Athena Lance
Solon,IA
Summary
Seasoned Small Business Owner with 30 years of experience in operations management, business strategy and financial management. Demonstrated success in capitalizing on new trends and technologies to drive business development initiatives and achieve sales goals. Take-charge professional delivering executive support and team leadership to business operations. Dependable and detail-oriented to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Broad experience includes office management, accounting, accounts receivable, invoicing, dispatching, database, accounts payable, Payroll with experience of all appropriate taxes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Rural Mail Carrier
United Postal Service
Solon, IA
08.2017 - Current
- Delivered mail to residents and business within assigned area.
- Scanned packages for delivery tracking.
- Collected outgoing mail from homes and businesses to deliver to post office for processing.
- Provided friendly customer service at all times while delivering mail.
Owner/Operations Manager
Adams Door Inc. of Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, IA
04.2000 - Current
- Built strong operational teams to meet process and production demands.
- Implemented policies and standard operating procedures and managed quality, customer service and logistics.
- Tracked and replenished inventory to maintain par levels.
- Conducted employee observations and documented findings.
- Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
- Recruited, hired and trained crew members on application of projects, customer relations, and customer service.
- Oversaw financial management, budget management, accounting and payroll activities.
- Established effective relationships with vendors to negotiate pricing and secure materials needed for production.
- Reviewed production costs and product quality and modified inventory control programs to maintain and enhance annual business plan.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to track stock levels and minimize costs.
- Reviewed daily financial reports and reconciled accounts to keep information current and accurate.
- Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
- Set up new employees in the payroll system ensuring all paperwork was completed accurately.
- Provided pay-related information to employees and managers on benefit plans, tax issues and collective bargaining provisions.
- Handled garnishments from government agencies or creditors according to state laws.
- Confirmed attendance, hours worked and pay rates to properly post information in appropriate records.
- Processed new employee paperwork and entered information into payroll system.
- Prepared end-of-year tax forms such as W2s and 1099s for distribution to employees and contractors.
- Managed payroll for temporary, hourly and salaried employees.
- Managed 401K contributions by calculating amounts due from employee salaries and wages.
- Provided customer service assistance to staff regarding their paychecks and payroll issues.
- Prepared end-of-period payroll tax returns.
- Used tax form instructions and tables to complete tax forms.
Owner
The Company Store
Ely, IA
09.2007 - 10.2019
- Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Managed inventory levels, restocking shelves as needed.
- Appraised inventory levels on frequent basis, ordering new merchandise to keep quantities well-stocked.
- Utilized software to manage personnel payroll and administered employee benefits.
- Set up new employees in the payroll system ensuring all paperwork was completed accurately.
- Verified vendor invoices against purchase orders prior to processing payments.
- Monitored loans and accounts payable to confirm payments are current.
- Received and recorded cash, checks and transfers.
- Prepared journal entries related to accounts payable and receivable activities.
Operations Manager
Adams/Sweet Door Company
Cedar Rapids, IA
01.1995 - 04.2000
- Hired and onboarded team members to meet immediate and expected demand.
- Monitored delinquent accounts and initiated collection efforts as needed.
- Reconciled daily cash receipts and applied payments to the appropriate accounts.
- Assisted in month-end closing process, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and accruals.
- Negotiated payment plans with past due customers while ensuring full compliance with company policies.
- Conducted credit checks on new customers prior to extending terms of payment.
- Investigated and responded to customer inquiries related to billing issues.
- Prepared bills, invoices, and bank deposits as needed.
Education
Graduated - Cosmetology Education
John Amico's School of Hair Design
Sterling, IL03-1988
High School Diploma -
Sterling High School, Sterling IL
Sterling, IL05-1987
Skills
- Business Management
- Administrative Oversight
- Cash Flow Optimization
- Financial Planning
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Rural Mail Carrier
United Postal Service
08.2017 - Current
Owner
The Company Store
09.2007 - 10.2019
Owner/Operations Manager
Adams Door Inc. of Cedar Rapids
04.2000 - Current
Operations Manager
Adams/Sweet Door Company
01.1995 - 04.2000
Graduated - Cosmetology Education
John Amico's School of Hair Design
High School Diploma -
Sterling High School, Sterling IL