Smiley Ishmael Sebolao
Accountant
Washington,DC
Summary
Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA) with progressive international experience in AR, AP, FA and Payroll Modules, Deferred Revenue, Account Reconciliations, Expense Accrual, Month-end closing procedure and Journal Entries, Monthly Management Accounts, IFRS-Statutory reporting, financial controls and Managing Audits (Internal & External). Seek to leverage expertise in General Ledger, Fixed Asset Management, and month-end closing procedures to support the Accounting Manager and contribute to strategic financial operations. Committed to a rapid transition to US GAAP and regulatory standards, with an Enrolled Agent (EA) credential currently in progress (expected 2026).
Self-motivated professional successful in seizing viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Background in increasing profits, reducing costs, and transforming customer service standards. Experienced in leading and supervising operational and sales teams.
Entrepreneur with strong background in launching and scaling successful ventures. Skilled in strategic planning, business development, and financial management. Known for fostering team collaboration and consistently achieving high-impact results. Adept at adapting to changing market conditions and driving innovation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Founder and Director
Legakwe Investments
01.2018 - Current
- Established and led a successful property management and development company, overseeing all financial aspects of the development lifecycle from acquisition to completion.
- Managed project finances, meticulously tracking expenses and coordinating with structural engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors to ensure the timely delivery of projects within budget and to high quality standards.
- Developed strategic investment plans to enhance portfolio performance and drive profitability.
- Established partnerships with key stakeholders to expand market presence and opportunities.
- Oversaw operational efficiency, implementing process improvements to reduce costs and enhance productivity.
- Mentored emerging entrepreneurs, providing guidance on business development and growth strategies.
- Developed strategic investment plans to drive business growth and market expansion.
- Oversaw financial analysis and risk assessment to optimize investment decisions and profitability.
- Established partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance investment opportunities and portfolio diversity.
- Led market research initiatives to identify emerging trends and inform strategic direction.
Finance and Administration Manager
Institute of Development Management (IDM)
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Ensured that the revenue recognition of postgraduate programs upheld IFRS 15 revenue compliant recognition processes.
- Reconciled the key groups accounts for government and institutional sponsored students to ensure that all invoices and payments received were bona fide.
- Performed monthly AR and GL reconciliations to maintain cutoff procedure.
- Prepared monthly journal entries to recognize deferred revenue.
- Reconciled the deferred revenue schedules with the GL to eliminate errors and maintain completeness.
- Streamlined administrative processes to enhance operational efficiency.
- Managed scheduling and resource allocation for multiple projects.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new administrative staff.
- Oversaw budget management and financial reporting for administrative functions.
Finance Manager
Botswana Insurance Fund Management (BIFM)
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Directed the full budgeting, procurement, and financial reporting cycles, enhancing forecast reliability by coordinating with AP and Procurement to capture both recorded expenses and committed costs (Purchase Orders).
- Managed an annual budget of $20M
- Prepared statutory financial reports in compliance with IFRS and the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) rules.
- Managed internal and external audit (interim and final) to comply with the statutory regulations.
- Developed financial strategies to enhance investment performance and optimize portfolio management.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement risk management frameworks and compliance measures.
- Led financial planning and analysis initiatives to optimize investment strategies.
- Developed and implemented budget management processes to enhance financial accuracy.
- Oversaw financial reporting and compliance to ensure adherence to regulatory standards.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic investment decisions and risk assessments.
Finance and Administration Manager
Botswana Accountancy College (BAC)
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Revenue recognition of about 30 complex products that straggle accounting periods.
- Maintained and updated $12m Fixed Asset and Construction in Progress for the expansion of the college.
- Developed financial models and profitability reports for different course offerings to support management decision-making.
- Facilitated communication between departments to improve collaboration.
- Led initiatives to enhance office productivity and employee engagement.
- Evaluated and optimized office procedures using best practices.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and team cohesion.
Group Accountant
Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL)
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Assisted in drafting BIHL consolidated financial statements for group companies, supporting external audits and adherence to listing standards.
- Streamlined Accounts Payable processes, improving the timely recognition of expenses which strengthened variance analysis and cash flow forecasting.
- Maintained and updated Fixed Asset and passed journal entries to recognize monthly depreciation charges.
- Managed financial reporting processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Streamlined month-end closing procedures, enhancing accuracy and efficiency leading to finalized reports in day 2 after period close.
- Coordinated audits, liaising with external auditors to facilitate smooth operations leading to 1 week of manpower saving.
Education
Master of Science - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants CIMA
Botswana Accountancy College
Gaborone 04.2001 -
Skills
- Accounts Receivable (Full Cycle)
- Account Reconciliations
- Deferred Revenue Management
- Month-End Close / Journal Entries
- Accounting for Fixed Assets
- IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Certification
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) | UK
Affiliations
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
- Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants
Authorized to work in the USA
Authorized to work in the USA (G4 Visa, Employment Authorization Document, SSN)
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 5staff members.
Timeline
Founder and Director
Legakwe Investments
01.2018 - Current
Finance and Administration Manager
Institute of Development Management (IDM)
01.2015 - 01.2018
Finance Manager
Botswana Insurance Fund Management (BIFM)
01.2013 - 01.2015
Finance and Administration Manager
Botswana Accountancy College (BAC)
01.2010 - 01.2013
Group Accountant
Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL)
01.2005 - 01.2010
Master of Science - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants CIMA
Botswana Accountancy College
04.2001 -