Maria Christina Cambouris
Strand
Summary
A seasoned professional with a proven track record in entrepreneurship and administration, I have significantly enhanced operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction. My expertise spans management, bookkeeping, and counseling, underpinned by a strong ability to lead teams and drive revenue growth. Skilled in personal management, I excel in high-stakes environments, consistently delivering results.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Pastoral Care
Business Owner
01.2011 - Current
- Provided pastoral care to families within the church community.
- Provided pastoral care for students and youth, including counseling sessions and one-on-one meetings.
- Assisted with pastoral care initiatives such as hospital visits or home visits when needed.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations requiring urgent pastoral care.
Debt Counselor
Business Owner
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Assisted clients in developing a budget and creating an action plan to reduce debts.
- Negotiated with creditors on behalf of clients, seeking lower interest rates or reduced payments.
- Created debt management plans, spending plans or budgets to assist clients in meeting financial goals.
- Provided advice on how to use credit responsibly and avoid future debt problems.
Service Adviser & Credit Controller
MAN Truck & Bus Service
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Exceeded established service goals while leveraging customer service, sales and employee management best practices.
- Enhanced productivity and customer service levels by anticipating needs and delivering outstanding support.
- Maintained records of customer interactions and transactions.
- Determined schedules, sequences and assignments for work activities, based on priority, quantity of equipment and personnel skill.
Branch Manager
Capital Bank
Pietermaritzburg
01.2004 - 12.2004
- Increased efficiency and drove branch revenue by optimizing daily operations.
- Directed daily operations of the branch, including customer service, human resources, and marketing activities.
- Approved or denied loan applications based on established guidelines.
- Delivered high levels of customer service to facilitate smooth processes.
Assistant Manager
Enforce Security
Pietermaritzburg
01.2003 - 12.2003
- Improved resource planning and allocation by streamlining security and administrative programs, business management operations, and inventory control.
- Implemented an incident response process to ensure timely resolution of security issues.
- Managed a team of security personnel, providing ongoing training and performance evaluations.
- Coordinated with law enforcement and emergency responders during security incidents.
Assistant Manager
Stanville Inn
Bloemfontein
03.2003 - 11.2003
- Participated in team meetings to discuss strategies for improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Resolved customer complaints in an efficient manner in order to maintain high standards of hospitality services.
- Mentored new employees, demonstrating best methods for servicing clients and guests.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
Manager and Assistant
Bordeaux Restaurant and Coffee Shop
Colesberg
12.2001 - 09.2002
- Supervised activities of dining room staff to maintain service levels and support guest needs.
- Oversaw the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling and evaluation of employees.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Analyzed financial statements to identify areas of improvement or cost savings opportunities.
Owner
BGK Bookshop & Internet Shop
Colesberg
10.1996 - 12.2001
- Developed strategies to increase sales and customer satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate records of all sales, inventory levels, and customer information.
- Procured merchandise from vendors based on price, quantity, quality and delivery date.
- Developed and implemented store policies to ensure maximum customer satisfaction.
Receptionist, Accounting, Administration
Rous Veterinary Clinic
Colesberg
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Assisted in surgery preparation by setting up instruments, supplies and equipment prior to procedure start time.
- Offered every owner exceptional customer service and support as well as top-notch care to each animal.
- Addressed healthcare needs of animals by coordinating with veterinarians and following orders.
- Answered phone inquiries from clients regarding appointment scheduling, services offered.
Clerk, Cashier, Receptionist & Administration, Private Secretary for Chief Executive
Municipality of Cradock
Cradock
01.1991 - 01.1993
- Maintained organized filing system of paper documents.
- Handled confidential documents with discretion.
- Ordered supplies as needed; tracked inventory levels and placed orders with vendors when necessary.
- Pleasantly welcomed visitors, answered phone calls, and maintained front reception desk.
Stock Controller Clerk
South African Railways
Cradock
12.1981
- Verified invoices against purchase orders to ensure accuracy of deliveries received from suppliers.
- Coordinated with management to identify and resolve inventory discrepancies.
- Managed the returns process, ensuring all relevant documentation was completed accurately.
- Assisted with the preparation of annual inventories and periodic audits.
Stock Controller, Cashier, Creditor & Debit Controller
Pioneer Ford
Cradock
- Evaluated collection reports to determine collections status and outstanding balance amounts.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to secure best terms possible.
- Counted and balanced cashier drawers.
- Completed daily recovery tasks to keep areas clean and neat for maximum productivity.
Education
Certificate - Debt Counselling
National Credit Regulator
10.2009
Certificate - People in Transport + Transfer Course
Wheels in Motion Pro
JHB10.2007
Certificate - Truck Basics & Maintenance
MAN Truck & Bus
Cape Town07-2007
Certificate - Human Resources, Management & Training
School of Business & Technology
KZN09.2005
Certificate - Microsoft Excel 2000
New Horizon Computer Learning Centre
03.2004
Computer Short Course - Pastel 5, Word Perfect, Internet Skills, Word 2000, Windows 1998, Excel
Mobile Computer Academy
07.2000
Diploma - Pastoral care
AFM Theological College
Auklandpark06.2000
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - 1 year completed
UNISA
01.1996
Senior Certificate -
UNISA
01.1992
SA Defense Force -
SKTR
01.1983
Certificate - Stock Controlling
Uitenhage
Uitenhage01.1981
Skills
- Entrepreneurship
- Administration
- Personal management
- Bookkeeping
- Management
- Counselling
Languages
- English
- Afrikaans
References
- Dr Gavin Rous, Owner, Veterinary Clinic, Colesberg, 051-7530125, 051-7530608
- Mr JJ Cartsens, Head of Health Department, Municipality of Cradock, 0481-3100
- Mr GM Raubenheimer, Bloemfontein, 051-4477471
- Mrs Helmien van Zyl, Friend, 021-8544705
- Mrs Arnolda Otto, Friend, 082 724 2360
Personal Information
- ID Number: 5410160110082
- Date of Birth: 10/16/54
- Nationality: South African
Languages
Afrikaans
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Timeline
Pastoral Care
Business Owner
01.2011 - Current
Debt Counselor
Business Owner
01.2008 - 01.2011
Service Adviser & Credit Controller
MAN Truck & Bus Service
01.2006 - 01.2008
Branch Manager
Capital Bank
01.2004 - 12.2004
Assistant Manager
Stanville Inn
03.2003 - 11.2003
Assistant Manager
Enforce Security
01.2003 - 12.2003
Manager and Assistant
Bordeaux Restaurant and Coffee Shop
12.2001 - 09.2002
Owner
BGK Bookshop & Internet Shop
10.1996 - 12.2001
Receptionist, Accounting, Administration
Rous Veterinary Clinic
01.1994 - 01.1996
Clerk, Cashier, Receptionist & Administration, Private Secretary for Chief Executive
Municipality of Cradock
01.1991 - 01.1993
Stock Controller Clerk
South African Railways
12.1981
Stock Controller, Cashier, Creditor & Debit Controller
Pioneer Ford
Certificate - Debt Counselling
National Credit Regulator
Certificate - People in Transport + Transfer Course
Wheels in Motion Pro
Certificate - Truck Basics & Maintenance
MAN Truck & Bus
Certificate - Human Resources, Management & Training
School of Business & Technology
Certificate - Microsoft Excel 2000
New Horizon Computer Learning Centre
Computer Short Course - Pastel 5, Word Perfect, Internet Skills, Word 2000, Windows 1998, Excel
Mobile Computer Academy
Diploma - Pastoral care
AFM Theological College
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) - 1 year completed
UNISA
Senior Certificate -
UNISA
SA Defense Force -
SKTR
Certificate - Stock Controlling
Uitenhage
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