Michele Plaatjie
Windhoek
Summary
I am a qualified finance professional with dual credentials as a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), with over 5 years of financial leadership experience across corporate finance, compliance management and financial services. As a finance and compliance professional I am skilled in financial planning, tax administration, corporate governance, and policy development with proven expertise in financial management, cash flow forecasting, external audit coordination and regulatory compliance. I am a detail-oriented and results-driven individual, with exceptional analytical skills and the ability to translate business needs into actionable financial strategies. Adept at managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment while fostering collaboration across diverse teams.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer
Mopane Asset Management
04.2021 - Current
- Full responsibility for accounting and recordkeeping, preparation of management accounts, and coordination of Annual Financial Statements (AFS) for the Asset Management Company, Unit Trust Management Company, and Unit Trust Funds in compliance with IFRS.
- Develop annual budgets in collaboration with the executive committe, monitored variances, and implemented corrective actions.
- Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts to ensure liquidity and optimize working capital.
- Manage banking relationships, payment approvals, and cash optimization strategies.
- Coordinate and manage the external audit process, ensuring timely completion and compliance with audit standards.
- Oversee AML compliance and regulatory adherence (Tax, NAMFISA, FIC, and other applicable laws).
- Manage tax compliance including PAYE, VAT and corporate tax filings.
- Responsible for company secretarial duties in liaison with the Company Secretary, ensuring all company details are up to date and approved by NAMFISA.
- Implement internal controls and risk management frameworks to safeguard assets and ensure compliance.
- Direct HR management, including payroll preparation and payments, recruitment, and performance management.
- Manage procurement processes, vendor relationships and office administration.
- Oversee IT management, ensuring system reliability and data security.
- Serve as an Exco member, contributing to strategic decision-making and organizational governance.
- Part of the team responsible for preparing and presenting portfolio performance reports to clients, providing feedback on investment strategies, and supporting efforts to onboard new clients and grow assets under management.
- Played a key role in the setting up, obtaining Namfisa license registration, and developing and executing the implementation plan for operations of the Unit Trust Management Company, in collaboration with the other stakeholders.
Audit Manager
EY Namibia
10.2020 - 04.2021
- Developed audit strategies, risk assessments, and work programs for audit engagements.
- Supervised and coached audit teams, ensuring timely completion of fieldwork and adherence to quality standards.
- Acted as primary contact for clients, addressing technical queries and providing value-added insights.
- Reviewed financial statements for accuracy and compliance with IFRS and regulatory requirements.
- Ensured compliance with firm methodology and regulatory standards during audits.
- Assisted in proposal preparation and client presentations to secure new engagements.
- Collaborated with the Audit Partner to present audit reports and financial statements to clients, explaining key findings and recommendations.
- WIP management, engagement econometrics and setting engagement budgets (reconciliation of actuals to budget).
Trainee Accountant
EY Namibia
01.2016 - 02.2019
- Completed a structured training program under a registered audit firm, gaining comprehensive exposure to auditing, accounting, financial management, tax and compliance.
- Performed substantive testing, analytical reviews, and control evaluations for clients across various industries.
- Performed stock counts.
- Developing an understanding of various client's businesses and operations, including their accounting systems, related internal controls and business risks.
- Assisted in drafting and reviewing financial statements in compliance with IFRS and local regulations.
- Prepared audit working papers, ensuring accuracy and completeness for review by senior auditors.
- Supported preparation of VAT, PAYE, and income tax returns for clients.
- Liaised with client finance teams to obtain supporting documentation and resolve audit queries.
- Identified potential audit risks and reported findings to senior team members.
- Collaborated with audit teams during engagements, ensuring timely completion of assignments.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma - Financial Planning
University of The Free State
01-2022
Postgraduate Diploma - Applied Accounting Sciences
University of South Africa
01-2017
Advanced Diploma - Accounting Sciences
University of South Africa
01-2016
Bachelor of Accounting - Chartered Accountancy
University of South Africa
01-2015
National Senior Secondary Certificate -
Dr. Lemmer High School
01-2009
Skills
- Team Management
- Leadership
- Effective Communication
- Strategic Planning
- Critical Thinking
- Business Acumen
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Risk Management
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Reporting, Planning & Analysis
- Regulatory Compliance
- Cost Control & Efficiency
Professional Memberships
- ICAN (CA (NAM)), 2019
- SAICA (CA (SA)), 2021
- The FPI (CFP), 2025
Professional Exams
- Certified Financial Planner Professional Competency Exam, 2024
- Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), 2018
- Initial Test of Competence (ITC), 2018
Audit Client Experience
Financial Services
Momentum Metropolitan Group Namibia
Sanlam Investment Management (Pty) Ltd
Medical Aid Funds
Bankmed Namibia
Namibia Medical Care
Retirement Funds
Retirement Fund for Local Authorities & utility Services in Namibia
Namport Retirement Fund
Namdeb Provident Fund
Orion Umbrella Pension and Provident Fund
Fundsatwork Umbrella Pension and Provident Fund Namibia
Non-profit Organizations
The Society for Family Health
DAPP Namibia
SASSCAL
Construction
ABB Namibia (Pty) Ltd
Stahl Construction (Pty) Ltd
Manufacturing
Wispeco Namibia Group
Mining
Reptile Uranium Namibia (Pty) Ltd
Logistics
Bulk Haulage Logistics (Pty) Ltd
State Owned Entity
Namibia Water Corporation Ltd
Publishing
Namibia Publishing House (Pty) Ltd
Macmillan Education Namibia (Pty) Ltd
References
- Mrs. Danica Van Wyk, Audit Partner, EY Namibia, +264 81 303 0970
- Mrs. Fadzai Madzamba, Audit Partner, EY Namibia, +264 81 494 2166
- Miss. Dupe Owolabi, Legal Entity Controller, Goldman Sachs, Dupe.A.Owolabi@gmail.com, +44 746 435 4552
- Ms. Wilna Konjore, Senior Audit Manager, EY Namibia, +264 81 221 8657
Extracurricular Activities
ICAN Technical, Audit and Finance Committee Member
Profile
Name: Michele Plaatjie
Maiden name: Lourens
Gender: Female
Marital status: Married
DOB: 08/06/91
Nationality: Namibian
Drivers licence: Code B (Valid)
Languages: English (Fluent), Afrikaans (Fluent)
Hobbies: Reading, Painting, Cooking and baking, Hiking and outdoor activities
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer & Compliance Officer
Mopane Asset Management
04.2021 - Current
Audit Manager
EY Namibia
10.2020 - 04.2021
Trainee Accountant
EY Namibia
01.2016 - 02.2019
Postgraduate Diploma - Financial Planning
University of The Free State
Postgraduate Diploma - Applied Accounting Sciences
University of South Africa
Advanced Diploma - Accounting Sciences
University of South Africa
Bachelor of Accounting - Chartered Accountancy
University of South Africa
National Senior Secondary Certificate -
Dr. Lemmer High School