Maria Antonio

Results-driven and highly organised administration, customer service and operations professional with approximately 10 years of experience across reception management, financial services, insurance, executive support and administration. Skilled in team supervision, member and client experience, front-desk operations, reporting, scheduling, stakeholder communication and problem-solving. Fluent in English, Afrikaans and Portuguese, with strong Microsoft Office proficiency and a proven ability to maintain high standards in fast-paced environments.

Reception Manager - Planet Fitness - Pretoria, South Africa

(2026-06)

• Lead, supervise and motivate the reception team, including staff scheduling and shift management.
• Ensure an exceptional member experience by welcoming members, resolving queries and complaints, and supporting efficient access control at the welcome desk.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, reports and administrative records with a high level of precision.
• Work closely with club management to resolve front-desk operational issues and maintain consistently high customer service standards.
• Support smooth daily reception operations while promoting a professional, welcoming and service-focused environment.

OFFICE MANAGER/FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR - At The River - Pretoria, South Africa

(2024-11 - 2026-04)

• Managed office operations, including diary management, travel arrangements, procurement, reception, and stakeholder communications.
• Handled financial administration, including invoicing, reconciliations, debtors, creditors, payroll support, and financial reporting.
• Oversaw budgets, vendor management, facilities, asset control, and policy compliance.
• Supervised staff, coordinated onboarding and training, managed schedules, and monitored performance.
• Drove process improvements while maintaining strong problem-solving, multitasking, and stakeholder management practices.

Receptionist & Financial Administrator (Temporary) - Basadzi - Pretoria, South Africa

(2023-07 - 2023-12)

• Managed administrative tasks, including appointment scheduling, meeting coordination and office support.
• Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Performed data entry, document management and email correspondence using relevant software tools.
• Organised electronic and paper filing systems to ensure efficient document retrieval and recordkeeping.
• Prepared, reviewed and proofread documents, reports and presentations with strong attention to detail.
• Coordinated travel arrangements, including flights, accommodation and transport.

Retention Consultant - Metropolitan Momentum - Johannesburg, South Africa

(2020-07 - 2023-05)

• Communicated with customers to strengthen loyalty and support client retention.
• Resolved customer concerns efficiently and developed practical solutions to service-related challenges.
• Tailored insurance cover based on clients' affordability and individual needs.
• Built trust-based relationships through clear communication and a client-centred approach.

Personal Financial Advisor - Old Mutual - Pretoria, South Africa

(2019-04 - 2021-07)

• Met with clients to understand their financial goals and needs.
• Explained available financial services, investment options and associated risks.
• Educated clients and answered questions to support informed financial decisions.
• Recommended suitable investment options aligned with client requirements.

Executive Personal Assistant - Pico Productions - Pretoria, South Africa

(2016-01 - 2018-12)

• Managed executive schedules, appointments and daily priorities.
• Coordinated travel arrangements for business trips.
• Tracked expenses and prepared regular reports.
• Managed phone calls and email correspondence on behalf of management.
• Provided reliable day-to-day administrative and executive support.

Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology and Political Science (International Relations) - Pearson Institute of Higher Education (2013 - 2020)

Pre-Degree Foundation Programme - Psychology and Political Science (International Relations) - Midrand Graduate Institute (2013 - 2013)

National Senior Certificate - Completed Grade 12 - Postmasburg Hoërskool (2012 - 2012)