Business Consultant
Andrie Marais Business Consulting
I obtained my Bachelors of Accounting degree from the University of Stellenbosch in 1997, and started my professional career at Johann Sadie & Vennote, a small auditing firm in Malmesbury.
This is where I was introduced to the agricultural industry and had a number of grape and wheat farmers as clients. I also experienced “box jobs” first-hand – a client coming in once a year with all his financial documents presented in some or other cardboard box, for you to make sense of and prepare their annual financial statements and tax returns.After 2½ years I moved on to MD Accountants & Auditors Inc., a medium sized auditing firm in the Cape Town southern suburbs. Here I headed up the accounting department and was the professional assistant to one of the partners of the firm. I performed a monthly management accounts review function to a number of clients and was also responsible for the sale and implementation of Pastel accounting packages as well as providing training to my clients’ accounting teams.
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Business & Accounting Consultant / Owner
BizConsulting – Wellington
Provides professional accounting and business consulting services including management accounts review, budgeting, cost analysis, cash flow management, forecasts and risk management. Also supplies accounting software solutions, implementation and training, compilation engagements for annual financial statements, and personal income tax services
(Short-term / Contract)
Finance & Operations Support
Cape Brewing Company – Spice Route Farm
Briefly assisted with finance and operational administration, including payments, raw material ordering, importing specialised brewing equipment, completing customs accounts, and liaising with banks for foreign loan funding applications.
2003 – 2009
Financial Management Team Member (Promoted to CFO)
Fairview Group of Companies – Paarl
Joined Fairview’s financial management team and later progressed into a senior leadership role. My responsibilities included financial reporting, budgeting, cash flow management and operational financial oversight across multiple companies within the group.
1999 – 2003
Head of Accounting Department / Professional Assistant to Partner
MD Accountants & Auditors Inc. – Cape Town (Southern Suburbs)
Headed up the accounting department and assisted one of the firm’s partners. I performed monthly management accounts reviews for various clients and was responsible for the sale, implementation and training of Pastel accounting packages and client accounting teams.
1997 – 1999
Trainee / Accounting & Audit Clerk
Johann Sadie & Vennote – Malmesbury
Started my professional career at a small auditing firm where I gained hands-on experience in accounting, annual financial statements and tax returns, including working closely with agricultural clients such as grape and wheat farmers.
Education
1994 - 1997
Bachelor of Accounting Degree
University of Stellenbosch
A comprehensive accounting qualification providing a strong foundation in financial accounting, taxation, auditing, management accounting and business law, with a focus on practical financial reporting and sound financial decision-making.
Skills & Expertise
Review of Management Accounts & Budget Preparation
Stay in control of your business finances with accurate monthly reporting and structured budgeting. I review your management accounts to ensure the numbers make sense, identify trends early, and help you plan realistically for the months ahead.
Cost Management (Cost Accounting & Trend Analysis)
Reduce unnecessary spending and improve profitability by understanding where your money is going. I assist with cost tracking, cost accounting, and trend analysis to highlight cost drivers, spot inefficiencies, and support better decision-making.
Cash Flow Review & Management
Cash flow is the heartbeat of any business. I help you manage your cash flow requirements by monitoring inflows and outflows, planning ahead for expenses, and ensuring you always have enough liquidity to operate confidently.
Financial Forecasting & Bank Liaison
Make informed business decisions with reliable financial forecasts. I assist with compiling forecasts and financial projections and can liaise with banks where required, supporting funding applications, finance discussions, and financial documentation.
Risk Identification & Risk Management Support
Every business has risk – the key is managing it before it becomes a problem. I help identify financial and operational risk areas, and provide practical guidance to reduce exposure, strengthen controls, and improve overall business stability.
Accounting Software Sales, Implementation & Staff Training
Get the right accounting system in place and make sure your team knows how to use it effectively. I assist with the selection and sale of accounting software, implement the system correctly, and provide training to staff to ensure smooth adoption and accurate ongoing processing.
Independent Reviews & Compilation Engagements (Annual Financial Statements)
Ensure your Annual Financial Statements are professionally prepared and compliant. I provide independent review and compilation services, helping you meet reporting requirements while presenting your financials clearly and accurately.
Personal Income Tax Returns & Ad Hoc Consulting
From personal tax submissions to once-off support, I offer reliable and professional assistance when you need it. This includes personal income tax returns and ad hoc consulting services tailored to your specific business or financial requirements.
Companies I’ve Worked With
