Nicolette Bekker
Business Professional
Johannesburg
Summary
Accomplished Business Administrator equipped with 20 years of diverse and progressive experience in project and program management. Detail oriented and communication savvy with record of successful project integration. Skilled at defining and controlling scope, achieving project objectives, managing and building cross-functional teams.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
International Freelance Executive Assistant
Self Employed Services
01.2025 - Current
- Provide executive-level support including complex scheduling, email and calendar management, and multi-timezone meeting coordination.
- Draft, review and manage contracts, agreements, and legal documentation ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Conduct legal research to support compliance and decision-making.
- Assist with negotiations and correspondence related to contracts and partnerships.
- Maintain confidential legal and business records with discretion.
- Liaise effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders globally.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Streamlined executive communication by managing emails, phone calls, and scheduling appointments.
Business Administrator
JOC Abrasives
09.2024 - Current
- Delivered administrative and operational support to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with company policies.
- Managed supplier, client and service provider communications, handling queries promptly.
- Processed supplier delivery notes and invoices accurately in Pastel Partner.
- Coordinated procurement of office supplies, PPE, vehicle and forklift servicing.
- Ensured compliance with B-BBEE, POPIA, Compensation Commission, Skills Development, Employment Equity, and insurance requirements.
- Submitted quarterly Statistics South Africa reports and supported annual stocktaking.
- Managed VIP payroll processing, PAYE, EMP201 submissions via SARS eFiling.
- Captured employee time and attendance using ERS Biometric system; calculated and verified weekly timesheets.
- Administered onboarding documentation, employment contracts, and Provident Fund forms.
- Managed Provident Fund claims and confirmed member contributions.
- Drafted contracts for casual staff, processed terminations, and supported disciplinary hearings in line with labour legislation.
- Drafted and reviewed contracts and lease agreements for suppliers and tenants.
- Maintained legal filing systems and monitored regulatory updates.
- Liaised with warehouse and production teams for procurement of raw materials and supplies.
- Coordinated logistics for collections and deliveries; resolved supplier issues.
- Maintained supplier price lists and order records in Pastel; prepared weekly reports.
- Provided backup support during staff absences.
- Reconciled bank accounts and processed petty cash and credit card transactions.
- Prepared VAT, UIF, PAYE returns and managed payments via Standard Bank Business Online.
- Created and maintained stock items and bills of materials; supported audits and system roll-overs.
- Performed full creditor and debtor functions during absences, including invoice capturing, reconciliations, payment scheduling, and debt collection.
- Streamlined workflow.
- Prepared operational and salary budgets.
- Observed all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Completed weekly payroll for 50-55 employees.
Executive Leadership & Strategic Operations
Cosmopolitan Projects
06.2007 - 09.2024
- Directed company-wide operations focusing on strategic planning, operational efficiency, and cross-functional alignment.
- Led compliance and risk management, including internal controls and fraud prevention.
- Designed and implemented company-wide systems, policies, and a centralised electronic filing system.
- Coordinated strategic meetings, reporting, and goal execution in partnership with executive leadership.
- Fostered professionalism, innovation, and accountability culture.
- Managed full contract lifecycle: drafting, vetting, risk assessment, and compliance.
- Oversaw property registrations and conveyancing with legal advisors.
- Maintained relationships with legal counsel, financial institutions, and government departments.
- Conducted risk assessments and liaised with auditors.
- Designed and implemented a CRM system to improve client management and retention.
- Developed training manuals, policies, and staff development programmes.
- Managed client communications, complaint resolutions, and key institutional relationships.
- Oversaw KPIs, performance reporting, escalations, loyalty programmes, and retention strategies.
- Directed procurement, document management, and business support services.
- Ensured seamless internal communication, accurate recordkeeping, and structured workflows.
- Supported the Executive Director with special projects, scheduling, and reporting.
- Led corporate social responsibility initiatives aligned with company values.
- Represented the company at stakeholder forums and fostered community partnerships.
- Led multi-disciplinary teams in legal, finance, administration, and customer service.
- Developed policies, SOPs, training manuals, and staff workshops.
- Managed staff performance, mentorship, and succession planning.
Bank Teller
Nedbank LTD
07.2005 - 05.2007
- Delivered frontline banking services including cash handling, account management, and fund transfers.
- Assisted clients with account openings, loan applications, and product enquiries.
- Balanced cash drawers and conducted daily cash reconciliations.
- Ensured compliance with banking regulations and supported branch operations.
International Customer Service Representative
Tesco’s
11.2004 - 05.2005
- Provided customer service to international clients across multiple channels.
- Resolved customer inquiries, complaints, and service requests efficiently.
- Managed account updates, order processing, and payment queries.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to resolve complex issues.
- Maintained accurate customer records and promoted brand loyalty.
Education
Bachelor of Laws - Law
04.2018 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Commerce - Law - Law
01.2013 - 01.2018
400-Hour Legal Practical Vocational Training - Law
08-2023
Sage Pastel Cloud 50 Training - Bookkeeping
03-2025
Skills
Office management
operations coordination
policy compliance
Contract drafting
review
statutory compliance
risk mitigation
Payroll processing
employee onboarding
disciplinary procedures
provident fund management
Client management
complaint resolution
strategic relationship-building
Team leadership
staff training
performance management
succession planning
Electronic filing systems
CRM design and implementation
workflow optimisation
Bank reconciliations
VAT/UIF/PAYE submissions
petty cash management
reporting
Liaison with clients
suppliers
government
and internal teams
Planning and executing CSR initiatives
Sage Pastel
VIP Payroll
Momentum Provident Fund
SARS eFiling
Bitrix
Experian
Microsoft Teams Suite
Microsoft Office Suite
Google Suite
Freshdesk
Reporting Systems
Digital Marketing
Strong organisational and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication
High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments
Conflict resolution and negotiation
Attention to detail and accuracy
Customer-focused mindset with empathy
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Database management
Project oversight
Project collaboration
Time management
Identifying best practices
Process streamlining
Team development
Team collaboration
Human resources management
Timeline
International Freelance Executive Assistant - Self Employed Services
01.2025 - Current
Business Administrator - JOC Abrasives
09.2024 - Current
University of South Africa - Bachelor of Laws, Law
04.2018 - 01.2023
University of South Africa - Bachelor of Commerce - Law, Law
01.2013 - 01.2018
Executive Leadership & Strategic Operations - Cosmopolitan Projects
06.2007 - 09.2024
Bank Teller - Nedbank LTD
07.2005 - 05.2007
International Customer Service Representative - Tesco’s
11.2004 - 05.2005
Gawie Le Roux Institute - 400-Hour Legal Practical Vocational Training, Law
Sage Pastel Accounting - Sage Pastel Cloud 50 Training, Bookkeeping
Accomplishments
- Led a team managing over 2,000 housing registrations annually.
- Secured 2,500+ government subsidies, significantly contributing to business growth.
- Implemented a CRM system improving customer engagement and retention.
- Spearheaded cost-saving initiatives and process optimisation.
- Introduced a paperless office system to optimise operations.
- Streamlined paperless bond application processes, reducing turnaround times.
- Contributed to automation of government subsidy applications, enhancing efficiency.
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Afrikaans
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)