Françoise Kingsland
Summary
Highly organised, motivated and adaptable person with strong communication, and multitasking abilities. 25 years of book-keeping/administration roles with a strong background in hospitality and retail. Comprehensive knowledge of Sage 50 Accounts, Xero and Microsoft Suite. Committed to leveraging skills to contribute effectively to organisational success.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Part time Sales advisor/stylist
The Dress Boutique
Four Marks, Hampshire
04.2021 - Current
- Selling of Designer Prom and Evening wear with 1-2-1 appointments to allow for a personal shopping experience
- Supporting seasonal buying of designer prom and evening wear each year.
- Receiving deliveries, steaming, ticketing sample dresses, and organising the shop floor merchandising.
- Placing orders with suppliers and follow up on order statuses and arranging customer collections.
- Facilitating sales transactions using Square software, Xero and Excel.
- Coordinating and executing end-of-season sales events.
- Conducting end-of-year stock take activities.
Book -Keeper
Kingsland Partnership (family property business)
Ropley, Hampshire
10.2013 - Current
- Raising monthly invoicing for tenants using Xero accounting software.
- Support bank reconciliation and VAT returns using Xero.
- Follow up on outstanding payments promptly.
- Prepare leases for new tenants and renew existing contracts.
- Respond efficiently to tenant queries.
- Coordinate with land agents and solicitors for leasing matters.
- Handle insurance details as required.
Book-Keeper/Stock Controller/General Administrator
Moda Rosa
Alresford, Hampshire
03.2001 - 01.2014
- I arranged and implemented an EPOS system for this busy designer wear boutique as everything was done manually.
- I took over the daily book-keeping and payroll from the accountants and implemented Sage 50 accounts and payroll
- Reconciling bank account and credit card statements, petty cash , VAT returns, Year end payroll, instrastat and year end accounts
- Ordering of shop consumables and POS supplies
- Responsible for the inputting of forward orders, the booking in and ticketing of new stock before transferring to shop floor
- Sorting sale stock by adjusting prices
- Annual Stock take and dealing with stock anomalies
- Dealing with all account and stock queries
- Assisting on shop floor during busy periods
- HR general admin including drafting staff contracts, staff leave and sickness and co-ordinating staff hours with manager
- Assisting with large charity fashion show events including model selection, venue selection and logistics, arranging PR and marketing for the event and handling the financials
- Organised the first website for the business. Responsible for keeping the website updated with new season pictures, news and events
Finance and Admin Assistant
Ord River Tea Tree Company (no longer trading)
Alresford, Hampshire
06.1999 - 01.2001
- Employed by a small Australian Company selling bulk Tea Tree oil and manufacturing Tea Tree oil products
- Supported accurate record-keeping with proficient data entry skills.
- Initiated purchase orders for office supplies ensuring cost-effective procurement.
- Performed bookkeeping tasks, including invoicing and expense tracking.
- Expedited document filing system with a new, organised method.
- Coordinated office operations by handling phone inquiries, managing correspondence and supervising office cleanliness.
- Organised client meetings, prepared agendas and took detailed minutes.
- Managed front desk duties to ensure smooth operation of reception area.
Finance/Arable Secretary
ADAS Bridgets Arable and Dairy Research Farm
Martyr Worthy, Hampshire
03.1997 - 05.1999
- Supported arable scientists by arranging meetings, travel plans and preparing power point presentations.
- Organised travel logistics for team members.
- Maximised team productivity by maintaining adequate levels of office supplies.
- Promoted to finance secretary after six months.
- Facilitated raising of purchase orders and processing of batch payments.
- Handled staff wage-related queries and managed petty cash.
- Managed directors' meetings and travel arrangements in absence of PA.
Assistant Hotel Manager
The Swan Hotel
Alresford, Hampshire
05.1993 - 12.1996
- Assisted in daily operations of hotel and restaurant.
- Managed room and restaurant reservations effectively.
- Supported food and beverage ordering processes.
- Participated in hiring of staff and training new employees.
- Coordinated events such as weddings and birthday parties.
- Collaborated with head chef on menu compilation
- Worked alongside housekeeper to maintain room standards.
- Handled staff rota during absence of Hotel manager.
- Oversaw opening and closing of hotel as live-in staff member.
- Addressed any arising issues during night shifts.
Shift Leader
The Plettenberg Hotel
Plettenberg bay, South Africa
06.1991 - 03.1993
- Assisted guests with check-in and check-out processes to ensure a smooth experience.
- Managed manual booking system requiring upfront payments for reservations.
- Supported team with daily operations as a front office receptionist and cashier.
- Supported management in recruitment and staff development processes.
- Delegated tasks to staff to meet daily service requirements.
- Completed comprehensive shift reports to support seamless handovers.
- Reconciled cash drawers and prepared bank deposits.
- Addressed staff absences and holiday requests to achieve consistent rota coverage.
Front Office Receptionist/Cashier
Johannesburg Sun & Towers - Sun International
Johannesburg, South Africa
03.1990 - 05.1991
- 5 star 800 room corporate hotel in Johannesburg City Central
- Greeted guests in a professional but friendly manner and ensuring they had a quick and efficient check in
- Handled group check-ins for airline crews and tourist parties.
- Coordinated with housekeeping to prepare rooms promptly.
- Ensuring check outs were executed efficiently with minimum errors. Handling cash, various credit cards and forex
- Conducted inventory checks of office supplies regularly, preventing shortage situations.
- Addressed telephone enquiries professionally to maintain hotel's reputation.
- Handled any guest complaints in a timely manner ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction
Education
Certificate of Higher Education -
Milner High School
Klerksdorp, South Africa 01.1985 - 11.1989
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Communication skills
- Problem-solving
- Calm under pressure
- Proficient with Sage 50 and Xero accounting software
Affiliations
- Tennis
- Padel
Certification
OCR Practical Book Keeping 1 - Adult Education at Peter Symonds College
OCR Practical Book Keeping 11 - Adult Education at Peter Symonds College
Sage line 50 Accounting software - Adult Education at Alton College
Sage Payroll Software - Adult Education at Alton College
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Part time Sales advisor/stylist
The Dress Boutique
04.2021 - Current
Book -Keeper
Kingsland Partnership (family property business)
10.2013 - Current
Book-Keeper/Stock Controller/General Administrator
Moda Rosa
03.2001 - 01.2014
Finance and Admin Assistant
Ord River Tea Tree Company (no longer trading)
06.1999 - 01.2001
Finance/Arable Secretary
ADAS Bridgets Arable and Dairy Research Farm
03.1997 - 05.1999
Assistant Hotel Manager
The Swan Hotel
05.1993 - 12.1996
Shift Leader
The Plettenberg Hotel
06.1991 - 03.1993
Front Office Receptionist/Cashier
Johannesburg Sun & Towers - Sun International
03.1990 - 05.1991
Certificate of Higher Education -
Milner High School
01.1985 - 11.1989