Amy L. Benwell
New Athens,IL
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building and healthcare economics, as well as excellent optometric operations aptitude. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance. Passionate about community engagement in social services and higher education.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance and Accounting Specialist, Senior
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
09.2011 - Current
- Accounts receivable and debt collection for three clinics
- General accounting, electronic funds, cash and check handling
- Charge coding
- Patient account reconciliation
- Data and content collection and entry
- Revenue cycle reporting and analytics
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through meticulous record-keeping and regular audits.
- Managed high-volume accounts receivable activities to maintain timely payments and minimize overdue accounts.
- Collaborated with other departments to achieve accurate and prompt financial reporting.
- Assisted in annual budget preparation by analyzing historical data trends, enabling more accurate projections for future expenses and revenues.
- Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
Owner & CFO
RIVER BEAN COFFEE COMPANY
11.2021 - Current
- Marketing manager
- Revenue cycle management
- Product procurement
- Community engagement
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
Collector and Clerk
VILLAGE OF NEW ATHENS
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Management director of clerk's office, police department and public works department
- Daily accounting procedures following Governmental Accounting Standards, including payment processing, invoicing, journal entries, account reconciliation using LOCIS and Quickbooks software
- Assisted in revamping and managing the village’s investment portfolio
- Created and managed the utility billing cycle
- Head of HR: Acted as account manager for brokering health plan purchases, created and managed Health Savings Accounts, employee records management, processed payroll, including payment of taxes, health benefits, and pensions.
- Community Relations Liaison: Created programs within the community to garner investment in the village
- Spearheaded Arbor Day Celebration, earning designation as a Tree City USA
- Grant Writer: Successfully earned more than $40,000.00 the last fiscal year in grants and private sector incentives for the village
- Preparation of Governmental Reports required by IDOT and ILEPA, including annual Motor Fuel Tax Allocations and Expenditures
- Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly targets, promoting a positive work environment and boosting overall productivity.
- Developed strong relationships with community members by participating in local events and promoting government transparency.
- Maintained open lines of communication with elected officials regarding city-related matters that directly impacted their constituents.
- Maintained fiscal responsibility through careful budget management and expense tracking across all department functions.
- Created website and managed content regularly, ensuring timely access to vital information for the public''s convenience.
- Recorded and edited minutes of meetings and distributed to appropriate officials or staff members.
- Responded to requests for information from public, other municipalities or state and federal legislative offices.
- Created documents such as municipal codes and resolutions.
- Managed city records, ensuring timely updates and accurate documentation for public access.
Regional EyeMed Representative
LUXOTTICA, NORTH AMERICA
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Charged with client engagement in the Midwest Region
- Performed vision screenings at corporate health fairs
- Secured client contracts
- Promoted brand vision of Luxottica through eye health and wellness
- Data tracking and conversion reporting
- Developed and maintained positive customer relations and coordinated with team members to properly handle requests and questions.
- Served as an advocate for patients navigating complex healthcare systems or challenging insurance claims processes, providing guidance and assistance whenever possible.
General Manager
Pearle Vision
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Recruitment, training and coaching of opticians, sales reps, optometrists, and lab techs
- Regional sales leader
- Payroll processing
- Optometric technician, including contact lens
- Optical fabrication
- Filed claims via software to vision carriers and hand processed medical claims
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Maximized operational excellence mentoring personnel on management principles, industry practices, and company procedures.
- Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range planning.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
Assistant Manager
Pearle Vision
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Sales leader for Pearle Vision and Lenscrafters
- Managed schedules for Midwest region’s optometrists
- Reconciled payments
- Collected and analyzed patient volume data
- Pre-Tested and triaged patients
Education
MBA -
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
ST. LOUIS, MO12.2025
B.S. - PSYCHOLOGY
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
12.2007
Skills
- Digital Marketing
- Staff Management
- Ethical Leadership
- Community Engagement & Education
- Relationship Building
- Client Service
- Financial Software
- Ledger & Account Reconciliation
- Accounting Principles
- Financial Statement Presentations
- Financial Data Analysis
- Clinical Data Management
- Health Economics
- Grant Writing Knowledge
Recognition
Riverstars Employee of the Month Recipient, 06/01/13
Leadership Experience
- Treasurer of the St. John New Beginnings Daycare Board of Director
- Volunteer, St. John Christian Education
- Founder & Director New Athens Community Farmers Market
- NAYAO Soccer Coach
- NAYAO Baseball Coach
References
- Angel Forsha, Assistant Director of Business Operations, University of Missouri St. Louis, College of Optometry, 573-619-2929
- Stephanie Kaimann, Patient Account Manager, University of Missouri St. Louis, College of Optometry, 314-346-6163
- Richard Fitzgerald, President, New Beginnings Board of Directors, New Beginnings Day Care New Athens, 618-304-9028
Timeline
Owner & CFO
RIVER BEAN COFFEE COMPANY
11.2021 - Current
Collector and Clerk
VILLAGE OF NEW ATHENS
11.2021 - 01.2022
Finance and Accounting Specialist, Senior
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY
09.2011 - Current
Regional EyeMed Representative
LUXOTTICA, NORTH AMERICA
01.2004 - 01.2011
General Manager
Pearle Vision
01.2004 - 01.2011
Assistant Manager
Pearle Vision
01.2004 - 01.2011
B.S. - PSYCHOLOGY
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
MBA -
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
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