Not your average banker
Alexandrine Stephanus is working her way up in the banking sector
Bank Windhoek’s Alexandrine Stephanus joined Bank Windhoek in April 2015 as a risk and compliance consultant in the office of the chief operating officer, a position she still holds today.
Stephanus explained to Careers that her job requires her to maintain, review, update and present the risk framework for the bank’s operations department principal risk for approval.
She also assists line management with implementing adequate and effective remedial actions for all non-compliance, risks or control weaknesses identified by assurance providers.
"This is, for example, internal and external audit, management assurance function or the regulator, Bank of Namibia," she explained.
"I am similarly responsible for monthly reporting on the status of the principal risk profile, including key risk indicators, emerging risk, loss incidents, and the status of open audit issues. Together with the team, we ensure that all policies in the operations space are updated and either complied with or reviewed with changes in the operating environment."
Inspiration
Stephanus was born in Usakos and raised by her mother alongside eight siblings. Outside the office, she gets inspired by reading other people’s biographies. She said each person has a different story and beginning, but the outcomes and messages are always the same: there is no substitute for hard work and perseverance.
Stephanus is always keen on expanding her general knowledge and following news and current affairs are her areas of interest.
When asked what advice she would give the youth, she said: “I am usually saddened to see some youth exchange their future well-being and prosperity for instant gratification. Today's youth are fortunate to have many role models from backgrounds like theirs or worse, from whom they can learn and emulate,” she said.
Take note
"Nobody stays young forever. At some stage in your lives, you will be required to be responsible citizens who need to contribute to society in one way or another. I acknowledge that not all of us can obtain academic qualifications. However, we can create meaningful lives for ourselves and our offspring. Where you come from should never determine your destiny," she said.
She concluded by saying the road to getting an education is a long and bitter one full of thorns; some externally induced, not because of any fault of their own; others self-inflicted, but the fruits are so sweet and rewarding.
"I know what it feels like to study for long hours on an empty stomach and have sugar water afterwards to fall asleep. If I could do it, you can do it even better."
Stephanus explained to Careers that her job requires her to maintain, review, update and present the risk framework for the bank’s operations department principal risk for approval.
She also assists line management with implementing adequate and effective remedial actions for all non-compliance, risks or control weaknesses identified by assurance providers.
"This is, for example, internal and external audit, management assurance function or the regulator, Bank of Namibia," she explained.
"I am similarly responsible for monthly reporting on the status of the principal risk profile, including key risk indicators, emerging risk, loss incidents, and the status of open audit issues. Together with the team, we ensure that all policies in the operations space are updated and either complied with or reviewed with changes in the operating environment."
Inspiration
Stephanus was born in Usakos and raised by her mother alongside eight siblings. Outside the office, she gets inspired by reading other people’s biographies. She said each person has a different story and beginning, but the outcomes and messages are always the same: there is no substitute for hard work and perseverance.
Stephanus is always keen on expanding her general knowledge and following news and current affairs are her areas of interest.
When asked what advice she would give the youth, she said: “I am usually saddened to see some youth exchange their future well-being and prosperity for instant gratification. Today's youth are fortunate to have many role models from backgrounds like theirs or worse, from whom they can learn and emulate,” she said.
Take note
"Nobody stays young forever. At some stage in your lives, you will be required to be responsible citizens who need to contribute to society in one way or another. I acknowledge that not all of us can obtain academic qualifications. However, we can create meaningful lives for ourselves and our offspring. Where you come from should never determine your destiny," she said.
She concluded by saying the road to getting an education is a long and bitter one full of thorns; some externally induced, not because of any fault of their own; others self-inflicted, but the fruits are so sweet and rewarding.
"I know what it feels like to study for long hours on an empty stomach and have sugar water afterwards to fall asleep. If I could do it, you can do it even better."
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