Team Member Ready for Placement
PERSONAL DETAILS
Name: Stella Marie Buga-ay
| Date of Birth | Gender | Marital Status |
|---|---|---|
| 06 February, 2002 | Female | Single |
Interview with Stella
ABOUT STELLA
Stella is a Bachelor of Arts in English Language graduate. She brings with her a strong foundation in communication, writing, and administrative skills, supported by her academic background and her dedication to learning. She enjoys Netflix, DIY projects, and crocheting, interests that reflect her creativity and attention to detail. With her adaptability, eagerness to grow, and excellent communication skills, she is well-prepared to transition smoothly into her role, demonstrating a balance of technical ability, organisational skill, and interpersonal warmth that makes her a promising addition to any team.
Onboarding Training and Assessment
At Affordable Staff, we ensure that every team member not only masters administrative tasks but also gains a deep understanding of Australian business practices and cultural nuances. This preparation is vital for effective client support. Our training starts with real estate, providing a comprehensive overview of general administrative competencies, ensuring our trainees are versatile and capable of handling a wide range of administrative tasks.
The second phase of our training program focuses on Mortgage Broker Assessment. This intensive two-week course immerses trainees in document processing modules, where they learn to understand various types of documents and their roles in the loan application process. Trainees are trained in following naming conventions and editing standards, with their skills assessed through quizzes and individual tasks. They are also introduced to fundamental mortgage concepts and familiarised with commonly used tools such as CRM systems. Tasks include data entry and loan application management, offering a complete view of preparing a loan application.
Team members undertaking the additional two-week, high-intensity Mortgage Broking course will gain expertise in the following areas:
- Introduction to Mortgage Broking
- Document Processing Basics
- Hands-on Document Processing
- Document Editing Standards and Advanced Processing
- Broker/VA Communication
- Nexus CRM Training
- Introduction to ApplyOnline
- Scenario-Based Training
We also emphasise communication skills, enhancing them through grammar checks, situational chats, and lender call simulations. By the end of this phase, our trainees will be proficient in handling mortgage-related tasks, meeting the high standards expected by our clients.
Affordable Staff Tools Training
Tools Training is a crucial part of our training program, ensuring our team members gain proficiency in essential software used in daily operations. Our team members are introduced to LastPass for password management, Outlook for email and calendar organisation, TechSmith for capturing and recording, Hubstaff for time tracking, Zoom and Teams for virtual communication, OneDrive for file management, and Trello for project management.
For those completing our Mortgage Broking Foundations course, we place a significant emphasis on Nexus CRM and BrokerEngine. Mortgage broking VAs spend considerable time honing their skills through practice and repetition using these tools, ensuring they become highly adept and efficient.
This comprehensive approach ensures she is well-equipped to handle a variety of tools and tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in mortgage broking support roles. The extensive practice with Nexus CRM and BrokerEngine guarantees that our VAs are not only knowledgeable but also highly proficient in using these essential tools.
Additional Tools Proficiency
Prior to our onboarding training, she had already gained experience with the following tools and software:
- Practical Application: Word, PowerPoint
- Limited Experience: Excel, Teams, Forms, Canva
- Basic Knowledge: Publisher
Additional Skills and Notable Experience
She gained valuable hands-on experience as an intern at the city legal office for 3 months, where she was responsible for data entry, encoding information into Excel sheets, assisting staff with printing, photocopying, and delivering documents, and supporting day-to-day administrative operations. She also served as a student journalist at her university for nearly 3 years, where she honed her writing, reviewing, and communication skills while meeting deadlines and collaborating with peers. These roles allowed her to develop a strong foundation in administrative work and communication-based responsibilities. Key skills and capabilities she gained from these experiences include:
- Proficiency in data entry and document preparation
- Accuracy in reviewing official documents such as memorandums and project sheets
- Familiarity with administrative workflows and office processes
- Strong adaptability in learning and using new tools
- Problem-solving and resourcefulness in completing tasks efficiently
- Ability to balance individual responsibilities with teamwork
- Reliability and professionalism in meeting expectations and deadlines
She has been working with Affordable Staff since September 2025 within the Mortgage Broking space, where she assists her clients with a variety of tasks:
- Client Records, Applications, and Compliance Management
- Updating client commentary and responsible lending documentation, registering professional development records, and recording compliance documents in the client management system
- Creating new client opportunities, processing commission record transfers, and maintaining accurate client and deal information
- Uploading supporting documents and compliance files to client application and lodgement platforms
- Client, Lender, and Broker Communication
- Communicating with lenders via calls, emails, and messaging portals to follow up on application status, rate reviews, escalations, settlements, and accreditation transfers
- Coordinating with brokers through email and team messaging platforms for document submission, application review, and compliance communication
- Forwarding emails to the client management system, sending required documents, and maintaining clear communication records
- Loan Processing, Pricing, and Valuations
- Ordering property valuation reports, monitoring valuation progress, and following up on valuation report status
- Requesting loan pricing and repricing for new and existing clients through lender portals
- Researching lender product requirements and reviewing loan options for client suitability
- Document Control and Client Reporting
- Sorting, renaming, merging, redacting, and uploading files to shared drives and cloud storage platforms
- Generating property profile reports for clients
- Completing loan discharge documentation and attending industry webinars to stay updated on processes
Learning Ability and Work Proficiency
She is a fast learner who adapts well to systems and workflows, demonstrating excellent comprehension and analytical skills. She communicates effectively both verbally and in writing, listens actively, and follows instructions with ease. She requires minimal supervision, showing high levels of independence and initiative in her work. With her well-organised approach and consistent attention to detail, she delivers accurate and reliable results. While still young and gaining experience, her openness to feedback and continuous improvement highlight her strong potential for growth in the role.
Interpersonal Skills and Personal Characteristics
She is warm, gentle, and pleasant in her interactions, building a positive rapport with those she works with. She is diligent and dependable, showing readiness to accept responsibility and initiative when needed. Her resourceful and systematic nature allows her to approach tasks methodically, while her sincerity and punctuality reflect her professionalism. She is amiable, cooperative, and earnest in her work, making her a harmonious addition to any team environment.
Suitability
Stella is greatly suitable for any general mortgage broking or general administrative position, as well as for voice roles and basic social media tasks.
Why Stella is Suitable for the Role
She combines her academic foundation in English Language with practical experience in administration, data entry, and communication-focused roles. Her proven adaptability, strong attention to detail, and ability to work independently ensure she can effectively manage the tasks expected in mortgage broking support. With her pleasant interpersonal skills, openness to feedback, and genuine enthusiasm for learning, she is well-positioned to deliver high-quality results and excel as a valuable member of any mortgage broking team.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English Language
Level: Graduate
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Business name: Affordable Staff
Position: Mortgage Broking Virtual Assistant
Date of Employment: September 2025 – present
Business name: STI West Negros University
Position: Student Journalist
Date of Employment: August 2022 – July 2025
Business name: Office of the City Legal Officer
Position: Intern
Date of Employment: February 2025 – May 2025
SKILL SET SUMMARY
English Composition
DISC
VAK




