Nicolene van der Vee
@nicolenevandervee
Remote Executive Assistant and Operations specialist supporting UK leaders with discretion and Xero expertise.
South AfricaWhat I'm looking for
I am a Remote Executive Assistant and Operations professional with 15+ years supporting directors and senior executives across South Africa and the UK. I excel at anticipating executive needs, filtering noise, and protecting leadership focus in fully remote settings.
I have proven experience managing time-zone sensitive diary and inbox administration, end-to-end financial administration on Xero, payroll support, and confidential documentation handling for UK clients. I operate autonomously and prioritise competing deadlines without close supervision.
My background includes executive operations, HR administration, project coordination for remote teams, and stakeholder liaison, with roles in both UK and South African organisations. I have liaised directly with HMRC and maintained secure digital records while managing multiple client workflows.
I am available immediately for fully remote Executive Assistant or Executive Operations roles supporting UK companies, bringing process improvement, systems optimisation, and steadfast discretion to executive teams.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Accounting Assistant
The Accountancy People
Feb 2024 - Feb 2025 (1 year)
Served as primary remote administrative contact for UK clients, managing payroll, reconciliations and statutory submissions on Xero while liaising with HMRC to resolve queries and protect partner time.
Executive Administrator
IPIC Group
Sep 2022 - Jan 2024 (1 year 4 months)
Provided executive support across multiple entities and managed end-to-end fleet and asset administration, ensuring compliance, insurance coverage and cost control while coordinating travel and operational priorities.
Office Manager & PA
Exclr8 Business Automation
Mar 2014 - Aug 2022 (8 years 5 months)
Acted as operational right-hand to two directors, owning HR administration, payroll and Xero-based financial administration while streamlining processes to improve efficiency and ensure business continuity.
Centre Manager
Action 4 Employment
Aug 2005 - Jan 2008 (2 years 5 months)
Led centre operations for LearnDirect, responsible for staff coordination, compliance and learner outcomes to maintain service quality and regulatory standards.
Enrolment Advisor
IT (LearnDirect)
Apr 2002 - Jul 2005 (3 years 3 months)
Managed learner enrolments and records, providing advisory services and maintaining accurate documentation for programme delivery.
Travel Consultant
Bellingham Travel
Sep 2000 - Mar 2002 (1 year 6 months)
Delivered end-to-end travel planning and client service for Jersey-based clients, managing bookings, itineraries and supplier relationships.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Durbanville College
Diploma, Public Relations & Tourism
Completed a Diploma in Public Relations & Tourism at Durbanville College.
GoSkills
Certificate, Project Management
Completed a Project Management course through GoSkills.
Vizual Coaching
Certificate, Accounting & Bookkeeping
Completed a course in Accounting & Bookkeeping Essentials.
Action 4 Employment (LearnDirect)
Certification, Microsoft Office
Obtained Microsoft Office certification through Action 4 Employment (LearnDirect) in the UK.
Xero
Certification, Accounting Software
Earned Xero Adviser certification for proficiency in Xero accounting software.
Availability
Location
South AfricaAuthorized to work in
Salary expectations
Job categories
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