Niza Siwila
Finance Business Partner
LONDON
Summary
Dynamic Finance Manager with over 25 years of expertise in financial management and business operations, recognized for driving significant growth and operational efficiency. Proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, and compliance, successfully scaling businesses from single-site to multi-site operations while ensuring profitability. At Iron Mountain, played a pivotal role in increasing revenue tenfold over five years through the implementation of robust financial strategies. Adept at fostering strategic partnerships and leveraging analytical skills to enhance business processes, delivering insightful performance dashboards that support cross-functional teams in achieving organizational goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Partner, Proprietor
Lilywhites
2012.01 - 2024.08
- Directed comprehensive financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis, to ensure ongoing business sustainability.
- Oversaw statutory compliance processes for VAT, PAYE, and self-assessment filings with meticulous attention to detail.
- Managed interactions with HMRC and external accountants, ensuring timely resolution of inquiries and accurate submissions.
- Scaled the business from a single outlet to a multi outlet operation while maintaining profitable operations; planned and modelled expansion costs, break-even analysis, and ROI for each new site.
- Designed and implemented pricing frameworks and promotional impact models that bolstered average margin per transaction.
- Instituted KPIs and dashboards for sales, gross margin, costs, and cash performance to enhance multi-site reporting.
- Created advanced financial models to evaluate product viability and profitability.
- Developed insightful data-driven strategies that informed key decision-making processes within the organization.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders for improved collaboration and strategic alignment.
- Increased client satisfaction by streamlining business processes and implementing innovative solutions.
- Optimized team performance by providing continuous feedback, coaching, and development opportunities.
Finance Manager (Divisional)
Iron Mountain
2006.03 - 2011.02
- Held ultimate responsibility for all financial operations, controls, and reporting activities including month-end closure.
- Transformed the division into the leading company within its sector, capturing over 20% of the UK market within five years and driving a tenfold increase in revenue.
- Led and mentored a finance team of 12, overseeing purchase ledger, credit control, and payroll functions.
- Engineered a reduction in debtor days by 13, achieved through the implementation of robust and accurate billing processes combined with strategic credit control measures.
- Executed variance analysis against budget and forecast, accompanied by insightful commentary.
- Collaborated with local and group auditors to facilitate seamless auditing processes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Prepared all year-end statutory accounts.
- Introduced and implemented a new order-to-pay cycle, enabling greater control over business expenditure and enhancing overall financial discipline.
- Oversaw successful integration of financial systems post-merger, ensuring seamless transition for all stakeholders.
- Reimagined and reengineered financial workflows multiple times, delivering significant operational efficiencies and improved process effectiveness.
- Managed indirect and direct tax filings and submissions comprehensively.
- Provided strategic input for capital expenditure planning and contract negotiations.
- Supported business growth through contract valuations and reviews, fostering robust stakeholder relationships.
- Trained new and existing staff members in various financial procedures to prepare for job requirements.
- Enhanced budget management by implementing expense tracking and cost reduction strategies.
- Improved financial forecasting accuracy, utilizing advanced analytical models.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams for strategic business planning and growth initiatives.
Management Accountant
Secure Shredding
2000.01 - 2006.03
- Prepared monthly management accounts and conducted thorough variance analysis, culminating in the development of performance dashboards.
- Responsible for the P&I and balance sheet including fixed asset register.
- Supported investment appraisals and pricing strategies through advanced scenario modelling capabilities.
- Engineered and monitored KPIs to evaluate both financial and operational performance metrics.
- Maintained stringent internal controls and ensured regulatory compliance across all operational sectors.
- Collaborated effectively with department heads to drive performance enhancements based on insightful financial data.
- Implemented cost allocation methodologies for better understanding departmental expenses and driving accountability within the organization.
- Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies in workflows and implementing process improvements.
- Ensured compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and industry best practices through continuous monitoring and updating of accounting policies.
- Strengthened internal controls by conducting regular audits and recommending policy updates as needed.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including department heads, vendors, and banking partners.
- Streamlined financial data collection by implementing new software solutions that integrated seamlessly with existing systems.
- Collaborated closely with external auditors during annual reviews, ensuring timely completion of audit procedures without any significant findings or adjustments required.
- Reviewed accounts, resolved coding areas, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
Accounts Assistant
Lancelot Furniture
1998.02 - 2000.03
- Accurately processed journal entries and invoices in strict compliance with company procedures.
- Prepared payment runs and calculated product costings to support comprehensive financial operations.
- Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
- Prepared and mailed invoices to customers, processed payments, and documented account updates.
- Communicated regularly with customers regarding account questions and issues.
- Reduced errors in data entry by implementing a system of double-checking and cross-referencing information.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration within the accounting department.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
- Inspected account books and recorded transactions.
Education
MBA - Business Finance
Luton University
Luton09.1998
BA (Hons) - Business Studies
Hull University
HULL09.1996
Skills
Financial Management
Business development
Performance analysis
Data analysis
Sales strategy development
Technology integration
Expense control
Contract negotiation
Process improvements
Team collaboration
Problem-solving aptitude
Timeline
Business Partner, Proprietor
Lilywhites
2012.01 - 2024.08
Finance Manager (Divisional)
Iron Mountain
2006.03 - 2011.02
Management Accountant
Secure Shredding
2000.01 - 2006.03
Accounts Assistant
Lancelot Furniture
1998.02 - 2000.03
BA (Hons) - Business Studies
Hull University
MBA - Business Finance
Luton University