Filomena Rodrigues

Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Audit and Compliance
Leads strategic risk management and internal audit initiatives across 20 of the conglomerate’s 26 companies.
• Reviewed and identified risks, analyzed controls and tested compliance.
• Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
• Evaluates company's policies to determine how well standards adhered to best practices and guides departments in developing remediation plans based on audit findings and recommendations
• Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
• Collaborates with legal, accounting and other head of departments to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
• Completed in-depth analyses of risks to control company profile, enhance systems, and track legal concerns
• Documents recommendations to improve internal controls and deliver audit reports.

Financial Management for 4 Divisions

(Construction, Engineering, Manufacturing & Motor Divisions) across seven companies, aligning financial objectives with organizational goals.
Strategic Financial Planning, Financial Analysis & Reporting, Financial Management, Cash Flow Management

• Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
• Tracks cash flow and financial planning to analyse company's financial strengths and weaknesses and propose strategic directions.
• Review of financial statements for adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and corporate regulations.
• Implemented and regularly reviewed financial controls to generate accurate and reliable financial data.
• Oversee deployment of strategic business plans to accomplish accounting, compliance, and revenue targets.
• Directs budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
• Manages financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
• Monitors budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
• Prepares cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

• Administration, Financial, Compliance and Risk Management consultation services.

Administration, Financial Management, Human Resources Administration, Facilities Management, Procurement and Risk Management.

Administrational Lead:
- Ensuring the office is stocked with necessary supplies and that all equipment is working and properly maintained. Ensure proper management of assets, inventory and facilitation of monthly /quarterly spot checks.
- Planning support, scheduling, in promoting office events, including staff or external meetings, conferences, interviews, orientations, and training sessions.
- Responsible for Shared Resources – Vehicles, IT / Conferencing Equipment, etc, including scheduling and maintenance.
- Compliance Returns and Licences (Worker’s compensation, Fire Certificates, PACRA) - Liaised with different partners, corporate lawyers, diplomatic bodies, and various stakeholders, representing the organisation at relevant forums by building and maintaining ethical and prolific relationships locally and regionally.

Financial Management:
• Timely and accurate recording of accounting transactions and adjustments.
• Maintain office accounting systems and related systems to corporate and regulatory standards. Monthly financial analysis and reporting to provide clear view of performance & spend to Regional Management, including the monitoring of plan/forecast trends of actual vs plan yearly results. Ensure all corporate and audit standards are achieved. Payroll, File Management, Budget development, Forecasting, Cashflow & Asset Management.

Human Resource Administration
• Ensure record keeping and compliance with HR standards. Recruitment and Staff Welfare. Managed payroll, benefits, immigration, employee relations, on/off boarding terminations. HR Power User for the Directorate. Advise regional staff on in-country labour laws and maintaining these in alignment with the employee handbook and assignation consistent to company culture. Liaising with Corporate Lawyers

Procurement – Country Operational Lead-Process Owner
• Manage the process and supplier negotiations/relations for the Zambia operation. Compliance, monitoring & evaluation.
• Contract Management.

Enterprise Risk Management – Country Lead
• Ensure British Council Policies are adhered to, liaison with all departments. Analysing financial, procurement and resources -related risks that may affect the directorate and ensure quarterly reporting of those identified.
• Coordinate the Business Continuity Plan.
• Internal Audit – checks for internal controls compliance.
• Lead on SWOT/PEST Analysis & ensure a good audit rating is achieved.
• Implementation of audit recommendations from both the internal and external auditors

Facilities and Resources Management
• Country IGRM Coordinator Part of the Information governance & Risk Management Team. Provides direction and support for in-country activities.
• Ensure implementation, execution, and compliance of regional plans for the country office.
• Uphold confidentiality standard across all communication and documentation platforms.
• Management of Premises. Supporting the maintenance and operation of the country office to ensure a secure and efficient working environment, adhering to British Council standards.

Administration, Financial Management and Compliance

• Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
• Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
• Analyzed business processes to identify cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Analyzed budgets, forecasts and current trends to support overall financial operations.
• Established internal controls and policies.

• Investigated and resolved accounting, service and delivery concerns.
• Provided excellent customer care by responding to requests, assisting with product selection and handling ordering functions.
• Handle customer inquiries and complaints: This includes addressing questions about gas and electricity bills, service issues, account management, and other relevant concerns.
• Provide solutions: Working with experts to find and implement the appropriate solutions to customer issues.
• Manage customer interactions: Use various channels such as phone, email, webchat, and messaging to communicate effectively with customers and provide support.
• Maintain customer relationships: Aim to ensure positive customer experiences by addressing their concerns quickly and professionally.
• Adhere to Service Level Agreements: (SLA) deadlines in resolving customer complaints quickly and effectively.

• Processed purchasing requisitions and created corresponding purchase orders.
• Matched purchase orders with invoices and recorded necessary information.
• Prepared itemized statements, bills, or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
• Processed payments
• Communicated and resolved disputes with clients regarding outstanding invoices, payments and adjustments.
• Maintained account accuracy by reviewing and reconciling checks monthly.

Financial Management, Human Resource Administration, Project Management

• Analyzed budgets, forecasts and current trends to support overall financial operations.
• Reconciled accounts and investigated variances.
• Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
• Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
• Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
• Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
• Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
• Regulated and managed construction plans, materials, budgeting and staff to completion of projects
• Successfully collaborated with other subcontractors and general contractors to complete large projects ahead of schedule and under budget.
• Payroll Management
• Human Resources Management

• Administration, Financial & Project Management

• Operational Management
• Staff Management
• Financial Management
• Customer Service Management

• Successful setup of accounting systems improved financial structures for 8 companies
• Financial and Accounting activities, Human Resource Administration, and Risk Management
• Improved 92% of Receivables recovery and implemented effective debt collection methodologies

• Coordinated communications, financial processing, registration, recordkeeping, and other administrative functions.
• Managed and responded to correspondence and inquiries from customers and vendors.
• Maintained electronic and paper filing systems for easy retrieval of information.
• Assisted in preparation and processing of payroll
• Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.
• Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
• Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month.
• Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
• Reconciled account files and produced monthly reports.

• Handled day-to-day accounting processes to drive financial accuracy.
• Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
• Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
• Effectively communicated with clients about payment needs and kept updated, detailed and accurate ledgers.
• Developed monthly, quarterly and annual profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
• Maintained electronic and paper filing systems for easy retrieval of information.
• Assisted in preparation and processing of payroll to facilitate prompt staff payments.

Creditworthiness Assessment:
• Evaluate the financial stability and credit history of potential and existing customers to determine their creditworthiness.
• Analyze financial statements, credit reports, and other relevant data to make informed credit decisions.
• Establish credit limits for customers based on their creditworthiness.
• Conduct periodic reviews of existing customer credit limits to ensure they remain appropriate.
• Credit Policy Development and Implementation:
• Develop and maintain the company's credit policy, ensuring it aligns with industry best practices and legal requirements.
• Implement and enforce credit policies consistently across the organization.

Account Management and Monitoring:
• Monitor customer accounts to identify potential payment issues or credit risks.
• Manage the credit granting process, ensuring all necessary documentation is complete and accurate.
• Oversee and manage collections activities, working with customers to resolve overdue payments and avoid losses.

Sales Optimization and Risk Mitigation:
• Collaborate with the sales team to ensure that credit policies are communicated effectively and that credit risks are managed proactively.
• Contribute to the company's overall financial performance by minimizing bad debt losses and maximizing sales revenue.

Communication and Negotiation:
• Maintain open and effective communication with customers, sales staff, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiate payment terms and arrangements with customers when necessary.

Documentation and Reporting:
• Keep accurate and up-to-date records of credit transactions, customer communications, and collection activities.
• Generate reports to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and monitor credit risk exposure.

• Facilitated small group and one-on-one tutoring sessions with tutoring needs
• Assisted students in developing study skills and strategies.
• Issued reports updating students, parents and teachers on student progress.
• Maintained records of student assessments, tutoring activities and results.
• Motivated students with accurate feedback and positive reinforcement.
• Worked closely with students on specific class struggles, closely reviewing materials and assignments to offer targeted help.

• Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
• Inspected account books and recorded transactions.
• Maintained the Sales, Purchases & General Ledgers
• Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month.
• Preparing and filing monthly Social Security and Tax Returns
• Recorded deposits, reconciled monthly bank accounts and tracked expenses.
• Streamlined daily reporting information entry for efficient record keeping purposes.
• Performed administrative and clerical duties such as word processing, data entry, faxing and copying.
• Prepared itemized statements, bills, or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.