Roland Mark Aspeling
Billing And CRM Professional
Johannesburg
Summary
Results-oriented professional with a robust background in billing and customer relationship management (CRM) within business support systems (BSS) environments. Extensive experience in deploying, maintaining, and managing complex billing systems and customer management platforms. Proven track record of leading successful technology modernization programs, integrating diverse applications, and managing large-scale data migrations. Skilled in strategic planning, commercial negotiations, and optimizing operational efficiency, with a strong focus on enhancing customer engagement and ensuring accurate, timely billing operations. Adept at building and leading high-performing teams, implementing governance frameworks, and driving cost-saving initiatives. Known for delivering exceptional results in fast-paced, ever-changing environments.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Senior Product and Platform Owner
MultiChoice Group
Gauteng
07.2020 - 07.2024
- Company Overview: Supporting MultiChoice Group with their Technology Modernization program deployment
- Leading the deployment of Singleview Billing and Salesforce CRM systems to ensure alignment with MultiChoice Group requirements
- Overseeing activities including the deployment of new Billing and Customer platforms using SAFe Agile methodology including integration, and data migration
- Delivering Quick GTM (go-to-market) products and services
- Ensuring alignment with Group Strategy: 'You build it, you own it, you operate it,' taking full accountability from inception to post-deployment management
- Delivering Billing and CRM applications across 21 African Operations.
- Supporting MultiChoice Group with their Technology Modernization program deployment
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Established a positive workplace culture that fostered employee engagement, collaboration, and loyalty.
- Led negotiations for major contracts, securing favorable terms that significantly reduced costs.
CEO
MBI Squared
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Company Overview: Provision of consultancy services to aspiring MVNOs within South Africa
- Clients included Black Label Telecoms, ANC Mobile, Standard Bank, and Glocell
- Project scope covered Product Catalogue Design, Billing, CRM, and Payment application selection, Distribution, and Sales to Order Process
- Development of product roadmap, organogram design and deployment
- Telecommunication policies and procedures to ensure end-to-end revenue assurance and reconciliation to the order to cash processes
- Provision of consultancy services to aspiring MVNOs within South Africa
Group Deputy MD
Glocell
Johannesburg
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: Managing Director for Glocell SP, responsible for the setup and integration of Seventy-Two Mobile (independent Service Provider to Cell C)
- Led commercial negotiations to acquire Nashua Mobile's existing mobile business
- Oversaw selection of Billing and Customer Applications, including data migration
- Managed day-to-day operations for the Mobile Business
- Appointed as Group Chief Commercial Officer in 2015 and Group Chief Strategic Officer in 2017
- Designed and implemented the Group Prepaid Strategy, Glocell Academy business, Glocell Hardware business, and Glocell Insurance business (Cell Captive)
- Provided the roadmap for the customer engagement platform, overseeing development, final deployment, and training
- Ensured accurate billing for 256,000 subscribers monthly
- Managing Director for Glocell SP, responsible for the setup and integration of Seventy-Two Mobile (independent Service Provider to Cell C)
- Assisted in budget planning and management, allocating resources strategically for optimal department performance.
Program Delivery Manager (Contract)
MTNSA
Johannesburg
01.2009 - 10.2013
- Company Overview: Rescued the 'Power-bill' project post-deployment of Billing and CRM solutions
- Built a dynamic and high-performing delivery team within the Information Services division, transforming the department in line with MTN's strategic objectives
- Achieved cost savings over five years amounting to R110 million per annum
- Extended commercial contracts (Managed Services) with 12 international vendors across the USA, UK, Europe, and South Africa
- Introduced governance, policies, and procedures to adapt to the ever-changing environment
- Optimized structure annually to deliver more with fewer resources (budget and capacity)
- Managed a team of 120 international and local contractors, reducing this number to 89 in two years
- Delivered over 200 change requests and 30 projects annually for 8 BSS applications, ensuring accurate and timely Billing operations totalling over R860 million monthly
- Rescued the 'Power-bill' project post-deployment of Billing and CRM solutions
- Acted as Subject Matter Expert for MTN projects, including Telkom Roaming agreement with MTNSA, Nashua post-paid migration, and MVNO strategy
- Developed the 'Blueprint' for centralized Billing services across the MTN group, involving 21 Operating companies
- Handled operations, legal and regulatory frameworks, including taxation, Billing, Payments, and Customer Care
- Implemented quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards in program delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Proactively identified and mitigated potential risks to optimize program delivery outcomes.
- Reduced project delivery timeframes through effective scheduling, prioritization, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Succeeded in establishing a strong reputation for consistently meeting/exceeding clients'' expectations through timely, high-quality project deliverables.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables that aligned with business goals.
Chief Executive Officer
EARA Holdings
Cape Town
06.2008 - 02.2009
- Set-up company to focus on the media and film production with its main focus to experience the conceptualizing, developing, and launching engaging content for large-scale events. Notably spearheaded the creation and execution of a series of football game shows ahead of the 2010 World Cup, aimed at capturing audience excitement and enhancing viewer engagement. Recognized the need for delivering compelling sports entertainment that resonates with diverse audiences and achieves significant viewership growth.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Established key strategic partnerships with industry leaders to enhance business development opportunities.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
Divisional Managing Director
Glocell Service Provider
Cape Town
09.2003 - 05.2008
- Initiated a cellular start-up business and spearheaded the design, deployment, and management of customer care, billing, distribution, sales, marketing, and logistics operations.
Executive: Billing and Administration
Global Telematics
Cape Town
12.2000 - 08.2003
- Billing and Customer Care Management: Ensured complete and timely billing operations, maintaining high standards of customer care.
- System Migration: Led the migration of existing billing systems to newer, more efficient platforms.
- Process Re-engineering: Re-engineered sales to order processes for enhanced operational efficiency and improved customer experience.
- Managed high volume of accounts while maintaining strict attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work performed.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of rules, regulations, and best practices in the billing industry to optimize department performance.
- Maintained data integrity within the billing system through regular review of entries made by team members, ensuring proper alignment with established protocols.
- Collaborated with sales teams for accurate contract management and billing compliance.
- Streamlined billing processes by implementing automated invoicing and payment systems.
Senior Billing and Revenue Assurance Manager
Iridium Satellite
Dubai
12.1998 - 07.2000
- Full Management of Billing and Revenue Assurance Functions: Ensured accurate and timely billing operations while overseeing all revenue assurance activities.
- Deployment of Prepaid Solutions: Successfully launched and managed prepaid solutions to enhance customer offerings.
- Service Provider Integrations: Led the integration of various service providers to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
- Managed cross-functional teams, resulting in smooth operations and successful audits.
- Established and developed key performance indicators to track progress and prepare analyses.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement, leading to increased efficiency within the department.
- Played a key role in the development of new business opportunities by actively participating in proposals presentations.
- Conducted analysis and corrective actions to facilitate incident investigations.
- Developed strong client relationships through effective communication and proactive problemsolving.
Senior Billing Manager
Vodacom (PTY) LTD
Cape Town
12.1994 - 11.1998
- Full Billing Management Function: Oversaw complete billing operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in all billing processes.
- Billing Enhancement Testing and Deployment: Managed the testing and deployment of new billing enhancements to improve system functionality.
- Service Provider Integrations: Led the integration of various service providers to streamline operations and enhance service offerings.
- Customer Engagement: Conducted customer visits on a quarterly basis to ensure satisfaction and address any concerns.
- Managed monthly billing process to complete billings and returns to meet company revenue recognition policies.
- Reviewed billing problems, researched issues, and resolved concerns.
- Enhanced client satisfaction levels by ensuring timely delivery of accurate invoices and addressing concerns professionally.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements, ensuring the department remained compliant at all times.
- Increased efficiency in billing processes by implementing new software and automating routine tasks.
- Ensured strict adherence to internal controls protocols by regularly reviewing departmental practices and implementing necessary corrective actions.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new hires to quickly acclimate them to company procedures and software systems.
- Conducted periodic reviews of existing processes to identify areas of potential cost savings or efficiency improvements.
Accountant
Old Mutual
Cape Town
11.1990 - 11.1994
- Drafting of Annual Financial Statements: Prepared comprehensive annual financial statements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Monthly and Quarterly Statutory Returns: Managed the preparation and submission of statutory returns on a monthly and quarterly basis.
- Budget Preparation and Monitoring: Developed and monitored budgets, ensuring alignment with financial goals and performance.
- Automation of AFS Production: Implemented automated processes for the production of Annual Financial Statements, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
- Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
Education
Steinberg Senior Secondary
04.2001 - 01.1987
National Diploma - Cost and Management Accounting
PENINSULA TECHNICON
01.1990 - 01.2003
Vodacom Management Program - mini MBA
UNISA
Skills
Project Management:Managing large-scale deploymentsCoordinating teams and resourcesEnsuring project milestones and deadlines are met
Technical Expertise:Billing systems Management including integrationCRM deployment and managementData migration techniques
Strategic Planning:Developing and implementing business strategiesAligning projects with company objectivesOptimizing operational efficiency
Analytical Skills:Data analysis and reportingPerformance monitoringRevenue assurance
Customer Relationship Management:Enhancing customer engagement platformsManaging customer care processesEnsuring accurate billing and service delivery
Commercial Acumen:Conducting commercial negotiationsManaging vendor relationshipsContract management
Leadership:Leading and motivating teamsTransitioning and transforming departmentsTraining and mentoring staff
Governance and Policy Implementation:Establishing and maintaining governance frameworksDeveloping policies and proceduresEnsuring regulatory compliance
Communication Skills:Clear and effective communicationStakeholder managementConflict resolution
Problem Solving:Identifying and addressing project challengesImplementing solutions to optimize processesContinuous improvement initiatives
Otheremploymenthistory
- Old Mutual, Accountant, 11/01/90, 11/30/94
- Vodacom (PTY) LTD, Senior Billing Manager, 12/01/94, 11/30/98
- Iridium Satellite (Dubai), Senior Billing and Revenue Assurance Manager, 12/01/98, 07/31/00
- Global Telematics, Executive: Billing and Administration, 12/01/00, 08/31/03
- Glocell Service Provider, Divisional Managing Director, 09/01/03, 05/31/08
- EARA Holdings, Chief Executive Officer, 06/01/08, 02/28/09
References
Attached
Personal Information
- ID Number: 6812165215080
- Health Status: Excellent
- Date of Birth: 12/16/68
- Gender: Male
- Nationality: South Africa
- Driving License: Code 08
- Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Senior Product and Platform Owner
MultiChoice Group
07.2020 - 07.2024
CEO
MBI Squared
01.2017 - 01.2020
Group Deputy MD
Glocell
01.2013 - 01.2017
Program Delivery Manager (Contract)
MTNSA
01.2009 - 10.2013
Chief Executive Officer
EARA Holdings
06.2008 - 02.2009
Divisional Managing Director
Glocell Service Provider
09.2003 - 05.2008
Steinberg Senior Secondary
04.2001 - 01.1987
Executive: Billing and Administration
Global Telematics
12.2000 - 08.2003
Senior Billing and Revenue Assurance Manager
Iridium Satellite
12.1998 - 07.2000
Senior Billing Manager
Vodacom (PTY) LTD
12.1994 - 11.1998
Accountant
Old Mutual
11.1990 - 11.1994
National Diploma - Cost and Management Accounting
PENINSULA TECHNICON
01.1990 - 01.2003
Vodacom Management Program - mini MBA
UNISA