Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Brenda Bowman

Keswick,IA

Summary

Customer-focused individual with a passion for delivering exceptional service. Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for effectively addressing concerns. Committed to improving customer satisfaction and driving positive outcomes. 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 management, vendor negotiations and contract management. Recognized for exemplary customer service and team collaboration.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

General Manager/COO

Modern Cooperative Telephone Company
South English, IA
07.2024 - Current
  • Developed and implemented operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs and maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff members to ensure efficient operations.
  • Managed all aspects of daily business operations including budgeting, staffing, scheduling, inventory control, customer service and sales.
  • Monitored financial performance and identified areas for improvement in cost savings and revenue generation.
  • Coordinated training activities for employees to ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
  • Maintained relationships with vendors to obtain the best pricing on supplies and materials.
  • Oversaw product development initiatives from concept through completion stages.
  • Created a positive work environment by developing team building activities that encouraged collaboration among departments.
  • Analyzed existing processes for effectiveness and developed new systems as needed to enhance overall productivity levels.
  • Resolved customer complaints quickly while maintaining high quality standards of service delivery.
  • Identified areas of improvement in current business practices and collaborated with other departments to develop action plans for implementation.
  • Developed marketing strategies designed to increase brand awareness within target markets.
  • Performed routine audits of internal controls in order to maintain accuracy of financial records.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards pertaining to operations management.
  • Trained employees on duties, policies and procedures.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired qualified staff for open positions.
  • Created schedules and monitored payroll to remain within budget.
  • Supervised employees through planning, assignments and direction.
  • Recruited, trained and empowered employees to achieve key performance indicators.
  • Tracked monthly sales to generate reports for business development planning.
  • Administered employee discipline through verbal and written warnings.
  • Managed inventory levels and conducted corrective action planning to minimize long-term costs.
  • Built and maintained loyal, long-term customer relationships through effective account management.
  • Delivered exceptional client experiences through hands-on leadership of associates and managers.
  • Complied with company policies and government regulations to prevent and detect rule violations and protect organization from fines and lawsuits.
  • Designed sales and service strategies to improve revenue and retention.
  • Developed service and sales strategies to improve retention and revenue.
  • Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
  • Maximized time and employee productivity, consolidating data, payroll and accounting programs into centralized systems.
  • Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
  • Appraised inventory levels on frequent basis, ordering new merchandise to keep quantities well-stocked.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
  • Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
  • Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
  • Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
  • Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
  • Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, pricing and sales.
  • Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
  • Directed or coordinated financial or budget activities to fund operations and maximize investments.
  • Forecasted customer demand to set prices or credit terms for goods or services.
  • Implemented campaigns and promotions to help with developing goods and services.

Assistant General Manager/CFO

Modern Cooperative Telephone Company
South English, IA
10.2020 - Current
  • Managed daily operations of the store, including scheduling and supervising staff.
  • Ensured that customer service standards were met or exceeded at all times.
  • Developed and implemented effective strategies to maximize sales and profits.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed orders for new stock as needed.
  • Conducted regular performance evaluations for employees to ensure quality standards were maintained.
  • Analyzed financial data and prepared reports for senior management.
  • Created promotional campaigns to increase store traffic and generate revenue.
  • Identified opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency improvements.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner while maintaining a professional demeanor.
  • Provided training, guidance, and support to staff members on proper procedures and policies.
  • Implemented safety protocols to protect both customers and employees from potential hazards.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, payroll information, sales figures.
  • Evaluated current processes within the store environment to identify areas of improvement.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to coordinate projects.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process by conducting interviews with prospective candidates.
  • Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, preparing documents.
  • Developed marketing plans to promote products or services offered by the company.
  • Communicated regularly with suppliers regarding product delivery timelines, pricing information.
  • Organized special events such as promotions or fundraisers to drive business growth.
  • Motivated and led team members to work together to achieve targets.
  • Managed store cash intake with high accuracy and prepared daily bank deposits.
  • Managed and mentored staff to carry out operational directives with high productivity and accuracy.
  • Disciplined and maintained staff to deliver hospitable, professional service reflecting business initiatives.
  • Applied knowledge of coverage needs and individual employee strengths to produce successful team schedules.
  • Enhanced team engagement and performance with daily updates and informational meetings.
  • Placed new inventory orders and oversaw correct restocking procedures to maintain operational output.
  • Identified customer needs and delivered relevant product solutions and promotions.
  • Controlled business inventory to keep numbers beneath targets through expert oversight and usage monitoring.
  • Oversaw payroll preparation and administration for staff.
  • Helped team develop specialized projects, events and promotions.
  • Supervised critical budget implementations, employee reviews, training and scheduling for projects.
  • Met business targets with streamlined operations strategies.
  • Coordinated monthly budgets, managed profit and loss and consistently met desired margin targets.
  • Fostered performance-oriented environment focused on promoting team collaboration, personal accountability and long-term business success.
  • Supported annual profit goals by streamlining processes and improving staff knowledge of optimal procedures.
  • Oversaw efforts to update computer systems with pricing and specials for optimal recordkeeping.
  • Developed and implemented promotions and publicity programs to achieve remarkable business increase.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Prepared staff work schedules and assigned team members to specific duties.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Used excellent verbal skills to engage customers in conversation and effectively determine needs and requirements.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed new orders for merchandise to keep supply well-stocked.
  • Used strong issue resolution and communication skills to cultivate and strengthen lasting client relationships.
  • Reviewed financial statements and sales or activity reports to measure productivity or goal achievement.
  • Appraised inventory levels on frequent basis, ordering new merchandise to keep quantities well-stocked.
  • Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
  • Implemented successful business strategies to increase revenue and target new markets.
  • Mitigated business risks by working closely with staff members and assessing performance.
  • Created effective business plans to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
  • Improved productivity initiatives, managing budgets and accounts, coordinating itinerary and scheduling appointments.
  • Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
  • Implemented campaigns and promotions to help with developing goods and services.
  • Coordinated and directed activities of businesses or departments concerning production, pricing and sales.
  • Directed or coordinated financial or budget activities to fund operations and maximize investments.
  • Forecasted customer demand to set prices or credit terms for goods or services.
  • Structured HR consulting services to support clients during organizational developments and changes.
  • Developed and implemented financial strategies to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Prepared annual budget plans, quarterly forecasts, and monthly closing activities.
  • Analyzed financial data to identify trends and recommend solutions for improvement.
  • Reviewed financial statements on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of reported information.
  • Provided guidance on capital structure, investments, acquisitions, divestitures, and other strategic initiatives.
  • Collaborated with senior management to develop long-term business objectives and plans.
  • Managed the preparation of external audit reports in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
  • Monitored cash flows and identified areas of risk or opportunity.
  • Assessed current accounting processes and procedures; developed new policies as needed.
  • Oversaw the development and implementation of systems for tracking financial performance metrics.
  • Evaluated internal controls over financial reporting processes and ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors, suppliers, customers., ensuring best value for company resources.
  • Developed comprehensive tax planning strategies that minimized liabilities while maximizing profitability.
  • Worked closely with operations teams to ensure accurate cost accounting practices are followed.
  • Identified potential sources of financing; prepared loan applications for lenders' review.
  • Directed treasury operations including cash management functions; monitored foreign exchange exposure risks.
  • Ensured timely filing of all required federal and state taxes; provided support during audits by regulatory agencies.
  • Represented organization at investor meetings; communicated corporate vision and strategy effectively.
  • Cultivated relationships with banking institutions to secure favorable terms on loans and lines of credit.
  • Managed company-wide budgets, payroll, accounting and other financial operations.
  • Analyzed operational processes and implemented continuous improvement initiatives to promote profitability and efficiency.
  • Created and implemented best practices to standardize internal processes and procedures.
  • Prepared financial forecasts to support fiscal planning and management.
  • Coordinated financial statement reviews to coordinate variance reporting, analysis of year-to-date and forecast performance against expectations.
  • Supported company growth objectives by developing solid financial plans.
  • Developed plans to standardize and facilitate organizational asset management.
  • Sourced, installed and implemented new accounting systems to streamline operations.
  • Negotiated and managed contractual agreements to secure ideal terms and drive effective financial engagements.
  • Provided strategic and financial growth advice to other company executives.
  • Completed analysis of company financial data and produced industry reports outlining metrics and results.
  • Formulated and delivered financial and budget reports for investors, partners and stakeholders.
  • Guided internal audits, risk assessments and compliance monitoring.
  • Developed systems to protect company assets and report accurate financial results.
  • Devised strategies to drive organizational vision and grow revenues.
  • Devised funding strategies to drive company vision and support tactical initiatives.
  • Made proactive adjustments to fiscal policies according to available company resources and desired outcomes.
  • Monitored business trend forecasts and adjusted budgets and operational plans to maximize growth and opportunities.
  • Oversaw monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting while developing annual operational budget and [Number]-year projections.
  • Prepared accounts and conducted audits according to regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborated with business unit managers to prepare annual financial reports, tax returns and pension plan financial statements.
  • Minimized losses by improving financial strategies to improve corporate position.
  • Oversaw requisition and procurement processes to guide purchasing decisions.
  • Modified comprehensive financial reporting package to reflect growing organizational complexity and managed financial reporting processes to validate internal and external financial results align with GAAP.
  • Delivered speeches and attended industry conferences to promote company image and engage with buyers.
  • Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.
  • Oversaw corrective action plans to remedy structural, organizational and departmental issues.
  • Signed and approved budgets for new funding and program initiatives.
  • Implemented strategic offerings to enhance company's suite of products and services.
  • Executed on-time, under-budget project management to adhere to project road map.
  • Oversaw technological improvements, successfully reducing waste and eliminating business bottlenecks.
  • Exceeded sales goals through upselling and cross-selling within existing client base as well as strategically attracting new business.
  • Fostered collaboration and development of new practices by business leaders.

Office Manager & Accounting Manager

Modern Cooperative Telephone Company
South English, IA
03.1995 - Current
  • Developed and implemented office policies and procedures.
  • Assisted with the preparation of budgets, forecasts and financial statements.
  • Supervised staff members, organized schedules and delegated tasks.
  • Coordinated meetings, conferences, travel arrangements and department activities.
  • Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
  • Ordered supplies and equipment to maintain adequate inventory levels.
  • Provided administrative support to management team including preparing reports and presentations.
  • Created spreadsheets in Excel to track data such as vacation requests, sick days .
  • Answered phone calls, responded to emails, routed mail and coordinated courier services.
  • Resolved customer inquiries in a timely manner while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
  • Processed payroll accurately ensuring all employees were paid on time.
  • Managed front desk operations including greeting visitors, answering questions or directing them to appropriate personnel.
  • Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy of accounts receivable and payable information.
  • Organized company events including holiday parties, team building activities .
  • Performed general bookkeeping duties such as reconciling bank statements and creating journal entries.
  • Ensured compliance with applicable laws regarding employment practices.
  • Reviewed contracts for accuracy prior to signing off on behalf of the company.
  • Prepared agendas for board meetings along with taking minutes during sessions.
  • Conducted research projects related to new product development or marketing initiatives.
  • Provided training to new hires on office policies and procedures.
  • Managed office inventory and placed new supply orders.
  • Monitored payments due from clients and promptly contacted clients with past due payments.
  • Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
  • Oversaw receiving and organizing correspondence, answering and forwarding calls and creating business letters and records.
  • Administered payroll and maintained proper documentation of employee personnel.
  • Reviewed files and records to obtain information and respond to requests.
  • Managed, scheduled and coordinated office functions and activities for employees.
  • Handled scheduling and managed timely and effective allocation of resources and calendars.
  • Used judgment and initiative in handling confidential matters and requests.
  • Coded and entered daily invoices with in-house accounting software.
  • Managed office budget to handle inventory, postage and vendor services.
  • Implemented and maintained company protocols to facilitate smooth daily activities.
  • Coordinated office activities and operations to secure efficiency and compliance with company policies.
  • Elevated customer satisfaction ratings by promptly resolving client and case issues.
  • Trained and mentored administrative staff members in company policies, daily task execution and industry best practices.
  • Sustained office efficiency by implementing and planning office systems, equipment procurement and layouts.
  • Automated office operations for managing client correspondence, payment schedules and data communications.
  • Interpreted and communicated work procedures and company policies to staff.
  • Remained calm and professional in stressful circumstances and effectively diffused tense situations.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints requiring management-level escalation.
  • Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
  • Reviewed completed work to verify consistency, quality and conformance.
  • Recruited and trained new employees to meet job requirements.
  • Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
  • Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
  • Assigned work and monitored performance of project personnel.
  • Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
  • Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
  • Mediated conflicts between employees and facilitated effective resolutions to disputes.
  • Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
  • Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
  • Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
  • Planned and delivered training sessions to improve employee effectiveness and address areas of weakness.
  • Organized team activities to build camaraderie and foster pleasant workplace culture.
  • Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
  • Created and managed budgets for travel, training and teambuilding activities.
  • Developed and implemented effective accounting policies and procedures.
  • Analyzed financial data, identified trends, and developed strategies to improve profitability.
  • Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Reviewed general ledger accounts for accuracy and compliance with GAAP.
  • Evaluated internal control systems to ensure adherence to corporate policies and procedures.
  • Identified areas of improvement in the existing accounting system and recommended changes accordingly.
  • Coordinated external audits by providing required documents on time.
  • Monitored cash flow, prepared bank reconciliations, and managed accounts payable and receivable functions.
  • Provided guidance on taxes such as income tax returns, sales tax returns.
  • Assisted in developing budgeting processes for improved forecasting accuracy.
  • Researched complex accounting issues and provided solutions to management team.
  • Maintained accurate records of payroll information including wages, deductions, bonuses.
  • Ensured timely payment of invoices from vendors or suppliers according to contractual agreements.
  • Implemented cost-saving measures across the organization's accounting operations.
  • Advised senior management on potential investments or other finance related matters.
  • Collaborated with different departments regarding their budget requirements.
  • Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss company's financial performance.
  • Created reports summarizing current financial status by collecting analyzing and presenting key data points.
  • Tracked expenses and revenues against budgets and forecasts and reported variances.
  • Conducted regular reviews of existing processes and procedures and suggest improvements when necessary.
  • Supervised accounting tasks, which included accounts payable and receivable, general ledger management and expense reporting oversight.
  • Handled accounting operations such as updating journal entries, pursuing collections and reconciling accounts.
  • Verified and posted account transactions to prepare checks and maintain accounting ledgers.
  • Prepared month-end closing entries for detailed reporting and recordkeeping.
  • Oversaw cash flow, controlled costs and financial matters.
  • Evaluated and approved billing invoices and expense reports to monitor and ensure cash flow and cost containment.
  • Produced accurate and compliant financial statements, reports, documentation and budget frameworks.
  • Developed and implemented departmental accounting policies, procedures and processes to establish and standardize accounting best practices.
  • Reconciled and reviewed operations databases and accounting system records to calculate and determine accurate monthly revenues.
  • Delivered actionable recommendations to enhance strategic direction and day-to-day accounting operations.
  • Developed budgets, prepared forecasts and monitored financial deadlines.
  • Planned, directed and monitored regulatory operations, tax reporting and audit compliance.
  • Evaluated and approved contracts, proposals and purchase orders.
  • Collaborated with finance and accounting departments to deliver comprehensive financial information to facilitate decision making for management, stakeholders and parent company.
  • Gathered data and uncovered fraud, embezzlement or liabilities during auditing procedures.
  • Completed month-end and year-end closings, kept records audit-ready and monitored timely recording of accounting transactions.
  • Checked payroll, vendor payments and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
  • Managed relationships with tax authorities, bankers and auditors.
  • Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
  • Created and updated financial reports on frequent basis to present information to leadership teams.
  • Coordinated preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
  • Developed invoicing systems and internal controls to boost billing efficiencies.
  • Conducted reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities.
  • Analyzed actual financial results to budget, preparing variance reporting to functional groups.
  • Maintained regular performance appraisals for subordinates through verbal, written and on-going review programs.
  • Recommended new financial and accounting software packages. replacing various non-integrated offerings.
  • Created financial management mechanisms to minimize financial risk to business.
  • Developed or analyzed information to assess current or future financial status of firms.
  • Built financial models to allocate resources, forecast cash and investment needs and make capital budgeting decisions.
  • Communicated with stockholders or other investors to provide information or raise capital.
  • Consolidated business data into actionable metrics to simplify and highlight areas of concern and opportunity.
  • Analyzed competitors and market trends to facilitate business growth.
  • Coordinated approval or rejection of lines of credit or commercial, real estate or personal loans.
  • Invested funds and recommended appropriate dividend issuances based on historical dividend patterns and expected cash flows.
  • Used hedging to mitigate financial risks related to interest rates on company's borrowings.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Accounting And Business Management

Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IA
01-1982

Skills

  • Financial Administration
  • Operations Oversight
  • Contract Negotiations
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Distribution Management
  • Account Management
  • Quality Management
  • Branding
  • Staff Supervision
  • Service Quality Improvement
  • Advertising and marketing
  • Project Management
  • P&L Management
  • Customer Retention
  • Program Administration
  • Recruiting and hiring
  • Expense Control
  • Schedule Management
  • Workflow Planning
  • Vendor Sourcing
  • Business Administration
  • Public Relations
  • Sales
  • Business Development
  • Staff Development
  • Cost Reductions
  • Vendor relationships
  • Safety protocol
  • New Business Development
  • Change Implementation
  • Sales Team Development
  • Performance Improvement
  • Employee training and development
  • Marketing
  • Time Management
  • Customer Relations
  • Time and Resource Optimization
  • Supervision and training
  • Salary structure/compensation analysis
  • Administrative Skills
  • Team Player
  • Operations Management
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Sales planning and implementation
  • Operations Start-Up
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Motivation
  • Event Management and Promotion
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Compensation/benefits administration
  • Human Resources Leadership
  • Budget Administration
  • Budget Forecasts
  • Performance Analysis
  • Team Building
  • Profit and loss accountability
  • Budget coordination
  • Staff Motivation
  • Profit and Loss
  • Labor Cost Controls
  • Sales Analysis
  • Profit Generation
  • Strategic Planning
  • Training and coaching
  • Staff Training
  • Vendor Negotiations
  • Total Quality Management

Accomplishments

  • ICA Leadership Academy 2024-2025
  • Most Valuable Employee @ Modern Cooperative Telephone Company
  • Bookkeeping Achievement - Kieslings
  • I-Wireless Customer Sales & Service Award

Certification

  • Adtran AOE Administrator
  • Mosiac Device Management Administrator
  • Subscriber Insight Administrator
  • MACC CM Administrator
  • MACC AM Administrator
  • NOC 360 Administrator
  • NUSO Administrator
  • GigTel Administrator
  • Notary - State of Iowa
  • American Institute for Business Professionals
  • American Institute Professional Bookkeepers
  • Professional Business Women of Iowa
  • Google Earth Mapping & Design
  • CPNI Certificate
  • Red Flag Certificate
  • GM/Ford/Toyota Blue Print Reading & Design Certificate

Affiliations

  • Gardening
  • Bonfires
  • Baling Hay
  • Baseball/Softball
  • Sewing
  • Crochet
  • Spending time with family and friends

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

General Manager/COO

Modern Cooperative Telephone Company
07.2024 - Current

Assistant General Manager/CFO

Modern Cooperative Telephone Company
10.2020 - Current

Office Manager & Accounting Manager

Modern Cooperative Telephone Company
03.1995 - Current
  • Adtran AOE Administrator
  • Mosiac Device Management Administrator
  • Subscriber Insight Administrator
  • MACC CM Administrator
  • MACC AM Administrator
  • NOC 360 Administrator
  • NUSO Administrator
  • GigTel Administrator
  • Notary - State of Iowa
  • American Institute for Business Professionals
  • American Institute Professional Bookkeepers
  • Professional Business Women of Iowa
  • Google Earth Mapping & Design
  • CPNI Certificate
  • Red Flag Certificate
  • GM/Ford/Toyota Blue Print Reading & Design Certificate

Associate of Applied Science - Accounting And Business Management

Indian Hills Community College

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Brenda Bowman