Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Hobbies and Interests
References
Languages
References
Timeline
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Gaiana Mario

Gaiana Mario

Sebastopol

Summary

I am a Pacific Islander, currently pursuing an MBA at Sonoma State University in the United States. As a dynamic MBA international student with over 10 years of experience in public service and financial markets, I bring expertise in immigration assessments, policy optimization, customer service, and event coordination. Proficient in account reconciliation, I excel at resolving complex challenges through meticulous research and analysis. I value teamwork, inclusiveness, and integrity, fostering meaningful community engagement and organizational growth. Passionate about delivering exceptional service, I leverage strong interpersonal skills to enhance customer satisfaction, and drive impactful results. I am dedicated to contributing to organizations that align with values of respect, and positive community impact.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Relationship Banker

Exchange Bank
Sebastopol
10.2024 - 04.2025
  • Customer Experience Specialist and Sales Advisor.
  • Process transactions (deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, etc.)
  • Handle customer requests and educate them on available retail products and services.
  • Builds and maintains customer relationships.
  • Identifies and recommends cross-sell and loan products based on customer needs.
  • Manage new account applications, wire agreements, and coordinate with relevant bankers and departments.

Learning Technology Student Assistant

Sonoma State University (CTET)
ROHNERT
08.2024 - 10.2024
  • Classroom technology support, faculty consultation, content remediation, support for CTET faculty and staff development services, and operational enhancement.

Global Ambassador

Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park
08.2024 - 09.2024
  • Assist study-away alumni, NSE, and international students in staying connected with the Global Education Office (GEO). My role includes office work, internships, and organizing fun activities to promote studying abroad.
  • I contribute to building a strong global community on campus through event planning, programming, and collaborating with other departments, and the International Education Exchange Council (IEEC).

Acting Senior Visa Officer

Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
Suva
03.2023 - 11.2023
  • Assisted in supervising and managing a team of 13, including providing training and mentoring.
  • Responded to queries and follow-ups from government officials and VIP clients.
  • Actioned quality control assessments.
  • Contributed to system enhancements and streamlined processing through rigorous testing.
  • Facilitated staff well-being assessments while fostering team collaboration and cohesion.
  • Coordinated community outreach activities and departmental events, such as health awareness campaigns and sports programs.

Visa Officer

Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
Suva
11.2017 - 02.2023
  • Expertise in handling diverse temporary visa applications while adhering to AHC immigration policies and standards.
  • Oversaw large-scale data management across multiple departmental systems and software platforms.
  • Performed detailed evaluations of various applications and client profiles.
  • Ensured strict confidentiality and accuracy in maintaining client records.
  • Engaged in departmental rotations and completed mandatory training programs.

Treasury Finance Support Officer

BRED Bank (Fiji) Ltd
Suva
01.2015 - 07.2017
  • Oversaw domestic and international telegraphic transfers: Fiji Clear, SWIFT.
  • Prepared financial reports: FX positions, liquidity evaluations, foreign currency transactions, CTR, STR reports, OET code transactions, foreign account openings, transactions over $10k to RBF, international transfers/payments to FRCA, ABIF cheque volume, and foreign movement reports.
  • Oversaw Vostro and Nostro accounts: accounting entries, account movements, and Visa/MasterCard transactions.
  • Maintained correspondence with local and international banks, including the Reserve Bank.
  • Oversaw salary listings, payments, and Fiji Clear settlements.
  • Conducted compliance checks on foreign market deals and monitored FX dealings.
  • Managed trade finance clients: maintained files, and coordinated with business relationship managers.
  • Conducted training and guidance for branch personnel and assisted with complex queries and complaints.
  • Involved in establishing FX accounts, trade finance products, and wire platforms.

Customer Service Officer

BRED Bank (Fiji) Ltd
Suva
06.2012 - 12.2014
  • Throughout my tenure in various branch-level positions, I have fulfilled roles such as Teller, International Officer, Loans Officer, Enquiries Officer, and Back Office Reconciliation Officer.
  • My responsibilities included welcoming customers, authenticating client profiles, managing deposits and withdrawals, overseeing system inputs and account postings, processing loan applications, addressing international-related inquiries and transactions, assisting with the vault, and promoting the bank's products and services.

Education

MBA - Business Administration

Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
05-2026

Bachelor of Commerce - Banking/Management and Public Administration

University of the South Pacific
Suva
12.2011

Skills

  • One drive
  • Google drive
  • Microsoft 365
  • Office
  • Data analysis using Excel
  • Outlook
  • Teams
  • Phone etiquette
  • Organizational Skills
  • Multitasking abilities
  • Cultural Competence
  • Optimistic
  • Fast learner
  • Adaptive
  • Data management
  • Relationship management
  • Communication skills
  • Portfolio management
  • Customer Service-oriented
  • Account verification and reconciliation
  • Task prioritization
  • Cross-selling
  • Software proficiency
  • Time management
  • Banking operations
  • Transfer funds
  • Client onboarding

Accomplishments

  • Certificate of Appreciation, 2022, Recognized by the Department of Home Affairs for effectively managing high-profile and complex character cases.
  • Team Leadership, 2022, Successfully led the LE Social Club Committee, organizing team-building events.
  • Sports Representation
  • 2019
  • 2022
  • Represented the Australian High Commission in Volleyball and Netball.
  • Top Back-office Officer, 2013, Awarded by BRED Bank Fiji Ltd for proficiency in handling cheques.
  • Outstanding Performer, 2014, Commended for achieving sales targets in the loans department.
  • Team Excellence Award, 2017, Recognized for team excellence in Operations Support.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Travelling
  • Engaging with diverse people
  • Socialising
  • Learning new skills and improving on research skills

References

Available on request.

Languages

English

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Relationship Banker

Exchange Bank
10.2024 - 04.2025

Learning Technology Student Assistant

Sonoma State University (CTET)
08.2024 - 10.2024

Global Ambassador

Sonoma State University
08.2024 - 09.2024

Acting Senior Visa Officer

Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
03.2023 - 11.2023

Visa Officer

Department of Home Affairs (DHA)
11.2017 - 02.2023

Treasury Finance Support Officer

BRED Bank (Fiji) Ltd
01.2015 - 07.2017

Customer Service Officer

BRED Bank (Fiji) Ltd
06.2012 - 12.2014

MBA - Business Administration

Sonoma State University

Bachelor of Commerce - Banking/Management and Public Administration

University of the South Pacific
Gaiana Mario