Microsoft
YOLANDA.K Karras
CFO Kilcrest Pty Ltd & Project Manager
Aschaffenburg,BY
Summary
Operations Specialist with experience developing realistic solutions to assure satisfactory consumer and customer experiences. Fluency German and English. Committed to resolving problems and maintaining accurate metrics and reports.
Overview
2022
2022
years of professional experience
21
21
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Chief Financial Officer
Kilcresty Pty Ltd
Gaborone
06.2019 - Current
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance and revenue targets.
- Completed in-depth analyses of risks to control company profile, enhance systems and track legal concerns.
- Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits.
- Emulated activist investors to generate return on invested capital.
- Tracking cash flow and financial planning to analyze company's financial strengths and weaknesses and propose strategic directions.
- Oversaw production, pricing and distribution activities to generate profit for company.
- Conducted detailed analysis of company financial information to drive internal and external financial reporting, stewardship of company assets and ownership of cash management.
- Devised benchmarks to align goals and strategies with underlying financials.
- Authored, evaluated and reviewed reports to highlight company financials to key stakeholders.
- Spearheading contract negotiation and financing to complete high-priority projects and realize target outcomes.
- Overseeing accounts payable and receivable to track income and expenditures, drive statutory compliance and provide quantitative financial information.
- Improving cash flow, retired debt and built cash reserves to control costs and enhance benefits.
- Directing budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
- Developing future financial plans to inform critical decision-making related to spending cuts, rightsizing labor force and timing planned business investments.
- Preparing year-end fixed asset schedule to create positive impact on shareholders, creditors and investors.
- Creating and deploying initiatives to outperform revenue targets and increase company value.
- Setting and monitored effective financial policies to analyze company financial strengths and weaknesses and propose corrective actions.
- Oversaw deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance and revenue targets
- Completed in-depth analyses of risks to control company profile, enhance systems and track legal concerns
- Devised benchmarks to align goals and strategies with underlying financials
- Managed and led direct reports to handle controllership, treasury and corporate finance functions
- Managed a a few million Pula Projects
Front Office Employee
City Hotel Aschaffenburg
Aschaffenburg, BY
05.2019 - 11.2020
- Adhered to social distancing protocols and wore mask or face shield.
- Saved funds by implementing cost-saving initiatives that addressed long-standing problems.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
- Received and processed stock into inventory management system.
- Saved Funds by implementing cost-saving initiatives that addressed long-standing problems.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties
- Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity
- Worked with customers to understand needs and provide excellent service
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
- Successfully maintained clean, valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
- Monitored company inventory to keep stock levels and databases updated
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Drove operational improvements which resulted in savings and improved profit margins.
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic.
- Monitored company inventory to keep stock levels and databases updated.
Bartender
Bad Hotel Überlingen on Lake Constance
Uberlingen , BW
12.2016 - 06.2017
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings.
- Polished glassware, bussed tables and removed debris to keep customer areas clean.
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands.
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation.
- Built relationships with vendors to manage orders and negotiate costs.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Obtained cash bank and stocked service bar to prepare for operation
- Assisted servers with specialty drinks orders by preparing on-demand items without delay
- Maintained secure cash drawers, promptly resolving discrepancies in daily totals
- Explained daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals
- Developed new signature cocktails to support bar marketing brand and increase profits
- Crafted special drink and cocktail menu items for seasonal offerings
- Organized bar inventory and storage procedures to keep stock within optimal levels and meet expected customer demands
- Handled simultaneous customer, team and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors.
Restaurant Manager
The Queen of Hearts Café
Harare
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Developed, implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales.
- Purchased adequate quantities of food, beverages, equipment and supplies.
- Carefully interviewed, selected, trained and supervised staff.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
- Conducted health, safety and sanitation process evaluations to identify and remedy any violations immediately.
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Recognized and formally acknowledged outstanding staff performance to boost company morale and productivity.
- Clearly and promptly communicated pertinent information to staff, such as large reservations or last minute menu changes.
- Applied knowledge of previous supply needs and forecasted business levels to estimate required supplies.
- Maintained safe working and guest environment to reduce risk of injury and accidents.
- Prepared for and executed new menu implementations.
- Effectively managed payroll and timekeeping, and paperwork for new hires and terminations.
- Continuously evaluated business operations to effectively align workflows for optimal area coverage and customer satisfaction.
- Reconciled cash and credit card transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Actively participated in ongoing customer service programs.
- Correctly calculated inventory and ordered appropriate supplies.
- Met, greeted and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
- Oversaw front of house personnel to maintain adequate staffing and minimize overtime.
- Interacted positively with customers while promoting hotel facilities and services.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
- Created fun team building activities to engage staff in up-selling to meet revenue targets.
- Reduced process bottlenecks by training and coaching employees on practices, procedures and performance strategies.
- Quickly identified problem situations and skillfully resolved incidents to satisfaction of involved parties.
- Led and directed team members on effective methods, operations and procedures.
- Developed, implemented and managed business plans to promote profitable food and beverage sales
- Purchased adequate quantities of food, beverages, equipment and supplies
Assistant Manager
Zulunyala Country Manor
Fourways
01.2015 - 07.2015
- Developed loyal and highly satisfied customer base through proactive management of team customer service strategies.
- Strengthened merchandising and promotional strategies to drive customer engagement and boost sales.
- Reduced financial discrepancies to minimize threats to health and productivity of business.
- Reviewed sales and gross profit report to assess company efficiency.
- Made hiring recommendations to increase company's productivity and profitability with quality workers.
- Conducted weekly staff meetings to motivate staff members, address concerns and questions, plan improvements and evaluate progress toward goals.
- Developed organizational structure to outline and direct rules, roles and responsibilities.
- Created employee schedules to align coverage with forecasted demands.
- Established objectives to offer team members clear roadmap to help company achieve overall goals.
- Helped with planning schedules and delegating assignments to meet coverage and service demands.
- Increased employee performance and job satisfaction to strengthen retention and engagement.
- Strengthened operational efficiency to remain cost-effective while maintaining quality service.
- Recognized staff for contributions to company success to foster engagement and increase productivity.
- Developed strategy to increase sales and drive profits.
Supervisor
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Abu Dhabi
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Created successful work schedules for each team member to maintain deadlines and fully staff shifts.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Enforced rules and regulations outlined in company manual to set forth expectations comprehensibly and consistently.
- Prepared, calibrated and monitored production levels to achieve targets.
- Worked with management team to implement proper division of responsibilities.
- Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives and communication goals.
- Mentored newly hired employees on operating equipment and safety and developed training manual to use for reference.
- Coordinated employee schedules to keep pace with business needs and meet company demands.
- Developed training, task and process guidelines and communicated clear and concise directions to employees.
Manager Trainee and Waitress
Alpine Heath Resort
Drakensberg
04.2014 - 08.2014
- Assisted in preparing annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Implemented process improvement to shape organizational culture, optimize procedures for higher efficiency and help company evolve and grow.
- Assisted established management staff with operational oversight, business development and process improvement strategies.
- Prepared annual budgets with controls to prevent overages.
- Resolved escalated concerns using professionalism and understanding of facets of issue.
- Conferred with customers each day to maintain current understanding of needs and preferences, resolve issues and promote brand loyalty.
- Stayed up to date on changing product and service options to provide top-notch support to customers and employees.
- Introduced new methods, practices and systems to reduce turnaround time.
- Performed statistical analyses to gather data for operational and forecast team needs.
Trainee
Hyatt Regency Hotel
Johannesburg
12.2013 - 06.2014
- Shadowed senior team members to learn all related jobs and tasks.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques and industry.
- Supported departmental tasks to increase understanding of industry processes.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions
- Shadowed senior team members to learn all related jobs and tasks
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques and industry
- Performed administrative functions, answering phones and filing paperwork in support of department
- Troubleshot minor issues with office tools and equipment, escalating more serious problems to supervisor
Trainee
Hyatt Regency Hotel
1 1 - 04.2013
- And, in the Administration, (Finance, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing).
- We recommend using strong action words to show what you accomplished at your job. Consider words like, “established”, “performed”, and “increased”.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions
- Shadowed senior team members to learn all related jobs and tasks
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques and industry
- Performed administrative functions, answering phones and filing paperwork in support of department
- Troubleshot minor issues with office tools and equipment, escalating more serious problems to supervisor
Trainee Chef
Radisson Park Inn Hotel
Johannesburg
05.2012 - 10.2012
- Cleaned kitchen counters, refrigerators and freezers.
- Signed for deliveries, checked items into inventory and stocked goods into proper locations.
- Observed head chefs and how each prepared different specialties to gain knowledge in cooking techniques.
- Read through recipes and set up ingredients for Sous chef.
- Checked expiration dates, rotated food and removed any items that were no longer usable.
- Maintained high food quality standards by checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
- Worked with kitchen personnel and supervised related culinary activity.
Trainee
Davinci Hotel & Suites
Johannesburg
10.2012 - 10.2012
- Shadowed senior team members to learn all related jobs and tasks.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques and industry.
- Supported departmental tasks to increase understanding of industry processes.
- Filled out timesheets and paperwork according to identified requirements.
- Supported organizational objectives with help from existing employees.
- Performed administrative functions, answering phones and filing paperwork in support of department.
- Troubleshot minor issues with office tools and equipment, escalating more serious problems to supervisor.
- Adhered to corporate data confidentiality rules, mitigating breaches.
- Closely monitored procedures under direction of leadership to identify potential areas for improvement.
- Maintained punctuality in work attendance and project completion.
Education
Master of Arts - International Hospitality and Business Management
The University of Derby
United Kingdom 06.2019 - 06.2020
Certificate - Introduction to South African wines -Cape Wine Academy Certificate - First Aid Certificate - ICDL Advanced level -Cambridge Examination board -
The International Hotel School
South Africa 01.2012 - 12.2015
Diploma in Hospitality Management NQF Level 6 - hospitality management
International Hotel School South Africa
South Africa 01.2012 - 12.2014
Planning & Control For Food And Beverage Operation - Hospitality Administration And Management
The International Hotel School
South Africa 01.2012 - 07.2014
Hospitality Facilities Management And Design -
International Hotel School
South Africa 01.2012 - 12.2013
Supervision in The Hospitality Industry - Hospitality Administration And Management
The International Hotel School
South Africa 01.2012 - 12.2013
Hospitality Sales And Marketing Honours -
The International Hotel School
South Africa 01.2012 - 12.2013
Managing Service in Food And Beverage Operations - Hospitality Administration And Management
The International Hotel School
South Africa 01.2012 - 06.2012
Some College (No Degree) -
Speciss College High School
Zimbabwe 01.2004 - 01.2009
Skills
Skype ID: yolandaganga
Documentation and reporting
Operations support
Performance improvement
Documentation skill
Project support
Multitasking Abilities
Documentation requirements
Operational decision making
Negotiation
Budgeting
Program oversight
Teambuilding
Decision-Making
Business administration
Business planning
Affiliations
- Association of Project Management Institute
Software
Excel
Power Point
Interests
Advancing my career knowledge through continuous learning
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer
Kilcresty Pty Ltd
06.2019 - Current
Master of Arts - International Hospitality and Business Management
The University of Derby
06.2019 - 06.2020
Front Office Employee
City Hotel Aschaffenburg
05.2019 - 11.2020
Bartender
Bad Hotel Überlingen on Lake Constance
12.2016 - 06.2017
Restaurant Manager
The Queen of Hearts Café
08.2015 - 12.2015
Assistant Manager
Zulunyala Country Manor
01.2015 - 07.2015
Manager Trainee and Waitress
Alpine Heath Resort
04.2014 - 08.2014
Supervisor
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island
01.2014 - 12.2014
Trainee
Hyatt Regency Hotel
12.2013 - 06.2014
Trainee
Davinci Hotel & Suites
10.2012 - 10.2012
Trainee Chef
Radisson Park Inn Hotel
05.2012 - 10.2012
Certificate - Introduction to South African wines -Cape Wine Academy Certificate - First Aid Certificate - ICDL Advanced level -Cambridge Examination board -
The International Hotel School
01.2012 - 12.2015
Diploma in Hospitality Management NQF Level 6 - hospitality management
International Hotel School South Africa
01.2012 - 12.2014
Planning & Control For Food And Beverage Operation - Hospitality Administration And Management
The International Hotel School
01.2012 - 07.2014
Hospitality Facilities Management And Design -
International Hotel School
01.2012 - 12.2013
Supervision in The Hospitality Industry - Hospitality Administration And Management
The International Hotel School
01.2012 - 12.2013
Hospitality Sales And Marketing Honours -
The International Hotel School
01.2012 - 12.2013
Managing Service in Food And Beverage Operations - Hospitality Administration And Management
The International Hotel School
01.2012 - 06.2012
Some College (No Degree) -
Speciss College High School
01.2004 - 01.2009
Trainee
Hyatt Regency Hotel
1 1 - 04.2013