findings by preparing and disseminating final reports to management
  • On-the-job coaching and mentoring
  • Work allocation to the audit team
  • Communicate audit progress to audit manager and audit client management
  • Perform engagement risk assessment and audit planning
  • Prepare audit reports for communication to the audit committee of the client
  • Prepare management representation letter
  • Prepare audit budget, monitor throughout the audit and perform variance analysis
  • Prepare audit reports.
  • Assisted in the preparation of audit reports, presenting findings clearly and concisely to senior management for review.
  • Mitigated risks associated with fraud by designing and executing specialized audit tests targeting high-risk areas.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients, addressing concerns promptly and providing timely updates on progress throughout the engagement process.

Audit Trainee

Deloitte & Touché Namibia
01.2019 - 12.2020
  • Perform audit fieldwork in terms of the International Auditing Standards (IASs) within the Engagement Management System (EMS)
  • Planned and executed audits by accepted standard operating procedures
  • Performed detailed testing of account balances, transactions, and disclosures to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial records.
  • Prepared working papers, reports and supporting documentation during the audits
  • Obtain an understanding of the client's business
  • Assist the senior with on-the-job coaching of the audit assistant
  • Communicate potential findings to the audit senior or manager
  • Manage audit expectations regarding work deliverables and communicate overruns to the senior or manager
  • Make every effort to understand the client and high-risk areas affecting the client and industry and understand every aspect of the client business in preparation for the senior role
  • Inspect the financial statements against the audited trial balance and ensure disclosures and presentations are under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
  • Supported senior auditors in planning engagement strategies based on clients'' risk profiles and business objectives.
  • Gained valuable experience in various industries by working on diverse client engagements.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of accounting standards and regulations through continuous professional development activities.
  • Leveraged technology tools such as Excel spreadsheets, data analysis software, and audit-specific applications to enhance audit effectiveness.
  • Ensured timely completion of audit tasks by efficiently managing workload under tight deadlines without compromising quality or attention to detail.

Finance Intern

Debmarine Namibia
11.2018 - 12.2018
  • Supported organizational account management and financial duties under direct supervision.
  • Managed sensitive information responsibly, maintaining strict confidentiality standards.
  • Performed ad-hoc financial analyses as requested by management

Education

Board 2

The ICAN Assessment of Professional Competence
Windhoek
04.2021

Board 1

The ICAN Initial Test of Competency Examination
Windhoek
06.2019

Honors Bachelor of Commerce - Chartered Accountancy

Northwest University
Potchefstroom, South Africa
03.2019

Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accountancy) -

University of Namibia
Windhoek
04.2018

Skills

  • Financial Reporting
  • Statutory and legal compliance (Namibian Tax act and companies act of Namibia)
  • Internal Financial Controls
  • External Audit
  • Project planning and task prioritization
  • Client Relations
  • Microsoft office
  • Project Management
  • Team leadership and teamwork
  • Analytics and Problem Solving
  • Time Management
  • Good Communication

References

  • Arlington Matenda, CFO, Standard Bank Namibia, +264 (0)81 360 3617


  • Abel Akayombokwa, Former Partner - Deloitte Namibia, +264 (0)81 685 4765


  • Koziba Helmich, Assurance Manager - Deloitte Namibia, +264 (0)81 415 5496


Timeline

Assistant manager

Deloitte & Touche Namibia
10.2022 - Current

Senior Audit Analyst

Deloitte Australia
01.2022 - 09.2022

Audit Senior

Deloitte & Touche Namibia
01.2021 - 12.2021

Audit Trainee

Deloitte & Touché Namibia
01.2019 - 12.2020

Finance Intern

Debmarine Namibia
11.2018 - 12.2018

Board 2

The ICAN Assessment of Professional Competence

Board 1

The ICAN Initial Test of Competency Examination

Honors Bachelor of Commerce - Chartered Accountancy

Northwest University

Bachelor of Accounting (Chartered Accountancy) -

University of Namibia
Irja Keendawala