Debra D'Souza
E-Mail: debra.dsouza@mail.com

PROFILE

An experienced and creative problem-solver with excellent computer skills and a proven aptitude for web-based technology and Internet applications. Over 20 years of solid background in financial services spanning group operations and retail banking. Enjoys working solo and in teams where the emphasis is on good communication skills and strategic thinking. Provides customized solutions to meet changing business needs. A resourceful self-starter who is committed to life-long learning and continuing professional development.

BUSINESS BACKGROUND

CIBC

PERSONAL BANKING REPRESENTATIVE 1999 TO DATE

Retail sale of accounts, loans, credit lines, mortgages, GICs and RRSPs under the President's Choice Financial banner.
Team management of in-store Pavilion, i.e. marketing, product displays, sales plans, scheduling and reporting.
Responsible for personal portfolio of clients, including cold-calling and up-selling.

TD

1978 - 1999

Operations expertise in mainframe system design, testing, end-user training combined with retail experience in both credit and investment, using mainframe and PC applications.

BUSINESS ANALYST 1995 - 1999

Mainframe system business analysis and scoping of user requirements.
Consultation with system analysts to produce functional designs on team basis.
Screen design, test scripts, conditions, online testing on individual and team basis.
Organized, scheduled, implemented and supported mainframe system pilots.
Provided post-implementation user support, conducted user surveys and compiled post-implementation reviews.
Liased with Systems Group, Branch Operations, Legal and Audit to ensure business requirements were met.
Supported all automated Branch requirements to promote operational efficiency and improve customer service.
Analyzed problems with Branch mainframe systems and procedures and recommended corrective action.

ASSISTANT MANAGER, PERSONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES 1992 - 1995

Underwriting of credit vehicles including loans, mortgages, credit lines and Visa.
Sales and service of investment products including T-bills, GIC's, bonds, strips, mutual funds, RRSP's and stock trading accounts.
Responsible for portfolio of 250 high value accounts (cold-calling, cross/upselling).
Supervision of 5 member team of customer service representatives.
Co-ordinated branch activities on behalf of Manager.

OPERATIONS OFFICER - BUSINESS SYSTEMS TRAINING 1991 - 1992

Designed, scheduled and delivered frontline application training including customer information files, credit application processing, online purchasing and investing.
Designed and delivered a focused on-line formal business systems course for up to 1,000 branch staff throughout the GTA for an 18-month period.

OPERATIONS OFFICER - BUSINESS SYSTEMS 1989 - 1991

Recognized the need for improved mainframe systems support services. Launched and issued a monthly newsletter, using desktop publishing, that was distributed to over 100 branches in the GTA. Provided additional support with a telephone help desk.
Projected, organized and scheduled mainframe training programs for branch staff on-site or through in-house Education Centre.

PERSONAL LOANS OFFICER 1987 - 1989

Underwrote personal credit vehicles and cross-sold personal banking products.
Acted in a support function for Branch Manager.

PRIOR TO 1987 HELD A VARIETY OF SUPPORT POSITIONS AT TD BANK FINANCIAL GROUP IN ADMINISTRATION AND CREDIT.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1980 to date.

Currently enrolled in Personal Financial Planning Program.

Personal Financial Counselling Diploma. Courses completed include Advanced Personal Finance, Legal Aspects and Financial Goal Counselling.

F.I.C.B. Diploma, Professional Banking Program.

F.I.C.B. Diploma, Fellows' Program; McGill University and Institute of Canadian Bankers.

Human Resources Development Canada, 1999-2000.

Consulting as a Career Option.
Thought Patterns.
MS-Office Advanced (Word, Excel, Powerpoint)
Career Paths.

TD Bank Financial Group, 1989 - 1999.

Numerous in-house courses including Project Management, MS-Project, QMF/DB2, Negotiating Skills, Managing through Influence, Mutual Funds in Canada.

George Brown College, 1999.

Web Page I; Course covered HTML, formatted text, tables and in-line graphics.

University of Toronto Business School & TD Bank Financial Group, 1993 - 1998.

Annual National Review Exam; Covered investment and financial planning. Successful completion is required to renew mutual fund license.

Canadian Securities Institute, 1988.

Canadian Securities Course.

INTERESTS

Financial planning and on-line investing.
Website design and management.
Yoga.
Reading.
Travelling.
Member; Alliance for a Better Georgina.
Volunteer; Canadian Cancer Society's Reach To Recovery Program.
Fundraiser; Mount Sinai Hospital's Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre.