Hi, I’m
ARDENA NICHOLSON
Finance Professional
Las Vegas,NV
Overview
17
years of professional experience
Work History
CEASARS ENTERTAINMENTLas Vegas, NV
Buyer
01.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Buyer for regional commodities.
- Process purchase orders and reconciliations.
- Current commodities include special projects, engineering, technology, gaming and FF&E.
- Obtains quotes and approves variances and purchases with Oracle Software.
- Communicates with accounting on invoicing.
BLACKBAUDLas Vegas, NV
Project Manager
02.2022 - 04.2024
Job overview
- Company Overview: Software Solutions
- Managed all aspects of complex projects related to development, infrastructure and operational workstreams.
- Working with teams, ensured measurable workstream milestones are created for timeliness, quality, and business success.
- Implemented K12 Learning Management, Educational Management and Financial Aid Management systems.
- Ensured efficient and effective communication with clients via presentations, meetings and project planning.
- Added Data Intelligence and Wealth Management analytical results to profile.
- Maintains timely project implementation and status using Salesforce.
- Software Solutions
TREASURE ISLANDLas Vegas, NV
Assistant Controller
10.2021 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Company Overview: Hotel and Casino
- Wrote and implemented official policies and operational procedures for Treasure Island and Circus Circus.
- Established policies for all operational financial transactions including departmental and point of sale purchases.
- Managed general ledger entries for balance sheet.
- Approved GL entries.
- Trained staff of Stratton Warren Software.
- Supervised inventory control, warehouse and purchasing.
- Ran reports on inventory adjustments, approved and closed inventories.
- Investigated inventory consistencies across two multi-million-dollar retail properties.
- Increased receiving efficiency by 50% by providing systemic changes.
- Hotel and Casino
AGILYSYSLas Vegas, NV
Implementation Consultant
10.2014 - 04.2020
Job overview
- Company Overview: Provider of hospitality software and solutions.
- Traveled domestically and internationally to consult with hotels, restaurants and casinos concerning best practices.
- Clientele included 80% of the world’s largest hospitality organizations.
- Trained hospitality staff remotely and onsite on use of Stratton Warren Software, and SWS Direct.
- Consulted with project management team regarding operational considerations and configuration of systems.
- Conducted training and on-site assessment of client SWS needs.
- Consulted with hospitality executives to determine organizational needs.
- Assessed procurement systems, inventory control, materials management and purchasing contracts.
- Performed F&B restaurant costing and warehouse optimization.
- Made recommendations to utilize full advantages of Agilisys product line while maximizing operational efficiencies.
- Identified and managed project scopes.
- Ensured clear concise project so all parties were aware of required project tasks and milestones.
- Established relationships in corporate hospitality procurement.
- Developed iSeries profile and user creation along with query building and formatting knowledge.
- Completed several new installations and upgrades with project values above six figures.
- Performed numerous consultations to hotels, casinos and restaurants regarding procurement operations.
- Provider of hospitality software and solutions.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATIONLas Vegas, NV
Assistant Buyer, Strategic Sourcing (Contract)
03.2013 - 02.2014
Job overview
- Company Overview: American gaming hotel and casino corporation.
- Worked with selected suppliers managing the company’s procurement activities.
- Met with vendors to ensure the meeting of requirements for supplier on-boarding process.
- Set up and tracked project management software for every commodity item according to each project to track savings and manage information.
- Purchased FF&E commodities for hotel renovation projects including case goods, upholstered goods and fabrics, lighting, outdoor furniture, accessories, drapery and wall coverings.
- Used software to track savings and submit bids with projects including hotels, restaurants and other public areas in Las Vegas.
- Used specialized industry knowledge of terms and conditions, insurance requirements for risk management.
- Developed detailed closeouts for nationwide projects.
- American gaming hotel and casino corporation.
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONALLas Vegas, NV
Administrative Assistant, Horticulture and Floral Department
06.2010 - 06.2013
Job overview
- Company Overview: American global hospitality and entertainment company.
- Performed administrative duties to maintain the purchasing and visual aesthetics of the MGM Grand Hotel floral design.
- Facilitated purchasing of monthly floral and horticulture supplies along with inventory, account reconciliation and customer service.
- Acknowledged for customer service standards.
- Exceeded sales targets to customer base.
- Serviced concierge, hotel guests, exhibitor services, hotel visuals, weddings and special events.
- Learned and employed Stratton Warren Software to make purchase.
- American global hospitality and entertainment company.
ARCHITECTUAL MATERIALSLas Vegas, NV
Global Supply Chain Coordinator
02.2008 - 03.2009
Job overview
- Company Overview: Provider of construction building materials.
- Sourced and negotiated pricing for high volume and value products through blanket purchase agreements.
- Saved over $100,000 through negotiations.
- Developed strategic relationships with suppliers by demonstrating thorough understanding of international transactions, customs compliance and international business procedures thereby saving partners $20,000+.
- Managed ledger of $10 million during construction of Fontainebleau Las Vegas and Miami.
- Utilized knowledge of customs compliance and international business procedures to ensure the timely delivery and accuracy of all shipping from overseas suppliers.
- Executed effective relationships to foster advantageous growth.
- Worked from take-offs and specs, ensured LEAD compliance.
- Provider of construction building materials.
Summary
Senior Buyer with over 10 years of progressive retail experience. Well-versed in planning and executing daily and special inventory buys. Proficient in purchasing and procurement environments. Expert at supporting businesses with high-quality, reliable goods delivered on consistent schedule.
Well-traveled Implementation Consultant with 7 years helping clients enhance businesses through careful introduction of advanced software. Satisfied only when customers successfully integrate new procurement, POS, inventory systems and improve operations. Provides streamlined, timely operational augmentations with minimal service interruptions.
Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Education
Michigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI
from International Relations
Timeline
Buyer
CEASARS ENTERTAINMENT
01.2023 - Current
Project Manager
BLACKBAUD
02.2022 - 04.2024
Assistant Controller
TREASURE ISLAND
10.2021 - 06.2022
Implementation Consultant
AGILYSYS
10.2014 - 04.2020
Assistant Buyer, Strategic Sourcing (Contract)
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
03.2013 - 02.2014
Administrative Assistant, Horticulture and Floral Department
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
06.2010 - 06.2013
Global Supply Chain Coordinator
ARCHITECTUAL MATERIALS
02.2008 - 03.2009
Michigan State University
from International Relations
Similar Profiles
Douglas WhitehadDouglas Whitehad
Dealer, Dual Supervisor, Supervisor at Ceasars EntertainmentDealer, Dual Supervisor, Supervisor at Ceasars Entertainment
Larry TaylorLarry Taylor
S=Gaming Surveillance Agent at Ceasars EntertainmentS=Gaming Surveillance Agent at Ceasars Entertainment
Marrissa PetersenMarrissa Petersen
Table Games Dealer at Ceasars entertainmentTable Games Dealer at Ceasars entertainment
Ezekiel SalasEzekiel Salas
Access Control Technician at Bags To Go Enterprises-nevadaAccess Control Technician at Bags To Go Enterprises-nevada
Angela ThompsonAngela Thompson
Assistant Case Manager at Sana Assisted LivingAssistant Case Manager at Sana Assisted Living