Francisca K. Zhandire
Kitwe
Summary
Analytical, accuracy-driven, and results-oriented Operations Professional with over six years of experience, including more than two years in a management role. Proven track record in improving operational efficiency, strengthening financial controls, and aligning administrative and operational functions with strategic business objectives. Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to act as a reliable first point of contact for clients, regulators, and internal teams.
Results-driven Business Operations Manager with a proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Expertise in stakeholder engagement and process improvement, contributing to significant revenue growth and employee retention.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Operations Manager
Deutz Dieselpower Zambia
Kitwe
01.2023 - Current
- Provide full accountability for the profitable and efficient operation of the branch, overseeing administration, operations, vendor management, payroll, sales support, customer relations, and personnel management.
- Improved branch operational efficiency by [X%] through strengthened coordination across [number] departments, reducing workflow delays by [X time] and ensuring smoother daily operations.
- Spearheaded the implementation of a private pension scheme for [number] employees, enhancing employee welfare and contributing to a [X%] improvement in retention/engagement.
- Led strategic stakeholder engagement initiatives, resulting in [number] new key accounts valued at [currency + amount] and improved working relationships with [number] regulatory/government institutions, strengthening compliance outcomes.
- Assumed full responsibility for payroll management for [number] employees, eliminating outsourced consultancy costs and achieving annual savings of [currency + amount or X%] while maintaining full statutory compliance.
- Strengthened customer relations and sales support processes, contributing to [X%] growth in branch revenue or order fulfilment efficiency.
- Managed operational budgets, assets, inventory, and supplier relationships to optimise cost control and financial performance.
- Ensured compliance with statutory, regulatory, and SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) standards.
- Identified staff training needs and supported employee development initiatives aligned with business goals.
Admin / Bookkeeper
Deutz Dieselpower Zambia
Kitwe
01.2014 - 01.2022
- Responsible for accurate record-keeping, financial administration, and all branch administrative functions.
- Managed inventory records and processed timesheets and overtime for technical and support staff.
- Maintained comprehensive filing systems supporting financial audits and internal controls.
- Performed AR/AP, bank reconciliations, petty cash audits, and month-end and year-end financial closings.
- Verified and processed invoices, payments, and journals while responding efficiently to customer and supplier queries.
Accounts Assistant
Cargo Calculus Zambia Limited
Kitwe
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Processed vendor invoices in line with company compliance procedures and maintained accurate financial documentation.
- Coordinated client appointments and ensured seamless information flow between departments.
- Generated and submitted VAT, WHT, PAYE, and Turnover Tax returns in compliance with statutory requirements.
- Reorganised document libraries, improving retrieval efficiency and audit readiness.
- Maintained cashbooks, reconciled ledgers, supervised petty cash, and supported AR/AP functions.
Clearing Officer
Cargo Calculus Zambia Limited
Kitwe
01.2007 - 01.2009
Education
Bachelor of Accounting Degree (BAcc) -
ZCAS University
FIA - Foundations in Accounting
ACCA
Advanced Certificate in Business Management - ABMA
ZIBSIP
Advanced Diploma in Clearing & Forwarding - ABMA
ZIBSIP
Skills
- Operations Management
- Administrative Systems Management
- Payroll & Financial Administration
- Supply Chain & Vendor Management
- Regulatory Compliance Management
- Risk Management
- Team Leadership & Employee Management
- Stakeholder & Customer Relationship Management
- Accounting Software (Embrace)
- Problem Resolution & Process Improvement
- Embrace Accounting Software (Invoicing & Financial Processing)
- ZRA Smart Invoicing System
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Time management & prioritisation
- Analytical thinking & problem-solving
- Collaborative team player
- Stakeholder engagement
Websites
References
Available upon request
Target Role
Operations / Business Operations Manager
Timeline
Business Operations Manager
Deutz Dieselpower Zambia
01.2023 - Current
Admin / Bookkeeper
Deutz Dieselpower Zambia
01.2014 - 01.2022
Accounts Assistant
Cargo Calculus Zambia Limited
01.2010 - 01.2014
Clearing Officer
Cargo Calculus Zambia Limited
01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Accounting Degree (BAcc) -
ZCAS University
FIA - Foundations in Accounting
ACCA
Advanced Certificate in Business Management - ABMA
ZIBSIP
Advanced Diploma in Clearing & Forwarding - ABMA
ZIBSIP