Sekao Mary-Grace Siphokazi Phokontsi
7472 Cydonia Street Unit 15 Mmabatho
Summary
Dynamic consultant with extensive experience at Absa Megacity, excelling in general ledger management and fraud prevention. Proven track record in risk assessment and compliance training, fostering operational resilience. Adept at team leadership and analytical thinking, driving improvements in branch operations and enhancing overall performance.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2009
2009
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Consultant Branch Operations and Risk
Absa Megacity
Mafikeng
06.2023 - Current
- Proactively manage the key General Ledger accounts including the investigation, rectification of unauthorized / incorrect entries and monthly reconciliation.
- Act as the independent control function for all functional and operational mandates and key / pin / access codes in line with Policy.
- Ensure and act as the primary coordinator regarding the execution/implementation of all operational risk and resilience related activities and standard operating procedures within the branch, i.e. Occupational Health and Safety, Business Continuity Management, Security Incident Management Plans, Robbery Contingency Plans, etc.
- Attest to key risk / management controls, via the various systems / platforms i.e. OMS.
- Perform / assist with independent / surprise / regulatory checks across the various key activities (i.e. cash counts, stock checks, etc.).
- Take full responsibility for all assigned tasks related to nominated “champion” and equipment testing / Safe Custody, alarm testing and adhoc functions as required.
- Ensure the branch colleagues are fully aware of all critical communications / policies and procedures published via bulletins, circulars and make sure that they implement/action accordingly.
- Proactively supports the Branch Manager and branch colleagues on fraud / syndicate awareness and loss prevention.
- Monitor trends, identify gaps and provide suggestions/interventions to improve trends on all Fraud and Operational Loss matters.
- Identify and address the overall needs of the branch in terms of improvements that are of priority.
- Ensure all cash management, self-service device controls are implemented and effectively monitored as per Policy and/or standard operating procedure.
- Identify gaps in the skill levels and knowledge areas pertaining to operations, compliance and operational processes and procedures and coach, mentor or train relevant staff to close gaps.
- Continuously evaluate and ensure content of training material/s are accurate and up to date and escalate appropriately if gaps are identified.
- Discuss “common errors” report with branches to ensure shared understanding of shortcomings, collaborate to identify root cause and put plans in place to eradicate errors on a sustainable basis.
- Provide Branch leadership with an update on all identified risks and controls ensuring a level of comfort through effective risk management.
- Conduct Control Effectiveness Assessments (CEA) as required and report on trends, overall status and collaborate with and enable outlet staff to close any gaps identified.
- Facilitate and support corrective actions on Management Assurance Review (and other assurance provider) findings.
- Track, monitor and control the closing of all open CEA and Assurance findings.
- Compliance / Product / Regulatory Training – Ensure the staff complete the required training by the stipulated timelines.
- Management/Exception Control Listings – Extract, scrutinize and action as per laid down procedures i.e. Same day pass rate, high risk transactions, fee waivers, etc.
- Operations Management System (OMS) - The key controls need to be assessed based on whether they are working as intended or suitable for the purpose they are designed for. For any ineffective or lapse in the controls, remedial action needs to be taken and tracked until closure via OMS.
Customer Service Clerk
Absa Megacity
Mafikeng
10.2018 - 05.2023
- Resolving and managing account related queries
- Account maintenance and departmental admin
- Sourcing leads for sales
Branch service Official
Absa Megacity
Mafikeng
10.2017 - 09.2018
- Telling and enquiries
- Sourcing leads for sales
Frontline officer
Standard Bank Mafikeng
Mafikeng
03.2016 - 03.2017
- Processed customer transactions efficiently and accurately at Standard Bank Mafikeng.
- Assisted customers with account inquiries and resolved issues promptly.
- Managed cash handling procedures and maintained accurate cash drawers.
- Sourced leads for sales
Education
Higher Certificate in Banking NQF 5 - Banking And Finance
Cornerstone Performance Solutions
Johannesburg 04.2024 - 04.2025
Sol Plaatje Secondary School
Mafikeng Skills
- General ledger management
- Fraud prevention
- Risk assessment
- Compliance training
- Operational resilience
- Regulatory compliance
- Financial reporting
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Analytical thinking
- Resource allocation
- Team collaboration
Languages
Setswana
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
IsiXhosa
Advanced (C1)
C1
Timeline
Higher Certificate in Banking NQF 5 - Banking And Finance
Cornerstone Performance Solutions
04.2024 - 04.2025
Consultant Branch Operations and Risk
Absa Megacity
06.2023 - Current
Customer Service Clerk
Absa Megacity
10.2018 - 05.2023
Branch service Official
Absa Megacity
10.2017 - 09.2018
Frontline officer
Standard Bank Mafikeng
03.2016 - 03.2017
Sol Plaatje Secondary School