Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic
Charlene Marais

Charlene Marais

Milford

Summary

Accomplished Executive/Personal Assistant and Office Manager with over 10 years of experience supporting C-level executives and overseeing office operations in technology, financial services, and automotive sectors. Expertise in calendar and travel management, vendor administration, budgeting, HR and payroll support, and CRM systems. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency in fast-paced environments.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Substitute Teacher/Instructional Assistant

Milford School District
Milford, NH
03.2023 - Current

Provide administrative and classroom support to teachers across a variety of grade levels as a district substitute.

  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Supervise students during lunch and recess periods, ensuring a safe and orderly environment.

Relocation From South Africa to the USA

USA
Milford, NH
02.2018 - Current

Relocated to the United States after my spouse's corporate transfer and paused employment during permanent residency processing.

Executive Administrative Assistant

Ooba Home Loans
Cape Town, South Africa
11.2015 - 01.2018

Provided high-level administrative and executive support, enabling effective decision-making through accurate reporting, coordination, and business analysis.

  • Managed executive calendars, meetings, communications, and confidential administrative tasks.
  • Screened incoming calls, prepared meeting minutes, and followed up on key action items to ensure timely execution.
  • Coordinated and executed team-building initiatives, corporate events, and internal functions.
  • Compiled and distributed daily, weekly, and monthly management reports to support operational oversight.
  • Developed professional presentations and provided marketing analytics and business insights to lenders and the Executive Committee.
  • Supported executive decision-making through accurate reporting, data analysis, and efficient administrative coordination.
  • Recognized for strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Office Manager & Personal Assistant

MacroLan
Cape Town, South Africa
05.2014 - 11.2015

Delivered high-level executive and administrative support to the CEO and CTO, ensuring efficient management of both business operations and personal affairs in a fast-paced environment.

  • Managed complex executive calendars, meetings, and domestic/international travel arrangements.
  • Coordinated personal administration and property management for seven properties, liaising with tenants, contractors, and service providers to ensure smooth operations.
  • Streamlined executive operations by managing confidential correspondence, screening calls, and handling personal errands, enhancing overall organizational effectiveness.
  • Supervised office support staff and oversaw office administration, including supplies, facilities, and weekly procurement.
  • Managed customer support requests through the CRM system, ensuring timely logging and response to web inquiries.
  • Planned and executed company events and team-building initiatives, fostering employee engagement and strengthening team dynamics.
  • Maintained the company website (WordPress) and managed social media platforms to ensure an up-to-date online presence.

Office Manager & Personal Assistant

Mimecast
Cape Town, South Africa
08.2011 - 04.2013

Managed office operations and provided executive support to Sales Director, facilitating seamless daily business functions and coordinating travel, events, marketing activities, and partner administration.

  • Oversaw office operations, managing reception, switchboard, facilities, security, courier services, office supplies, and vendor relationships to ensure efficient workplace functionality.
  • Managed office administration, including petty cash, invoicing, purchase orders, filing systems, financial spreadsheets, and ERP transactions.
  • Coordinated domestic and international travel arrangements for executives and regional teams.
  • Planned and delivered internal staff functions, customer events, partner events, and training sessions, including budgeting, logistics, and post-event reporting.
  • Supported sales and channel partner operations by administering partner registrations, incentive programs, Webex bookings, and partner portal training.
  • Produced executive presentations, edited the internal company newsletter, and managed marketing inventory.
  • Delivered confidential executive support, including calendar management, personal administration, and oversight of private property leases and service providers.

Office Manager, Bookkeeper & HR

Hayes Motors
Cape Town, South Africa
08.2004 - 07.2011

Managed office operations, finance administration, payroll, and executive support in a fast-paced environment, ensuring efficient business operations and exceptional client service.

  • Oversaw daily office operations, managing reception, switchboard, client relations, office supplies, website maintenance, and basic IT support to ensure seamless workflow.
  • Managed accounts administration, including invoicing, creditor payments, supplier invoices, banking, reconciliations, VAT/PAYE submissions, petty cash, and monthly financial reporting.
  • Provided confidential executive support, managing calendars, travel arrangements, correspondence, personal finances, medical aid claims, and other administrative matters.
  • Administered payroll and HR functions, processing employment contracts, salaries and wages, leave management, employee records, disciplinary documentation, and IRP5/IT3 submissions to maintain compliance and support workforce management.
  • Coordinated company functions and maintained accurate operational records, contributing to the smooth running of both business and executive activities.
  • Recognized for strong organizational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while supporting management, employees, and clients

Receptionist & Administrative Support

Elan Print
Cape Town, South Africa
02.2004 - 07.2004

Provided professional front-line support while managing reception operations and assisting with daily administrative functions.

  • Managed the switchboard and acted as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and suppliers.
  • Delivered professional client service by welcoming guests, handling inquiries, and directing communications efficiently.
  • Supported general office administration, including document handling, filing, and day-to-day administrative tasks.
  • Maintained an organized and welcoming reception area while ensuring smooth front-office operations.
  • Recognized for strong communication skills, reliability, and a professional approach to client and internal support.

Education

High School Diploma -

Overberg High
Caledon, South Africa
12-2002

Skills

  • Calendar & Travel Management
  • Office & Facilities Management
  • Payroll & HR Administration
  • Budgeting & Petty Cash Control
  • Event & Meeting Planning
  • Vendor & Property Coordination
  • Relationship building and management
  • Bilingual: English & Afrikaans

Certification

STEDI Certified Substitute Teacher

Marketing Analytics through Coursera

Mimecast certified sales specialist level 1

Mimecast certified technical specialist level 1 , 2

Hollard Credit Protection Accreditation

Hollard Coversure Insurance Accreditation

Interests

Baking, Reading, Arts and Crafts

Timeline

Substitute Teacher/Instructional Assistant

Milford School District
03.2023 - Current

Relocation From South Africa to the USA

USA
02.2018 - Current

Executive Administrative Assistant

Ooba Home Loans
11.2015 - 01.2018

Office Manager & Personal Assistant

MacroLan
05.2014 - 11.2015

Office Manager & Personal Assistant

Mimecast
08.2011 - 04.2013

Office Manager, Bookkeeper & HR

Hayes Motors
08.2004 - 07.2011

Receptionist & Administrative Support

Elan Print
02.2004 - 07.2004

High School Diploma -

Overberg High