IT Security, HR Ops & Admin Leader with 7 Years Experience

THOLWANA STONA

Johannesburg, (Open to Remote/Hybrid) +27-61-472-****

*************@*****.*** / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tholwana-stona-55b23b122/ PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

I am Results-driven professional with a unique blend of IT Security & Risk Management (Banking) and HR Operations (Staffing Solutions/Retail) experience, spanning 3 industries (Banking, Staffing, Retail). Adept at safeguarding sensitive data, optimizing administrative workflows, and driving stakeholder alignment through: IT Security (Banking): Secured IT systems and data integrity by implementing robust authentication layers and conducting audits/recertifications for Absa Bank across 7 countries in Africa, achieving 100% SLA compliance (30–72-hour turnaround). HR Operations (Staffing/Retail): Transformed HR processes at a staffing firm by redesigning performance appraisal systems and managing onboarding/disciplinary workflows across departments. Cultivated customer-centric HR practices at Woolworths, balancing retail operations with employee engagement strategies. With proven ability to adapt service delivery frameworks to diverse sectors, from high-stakes banking compliance to dynamic retail environments. I hold a Bachelor of Administration degree majored in Industrial Psychology from University of the Western Cape. I did a short course on Cyber Security at the University of Johannesburg. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, especially Excel, and familiarity with database software.

• Stakeholder management skills

• Experienced in handling and resolving user-issued incident tickets and analysing reports to devise strategies for improved incident response time.

• Expert in aligning access rights with business rules and maintaining comprehensive audit trails for compliance monitoring.

• Data Privacy and Protection. Knowledge of data privacy regulations and best practices for protecting sensitive information.

• Proficient in recording and tracking authorized change requests, ensuring traceability and adherence to compliance standards.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

• Strong ability to manage and meet end user expectations, maintaining high levels of satisfaction and engagement.

• Utilizes key risk indicators to identify control deficiencies, enhancing the overall security and risk posture.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with employees, management, and external stakeholders.

• Work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

• Strong organizational and time management abilities.

• Excellent typing speed and accuracy.

• dedicated, quiet workspace

• Fluent in English, Afrikaans, Sesotho and isiXhosa EXPERIENCE

[LAM Systems Administrator] [ABSA, Johannesburg]

[August 2018– 2025] Remote

Duties Include:

• Reviewing workflows regularly to enhance service levels and minimize unauthorized access risks.

• Secured IT systems and data integrity by implementing robust authentication layers and conducting audits/recertifications for 7 African bank branches, achieving 100% SLA compliance (30–72-hour turnaround).

• Streamlined cross-departmental reporting for 7 countries, improving data accuracy and compliance with Logical Access Standards.

• Ensuring that all requested access rights aligned with predefined business rules

• Keeping a detailed record of authorized change requests and maintaining an audit trail to ensure compliance.

• Conducting authentication layer audits periodically to mitigate unauthorized access risks.

• Handling user-issued incident tickets.

• Analysing incident handling reports and devising strategies to decrease turnaround time of incidents.

• Managing end user expectations.

• Utilizing key risk indicators to identify control deficiencies.

• Contributing to enhancing the access layer reviews conducted by the bank's internal audit and operational risk function.

[HR Trainee Manager] [LSC Staffing Solution, Johannesburg]

[April 2017– April 2018]

Duties Include:

• Streamlined new hire onboarding process.

• Ensured accurate and complete submission of required documentation for newly hired recruits.

• Transformed HR processes at a staffing firm by redesigning performance appraisal systems and managing onboarding/disciplinary workflows across departments.

• Streamlined recruitment and selection processes.

• Developed and supervised various professional development workshops.

• Led successful recruitment and selection campaigns.

• Followed company-specific Human Resources guidelines for managing cases related to misconduct and incapacity.

• Resolved employee-management disputes.

• Collaborated with HR and line managers to organize induction events for fresh recruits.

• Identified and addressed performance problems, implemented necessary corrective measures.

• Managed and facilitated Performance Management procedures.

• Represented the company at the Bargaining Council. EDUCATION

Institution : University of Western Cape

Qualification : Bachelor of Administration majored in Industrial Psychology Status : Completed

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Bachelor of Administration

GOALS

• To take on leadership roles within the IT Security space.

• My goal is to go back to school and further my knowledge and qualifications and return to school to complete the Cyber Security course and choose a area to specialise in.

REFERENCES

• Available upon request

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