Nicolette Bodila
Auckland,NZ
Summary
Accomplished finance and auto lending professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in financial services, automotive finance, and credit management. Proven track record in managing end-to-end loan application processes, dealership operations, finance and insurance functions, and compliance monitoring across leading institutions such as Absa Bank, MFC Bank, Hatfield VW, and Auto Finance Direct. Demonstrates strong expertise in credit assessment, customer relationship management, and team leadership, with a consistent history of driving operational efficiency, improving financing acceptance rates, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Skilled in tailoring finance solutions to client needs, negotiating competitive loan terms, and streamlining documentation processes for enhanced turnaround times. Holds a Bachelor's degree and MBA in Business Administration, along with a New Zealand Level 4 Credit Management qualification. Adaptable, detail-oriented, and driven by service excellence, with a hands-on leadership approach and a passion for improving financial service delivery and customer experience.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Lending Support Officer
Auto Finance Direct
03.2025 - Current
- Supported customers and introducers throughout loan application process to ensure satisfaction.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of loan applications leading to final credit decisions.
- Verified supporting application information to determine affordability and suitability.
- Issued customer credit contracts in compliance with all regulations.
- Reviewed documentation for loan payouts, ensuring adherence to compliance obligations.
- Addressed inquiries and information requests to facilitate assessment and payout processes.
- Ensured compliance with delegated authority protocols during loan processing.
Finance and Insurance Manager
Hatfield VW
10.2023 - 12.2024
- Working directly with customers to explain and recommend financing options, extended warranties, aftermarket products and other options
- Finding competitive rates to encourage customers to purchase vehicles
- Processing applications for vehicle financing and helping customers get approved
- Verifying that all paperwork is completed correctly and filed properly
- Maintaining strong relationships with lending institutions to have lots of program options and competitive rates
- Seeking out new programs that benefit customers and encourage them to buy
- Ensuring compliance by following all local, state and federal regulations
- Training the sales team on available financing and programs to ensure they promote them to customers
- (South Africa)
Dealership Manager
Esteem Car Traders
03.2022 - 09.2023
- Implemented streamlined auto dealer systems, resulting in a 15% reduction in filing errors and a 25% decrease in meeting scheduling time.
- Maintained stringent adherence to dealership accounting and auto finance policies, contributing to a 30% increase in financial process efficiency.
- Represented the dealership management team professionally in communications, fostering positive relationships with third-party vendors, financial companies, service providers, and customers.
- Demonstrated adaptability by taking on additional responsibilities in human resources and office administration, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency.
- Built and nurtured a high-performing team through proactive leadership and team development initiatives.
- Collaborated with Assessors to enhance dealer portfolio management, resulting in a 15% increase in portfolio efficiency.
- Facilitated a 20% improvement in employee personal and professional development opportunities.
- Optimized staff allocation and working arrangements, leading to a 10% increase in operational efficiency and employee satisfaction.
Finance and Insurance Manager
McCarthy VW
09.2011 - 10.2019
- Working directly with customers to explain and recommend financing options, extended warranties, aftermarket products and other options
- Finding competitive rates to encourage customers to purchase vehicles
- Processing applications for vehicle financing and helping customers get approved
- Verifying that all paperwork is completed correctly and filed properly
- Maintaining strong relationships with lending institutions to have lots of program options and competitive rates
- Seeking out new programs that benefit customers and encourage them to buy
- Ensuring compliance by following all local, state and federal regulations
- Training the sales team on available financing and programs to ensure they promote them to customers
- Arcadia
Relief F & I Manager
McCarthy Ford and Mazda
05.2011 - 08.2011
- Working directly with customers to explain and recommend financing options, extended warranties, aftermarket products and other options
- Finding competitive rates to encourage customers to purchase vehicles
- Processing applications for vehicle financing and helping customers get approved
- Verifying that all paperwork is completed correctly and filed properly
- Maintaining strong relationships with lending institutions to have lots of program options and competitive rates
- Seeking out new programs that benefit customers and encourage them to buy
- Ensuring compliance by following all local, state and federal regulations
- Training the sales team on available financing and programs to ensure they promote them to customers
Assistant F & I Manager
VW Fourways
09.2010 - 02.2011
- Collaborated closely with financial lenders to secure fair interest rates and tailored finance options, resulting in enhanced buyer satisfaction and increased financing approvals.
- Maintained the highest ethical standards, emphasizing honesty and integrity when handling buyers' financial information.
Internal Marketer
Absa Bank
06.2007 - 08.2010
- Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by 20% through diligent servicing of allocated dealerships, resulting in increased repeat business.
- Efficiently handled the loan application process, ensuring accurate paperwork completion and a streamlined client experience.
- Actively communicated with portfolio managers regarding deals in progress, facilitating a clear understanding of completion plans and timelines.
Compliance Officer
MFC Bank
02.2006 - 05.2007
- Efficiently managed the booking of original documents signed by customers upon contract initiation.
- Conducted thorough file reviews to identify compliance issues arising from documents, addressing discrepancies in accordance with FICA and FAIS Acts.
- Ensured a 100% accuracy rate in document filing, contributing to timely compliance with regulatory standards.
Contracts Officer
Absa Bank
11.2004 - 02.2006
- Accurately captured all vehicle finance applications into the system, ensuring comprehensive documentation.
- Drafted contracts and facilitated their timely delivery to dealerships, contributing to a smooth transaction process.
- Verified vehicle invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance with established procedures.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Business Administration
Regenesys Business School
MBA -
Regenesys Business School
NZ Credit Management level 4 -
Rapid results
Skills
- Adaptability
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Project management
- Financial reporting
- Stakeholder engagement
- Financial analysis
- Portfolio oversight
- Regulatory compliance
- Risk assessment
Accomplishments
Finance and Insurance Manager of the Year Large Dealerships - 2023
Timeline
Lending Support Officer
Auto Finance Direct
03.2025 - Current
Finance and Insurance Manager
Hatfield VW
10.2023 - 12.2024
Dealership Manager
Esteem Car Traders
03.2022 - 09.2023
Finance and Insurance Manager
McCarthy VW
09.2011 - 10.2019
Relief F & I Manager
McCarthy Ford and Mazda
05.2011 - 08.2011
Assistant F & I Manager
VW Fourways
09.2010 - 02.2011
Internal Marketer
Absa Bank
06.2007 - 08.2010
Compliance Officer
MFC Bank
02.2006 - 05.2007
Contracts Officer
Absa Bank
11.2004 - 02.2006
Bachelor's degree - Business Administration
Regenesys Business School
MBA -
Regenesys Business School
NZ Credit Management level 4 -
Rapid results