Chrystal Ward

Driven and meticulous professional eager to apply a robust background in deceased estates administration and fiduciary services to a new challenge. Excels in managing complex legal and financial documentation, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulatory requirements. A proactive communicator, skilled at liaising with diverse stakeholders, including financial advisors and heirs, to ensure seamless estate resolution.

Demonstrated success in reporting, business development, and process improvement, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. Ready to contribute expertise and a dedicated work ethic to achieve organizational goals.

Deceased Estates Administrator at WF Bouwer Attorneys Inc (2024-08 – 2025-06)

In this role I manage the administration of deceased estates, ensuring each matter is handled accurately, efficiently, and with sensitivity towards grieving families. I work closely with attorneys, heirs, financial institutions, and SARS to bring estates to finalisation in line with South African law.

• My work includes reporting estates to the Master of the High Court, preparing and lodging documentation, and obtaining Letters of Executorship. I identify, value, and safeguard estate assets (property, investments, cash), verify liabilities and outstanding debts, and arrange statutory advertisements in local newspapers and the Government Gazette to notify debtors and creditors.
• I liaise with SARS to finalise Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and Estate Duty, and obtain the necessary compliance and clearance certificates. I help draft Liquidation & Distribution (L&D) accounts that reflect the financial position of each estate and manage the process for public inspection and advertising.
• Once accounts are approved, I coordinate payment of creditors and oversee the transfer of assets and inheritances to heirs and beneficiaries. I apply a solid understanding of the estate administration process, including Section 18(3) estates, and prepare professional correspondence to creditors, valuators, and other stakeholders while keeping families informed throughout.

Insurance Wealth Claims and Wills Draft Administrator at Insurance Wealth Creation Professional Group & Nexus Fiduciary Services a trusted Liberty Affiliate (2019-09 – 2025-07)

I manage end‑to‑end wealth and insurance claims and support clients with professional wills drafting and basic estate administration. I act as the main point of contact for clients, brokers, and medical/legal professionals, ensuring claims and estate matters are handled accurately, fairly, and with empathy. I receive and register claim notifications, verify policy cover and premium status, and collect and assess supporting documents such as medical and death certificates and policy wording.

I calculate payouts and process settlements. Throughout the process, I liaise closely with clients and intermediaries to resolve queries quickly and keep all parties informed. On the fiduciary side, I help financial planners draft and update client wills, codicils, and basic trust documents.

I ensure wills are executed correctly in line with South African legal requirements for signatures, initials, and witnesses. I maintain the safe custody of original wills and keep the central Wills Register and related records up to date. I work in strict compliance with FSCA regulations, the FAIS Act, and internal policies.

• I handle telephonic and email queries on policy benefits, claim progress, and basic estate planning, and keep policy and claims systems updated with accurate notes, diary dates, and statuses to support strong governance and a smooth client experience.

Strategic LMS Business Unit Manager and qualified NQF Level 5 Learner Portfolio Assessor at Equal Career Services (Pty) Ltd (2015-04 – 2019-08)

In this hybrid role, I combine strategic business leadership with hands-on work in accredited training and assessment. I manage a MyCito‑enabled training business unit end‑to‑end, from sales and client relationships through to programme delivery, while also acting as a qualified NQF Level 5 assessor responsible for learner portfolios and outcomes‑based assessments. I design and implement commercial and operational strategies to grow training revenue, expand our client base, and build a healthy project pipeline.

I oversee budgets, costing, and forecasts, ensuring the division remains sustainable and profitable. I streamline workflows and foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and high performance.

• I work closely with corporate partners and other stakeholders to understand skills‑development needs and regulatory obligations. I align learning solutions and pathways to SAQA, NQF and B‑BBEE requirements, ensuring programmes are both commercially sound and compliant. I conduct outcomes‑based assessments using portfolios of evidence, practical demonstrations and written assessments against SAQA/SETA‑registered unit standards and qualifications. I manage the full assessment cycle in line with ETQA and QCTO policies, guide learners through the process, provide clear feedback, and maintain accurate, audit‑ready records on MyCito and related LMS systems to support successful moderation and verification.

Product & Pricing Analytic, Coordination, Training and Operations Departmental Assistant at Jaguar Land Rover (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd (2008-07 – 2015-03)

In this role I served as an administrative and analytical bridge for Jaguar Land Rover, supporting cross‑functional teams to optimise product pricing, training, and regional operations across South Africa and Sub‑Saharan Africa.

• On the product and pricing side, I compiled and analysed competitor pricing, market trends, and vehicle specifications to inform strategic pricing structures. I prepared regular sales and product performance reports for Brand and Product Managers and maintained accurate product catalogues, price lists, and vehicle‑range data in regional IT systems.
• Operationally, I acted as the link between local sales teams, planning, marketing, and the international head office. I helped track stock and customer orders, coordinated shipments, and ensured vehicles were correctly specified for Sub‑Saharan markets. I also managed departmental documentation, scheduled meetings, and supported day‑to‑day processes.
• In training and development, I helped organise and coordinate technical and brand training schedules for dealer networks and sales executives. I assisted with preparing training materials and maintained accurate attendance and certification records to support compliance and ongoing skills development across the region.

Jaguar Service Advisor and Warranty Cross-Functional Collaboration Specialist at Jaguar Land Rover Centurion (2000-01 – 2008-06)

In this premium automotive role, I act as the main liaison between Jaguar owners, the workshop, and the manufacturer. I make sure clients receive world‑class service, that repairs are completed accurately and on time, and that high‑value warranty claims and factory campaigns are handled smoothly from start to finish. On the customer side, I am the primary point of contact for Jaguar drivers.

I manage vehicle check‑ins, explain complex technical issues in plain language, and provide regular progress updates, always aiming to deliver a luxury‑level customer experience. On the warranty side, I oversee the full lifecycle of warranty and maintenance‑plan claims. I confirm that all repair work meets manufacturer standards, capture accurate labour and parts information, and submit compliant claims for fast approval.

I also support factory recalls, service campaigns, and warranty audits with the warranty, technical, and quality teams.

• Day-to-day, I serve as the cross‑functional link among the front‑office service team, workshop technicians, parts department, and Jaguar Land Rover South Africa, helping prevent bottlenecks and resolve technical escalations. The role draws on strong DMS literacy, a solid understanding of vehicle mechanics and OEM warranty procedures, and excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demanding, high‑end clientele.

Deceased Estates Administration Certification – Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) Legal Education and Development (LEAD) (2024-10 – 2024-10)

Assessor National Certificate - NQF Level 5 in Outcomes-based Assessment – ETDP SETA (Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority) (2015-01 – 2021-12)

Sales and Support Services National Certificate - NQF Level 4 in Sales and Support Services – ETDP SETA - aligned (2002-01 – 2008-11)

Matriculation Exemption - High School Certificate of Competence Program – Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (AHMP/Affies) (1992-01 – 1996-11)