Carolyn Brewster
Pinellas Park,Florida
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with a strong background in bookkeeping and financial management. Skilled in problem resolution and collaboration, successfully enhancing process efficiency and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Coordinator
Family Center on Deafness, Inc.
St. Petersburg, FL
06.2023 - Current
- Coordinated budget planning and forecasting to align departmental financial goals.
- Streamlined expense tracking procedures, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
- Managed financial records and transactions to ensure efficient processing.
- Organized documentation and data to support efficient audit processes.
- Collaborated with department heads to relay critical financial insights and updates.
- Evaluated contracts for compliance with organizational policies. for compliance with organizational policies and standards.
- Researched available grant opportunities to secure funding for the organization.
- Submitted payroll and maintained accurate records on behalf of the Office Manager position.
Bookkeeper, Part-Time
Highpoint Neighborhood Family Center
Clearwater, Florida
02.2022 - 03.2024
- Recorded financial transactions using accounting software.
- Maintained accurate ledgers and ensured data integrity.
- Assisted in budgeting and forecasting activities effectively.
- Communicated with vendors regarding billing inquiries promptly.
- Ensured accuracy in all accounting entries and records.
- Managed accounts payable and receivable processes efficiently.
- Reviewed the payroll submissions to ensure the Office Manager's timekeeping was accurate.
- Verified accuracy of vendor invoices against purchase orders prior to payment processing.
- Assisted with the preparation of budgets and forecasts.
Lean Six Sigma Team
USPS, United States Postal Service
Tampa, FL
07.1996 - 12.2020
- Implemented lean processing techniques including 5S, Six Sigma, and Kaizen into daily operations to enhance workflow.
- Contributed to continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean Manufacturing principles through Kaizen events and 5S methodology.
- Utilized lean manufacturing principles such as Kaizen, 5S, and SMED to develop solutions that improved productivity and decreased MUDA.
- Implemented Lean Manufacturing principles throughout the facility including 5S methodology, Kaizen events. Traveled locally to participate in Kaizen events.
- Participated in continuous improvement activities, such as kaizen events, aimed at enhancing departmental efficiency.
- I earned my yellow belt in LSS and participated in green and black belt activities.
Ergonomic Specialist
USPS, United States Postal Service
Tampa, FL
06.1995 - 09.2010
- Developed tailored ergonomic solutions to enhance workplace safety and comfort.
- Assessed ergonomic needs for diverse work environments and employee roles.
- Evaluated existing workstations and recommended modifications, resulting in improved ergonomic standards across the organization.
- Designed ergonomic assessment tools to streamline evaluation processes.
- Conducted training sessions on proper ergonomic practices for staff members.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement ergonomic recommendations, enhancing workplace safety, and employee comfort.
- Collaborated with the student engineering team from USF to design ergonomic hand tools, including a manufactured cutter prototype that improved employee efficiency.
- Lead the team to establish the Tampa plant as a VPP, OSHA site with a several-month-long keystone project and final inspection. Tampa was the first plant in the nation to become VPP certified.
Shop Steward
USPS, United States Postal Service
Tampa, FL
02.1989 - 02.2010
- Advocated for fair treatment of employees in disciplinary actions and grievances processes.
- Advocated for workers during disciplinary hearings and contractual disputes.
- I studied the APWU contract, MOUs, and arbitration decisions, along with the Federal and Postal Handbooks and Manuals, to ensure compliance and adherence while fostering a fair work environment.
- Facilitated communication between management and employees, resolving workplace concerns, and promoting a collaborative atmosphere.
- Resolved conflicts between management and employees in an amicable fashion.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts between staff and supervisors to maintain harmony.
- Identified and addressed workplace issues in a timely manner.
- Conducted investigations into employee concerns and complaints.
- Provided training sessions for new employees on union rights and responsibilities.
- Advised employees on their rights under applicable laws and regulations.
- Supported initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety and employee satisfaction standards.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards established by the union.
- Produced and distributed the local Union newsletter, keeping members informed and engaged despite remote work challenges.
Safety Specialist
USPS, United States Postal Service
Tampa, FL
06.1987 - 06.2007
- Developed and implemented safety procedures to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for employees.
- Evaluated safety protocols to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Conducted safety inspections, identified hazards, and recommended corrective actions to enhance workplace safety.
- Conducted safety inspections in postal facilities to identify hazards.
- Inspected employee work areas for unsafe conditions or practices and implemented corrective measures.
- Supported accident investigations by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. and reported findings.
- Investigated accidents to identify root causes and developed preventive measures to prevent recurrence.
- Provided guidance on emergency response procedures to staff.
- Created and distributed safety awareness materials to educate employees on safety practices.
- Ensured 24/7 compliance by organizing shift schedules for safety oversight.
Junior Staff Accountant
Telecredit (now Equifax)
Tampa, Florida
05.1986 - 02.1987
- Managed daily financial transactions using accounting software.
- Performed daily reviews of $1,000,000 clearing general ledger to maintain financial integrity.
- I wrote SOPs and procedures for my support team of 12.
- I conducted a daily audit of the Claims Department, a team of 80 to 100 employees.
- Maintained accurate financial records and documentation to support financial reporting and compliance.
- I passed the monthly audits of my work conducted by a Big Eight accounting firm.
- Ensured compliance with financial regulations and company policies.
- Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Legal Studies
St. Petersburg College
Clearwater, FLSkills
- Financial management
- Problem resolution
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Accounting and bookkeeping
- Grant writing and compliance
- Proficient in Xero and QuickBooks
- Certified teacher of adult learners
- Experienced auditor and creator of SOPs
Languages
Spanish
Professional
French
Elementary
ASL
Elementary
Timeline
Finance Coordinator
Family Center on Deafness, Inc.
06.2023 - Current
Bookkeeper, Part-Time
Highpoint Neighborhood Family Center
02.2022 - 03.2024
Lean Six Sigma Team
USPS, United States Postal Service
07.1996 - 12.2020
Ergonomic Specialist
USPS, United States Postal Service
06.1995 - 09.2010
Shop Steward
USPS, United States Postal Service
02.1989 - 02.2010
Safety Specialist
USPS, United States Postal Service
06.1987 - 06.2007
Junior Staff Accountant
Telecredit (now Equifax)
05.1986 - 02.1987
Some College (No Degree) - Legal Studies
St. Petersburg College