Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Reference Details
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Portia Margaret Fell

Portia Margaret Fell

Eerste River

Summary

Highly experienced Branch Administrator and Sales Support Specialist with over 13 years at ABSA Bank, demonstrating expertise in financial administration, sales support, risk management, and customer service. Adept at document validation, compliance, and liaising with key stakeholders to ensure smooth banking operations.

Currently pursuing an NQF6 Diploma in Banking at Milpark Education, complemented by a Secretarial Certificate from Cape Peninsula University of Technology completed in 2003.

Fluent in English and Afrikaans.

A dedicated professional known for efficiency, accuracy, and customer-centric service in a banking environment.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Branch Operations and Risk Consultant

Absa Bank
01.2021 - 09.2024

Managed monthly reconciliations, income and expenses, cash checks, and balancing to ensure accurate financial records. Oversaw budgeting, stock control, and SAP system operations. Took on a higher level of responsibility, transitioning from seeking approvals to approving all operational and risk-related matters. Acted as stand-in Branch Manager, handling branch operations, risk management, and staff supervision. Chaired risk area meetings, approved leave requests, and managed staff disciplinary actions. Led morning meetings, set sales targets, and allocated tasks to the team. Conducted performance discussions, staff development planning, and assigned training. Managed branch audits, provided feedback, and supported the Area Head Risk Consultant. Frequently stood in for up to three branches, ensuring smooth operations and compliance.

Branch Administrator and Sales Support (DUAL ROLE)

ABSA Bank
01.2011 - 12.2021
  • Experienced in supporting sales and branch administration, ensuring all banking rules and procedures are followed. Skilled in checking documents such as IDs, payslips, and proof of address. Able to review customer finances and make sure they receive the right financial advice before opening accounts. Good at tracking applications, managing approvals, and working with Home Affairs and other teams to fix issues. Provides clear updates to clients, consultants, and managers. Ensures all transactions and paperwork are correct and completed on time. Helps the sales team find business opportunities and supports daily office tasks like scheduling, document handling, and mail management.

Branch Administrator

ABSA BANK
10.2007 - 12.2011
  • Experienced in branch operations, risk control, and financial processes, ensuring all rules and security measures are followed. Able to analyze reports, check risks, and investigate fraud cases. Skilled in introducing new banking procedures and training staff on new systems. Works closely with suppliers and service providers to manage maintenance, orders, and payments. Responsible for monitoring financial records, preparing reports, and managing budgets. Helps with hiring, payroll paperwork, and supporting employees with HR matters. Strong in solving customer complaints and keeping important records for business operations.

Receptionist & Switchboard Operator

Absa Bank
01.2005 - 12.2007
  • Provided bank administrative support by copying, faxing, and filing documents. Answered main phone line and directed calls to the right person. Helped callers by giving information and answering their questions. Assisted walk-in clients and guided them to the correct department. Managed appointments, communicated with clients, and updated records to keep information correct and organized.

Sales Receptionist & Switchboard Operator

ABSA BANK
01.2005 - 01.2007
  • Skilled in handling phone calls, customer service, and front desk support. Ensures all incoming calls are answered professionally and directed to the right person. Able to manage switchboard systems, monitor phone costs, and report any issues. Keeps updated contact lists and ensures staff availability to assist clients. Works on handling customer inquiries, tracking wait times, and reporting issues to management. Experienced in filing, document processing, and organizing office tasks, such as typing reports, arranging catering, and keeping office supplies stocked. Ensures a clean and professional reception area, creating a welcoming environment for clients and staff.

Education

NQF6 Diploma - Banking

Milpark Education
03.2025

Secretarial Certificate - undefined

Cape Peninsula University of Technology
01.2003

High School - English, Afrikaans, Biology, Economics, Accounting

Malibu High School
01.2002

Skills

  • Planning & Diary Management – Organized schedules, appointments, and tasks efficiently
  • Leadership – Provided guidance to staff and acted as stand-in Branch Manager
  • Reporting & Communication – Prepared reports and ensured clear communication with teams
  • Order Management – Processed and tracked orders to ensure smooth operations
  • Learning & Development – Trained and mentored staff for career growth
  • Query Handling – Resolved customer and staff inquiries quickly and professionally
  • Reception Cover – Managed front desk responsibilities when required
  • People Management – Supervised and developed employees to enhance productivity
  • Compliance & Risk – Ensured adherence to banking policies and risk management guidelines
  • Cost Saving & Reconciliation – Managed budgets, reduced costs, and performed reconciliations
  • Customer Retention & Complaints – Handled client concerns to improve satisfaction and loyalty
  • Flexibility & Creativity – Adapted to challenges and implemented innovative solutions

Reference Details

  • Chantel Keet | Absa: Team Leader | 084 520 6950
  • Selwyn Wynand | Absa: Branch Manager | 076 412 1909

Additional Information

Driver license - Code 8

Timeline

Branch Operations and Risk Consultant

Absa Bank
01.2021 - 09.2024

Branch Administrator and Sales Support (DUAL ROLE)

ABSA Bank
01.2011 - 12.2021

Branch Administrator

ABSA BANK
10.2007 - 12.2011

Receptionist & Switchboard Operator

Absa Bank
01.2005 - 12.2007

Sales Receptionist & Switchboard Operator

ABSA BANK
01.2005 - 01.2007

Secretarial Certificate - undefined

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

High School - English, Afrikaans, Biology, Economics, Accounting

Malibu High School

NQF6 Diploma - Banking

Milpark Education
Portia Margaret Fell