Cathy Leslie
Benton,AR
Summary
Seasoned Body Shop Estimator known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Possess specialized skills in damage assessment, cost estimation, and negotiation with insurance companies. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and time management, ensuring smooth operation and customer satisfaction in repair processes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Body Shop Estimator
Gwatney Collision Sherwood, AR
Sherwood, AR
04.2024 - Current
- Negotiated prices with suppliers to reduce overall cost of repairs.
- Prepared damage reports outlining all necessary repairs.
- Researched part availability to reduce repair timeframes.
- Created estimates for insurance companies, detailing parts and labor costs.
- Compiled data from multiple sources into concise summaries for management review.
- Developed strategies for improving efficiency in the body shop department.
- Recorded daily production activities in computer system.
- Ordered parts required for vehicle repairs.
- Monitored progress of repairs against estimate timeline.
- Coordinated with other departments to ensure timely completion of repairs.
- Documented detailed notes regarding each repair job for future reference.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations while working on vehicles.
- Provided technical advice on body shop services and products.
- Verified accuracy of invoices from vendors before payment processing.
- Reviewed damaged vehicles to determine repair costs and procedures.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
- Performed quality inspections of completed vehicle repairs.
- Coordinated ordering and expedited delivery of replacement parts from suppliers and communicated timelines to customers.
- Documented vehicle damage and condition by taking meticulous notes and photographs.
- Attended advanced training classes to learn new skills and earn certifications for auto body work.
- Organized and maintained work areas free of potential hazards.
- Kept up-to-date with industry standards and new repair techniques.
- Maintained cleanliness and orderliness in the work area.
- Followed workplace safety protocols to prevent injuries, accidents and vehicle damage.
- Conducted quality inspections on completed repairs.
- Assessed vehicle damage and developed comprehensive repair plans.
- Utilized computerized measuring systems for accurate repairs.
Bookkeeping Administrative Assistant
A II Z TAX & ACCOUNTING
Jacksonville, AR
11.2012 - Current
- Developed and implemented procedures for managing accounts payable and receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting.
- Maintained accurate filing systems for all accounting records, including invoices, receipts and payments.
- Verified accuracy of billing data and revised any errors prior to issuing invoices to customers.
- Provided support with budgeting process including preparing forecasts based on historical trends.
- Assisted with month-end close processes including reconciling intercompany accounts and resolving discrepancies between actual results and forecasted figures.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual audit process.
- Conducted research when needed to resolve complex accounting issues quickly.
- Reviewed contracts related to accounts payable and receivable for accuracy before entering into the system.
- Reconciled bank accounts on a regular basis to detect irregularities or discrepancies in transactions.
- Processed customer payments accurately and timely according to company policies.
- Reconciled bank statements on a regular basis to ensure accuracy of transactions.
- Managed vendor relations by responding promptly to inquiries regarding payment status or account balances.
- Assisted in the preparation of financial statements and reports as requested by management.
- Generated periodic financial reports such as income statements, balance sheets, for review by management team.
- Performed daily cash transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, transfers, ensuring accuracy of all records maintained in the general ledger system.
- Performed administrative tasks related to bookkeeping activities such as filing paperwork or updating databases.
- Maintained customer relations by responding to inquiries in a timely manner.
- Performed data entry of financial information into accounting software programs.
- Prepared monthly balance sheet reconciliations and analyzed discrepancies.
- Checked figures and postings for correct entry and proper codes.
- Reconciled expenses and financial records.
- Managed daily bookkeeping functions with attention to accounts receivable, accounts payable, banking reconciliation and disbursements.
- Received payments from customers via cash, check and credit cards to pay company invoices.
- Reconciled bank statements and resolved discrepancies to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Assisted with month-end and year-end close processes, preparing necessary journal entries.
- Reviewed and implemented improvements to accounting processes and procedures.
- Streamlined transactions using automation systems to process payments and invoices.
- Prepared and issued customer invoices, monitored receivables, and managed collections process.
- Liaised with vendors and suppliers to negotiate payment terms and resolve billing issues.
- Assisted with tax preparation and filing, including sales tax and income tax returns.
- Handled daily cash transactions and maintained petty cash fund.
- Processed payroll, calculated wages, deductions, and issued paychecks to employees.
- Assisted in the preparation of budget forecasts and monitored budget variances.
- Maintained accurate financial records and documentation in compliance with company policies.
Service Advisor
Landers Center
Benton, AR
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Followed up with existing customers regarding past services performed on their vehicles.
- Demonstrated knowledge of advanced diagnostic equipment used in the shop.
- Provided accurate estimates of repair costs, labor times and parts prices to customers.
- Greeted customers and addressed their needs in a professional manner.
- Compiled reports detailing sales volumes, product performance metrics, customer satisfaction ratings.
- Assisted with scheduling appointments for service work to be performed on vehicles.
- Tracked customer requests, comments, problems, issues and resolutions within designated systems.
- Adhered to all safety regulations while performing vehicle inspections or servicing procedures.
- Reviewed completed service orders to ensure that all work was done correctly, according to dealership standards.
- Developed strong relationships with customers by providing exceptional customer service.
- Explained the features and benefits of products or services offered by the dealership to customers.
- Prepared invoices for services rendered and collected payments from customers.
- Participated in ongoing training activities related to automotive technology advancements.
- Ensured that all customer inquiries were handled promptly and accurately.
- Inspected vehicles for needed repairs or maintenance services and advised customers accordingly.
- Managed incoming calls from potential customers looking for quotes or information about services provided at the dealership.
- Upsold additional products or services when appropriate.
- Promptly responded to customer inquiries via phone, email or in person.
- Resolved customer complaints in an efficient and courteous manner.
- Maintained records of customer interactions and transactions.
- Used service skills and technical knowledge to ascertain issues and provide swift, successful resolutions.
- Promoted available products and services to customers during service, account management and order calls.
- Contacted customers about potential service upgrades, new services and account changes.
- Conferred with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services and take orders.
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by effectively answering questions, suggesting effective solutions, and resolving issues quickly.
- Engaged in conversation with customers to understand needs, resolve issues and answer product questions.
- Presented existing and prospective customers with valuable service or product information to aid in decision-making.
- Prevented key account losses by researching discrepancies and correcting problems.
- Improved product knowledge on continuous basis to provide optimal service and achieve sales quotas.
- Kept records of customer interactions or transactions, thoroughly recording details of inquiries.
- Updated system with order specifics and customer details, preferences, and billing information.
- Assisted customers with price checks, lifting heavy items and addressing other inquiries.
- Excelled in exceeding daily credit card application goals.
- Provided top quality control and eliminated downtime to maximize revenue.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Enhanced productivity and customer service levels by anticipating needs and delivering outstanding support.
- Collected deposits or payments and arranged for billing.
- Determined accurate prices for customer services, consistently searching for deals and best prices.
Parts Counter Person
Freedom Ford
Claypool, WV
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Provided excellent customer service by greeting customers upon arrival; offering assistance when needed; providing product knowledge when requested; addressing customer complaints in a professional manner.
- Utilized computer system to check part numbers, prices, availability and special order items.
- Assisted customers with parts selection and ordering.
- Performed daily cycle counts on inventory items in order to maintain accurate stock levels.
- Maintained accurate records of all transactions including sales receipts, credit card charges and cash payments.
- Identified opportunities for process improvement within the store operations such as streamlining processes or improving efficiency through automation.
- Processed customer orders for automotive parts, supplies and tools.
- Organized shelves in order to create an efficient working environment.
- Researched parts availability, pricing and delivery times.
- Managed all aspects of purchasing including requisitions, purchase orders, invoices and returns.
- Verified stock to ensure accuracy of inventory records.
- Provided technical advice regarding parts and accessories.
- Worked closely with vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality products at competitive prices.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to discuss new products, promotions and customer feedback.
- Maintained cleanliness of the store front area.
- Answered incoming phone calls from customers seeking assistance or information about products or services offered.
- Responded promptly to customer inquiries via telephone, email, or chat applications.
- Received, examined and reshelved returned parts.
- Performed quality control inspections on parts and packaged parts for delivery or sale.
- Opened crates to replenish stocked items in proper aisles.
- Placed inventory numbers on parts to properly identify items for counter associates.
- Finalized sales receipts, contracts, logs and other documentation regarding parts sales and service appointments.
- Coordinated and executed daily parts deliveries to local businesses.
- Followed standards of care and compliance per company and legal requirements.
- Operated point of sales and parts lookup computer systems.
- Received and stocked incoming merchandise, arranging items in correct locations.
- Kept sales and counter areas organized and clean to give positive first impression to visitors and customers.
- Answered inquiries, resolved problems and finalized parts sales at counter and by telephone.
- Reviewed catalogs and computer databases to search and locate correct parts for customer vehicles according to make, model, and year.
- Performed complimentary services, battery installation, testing and wiper installations.
- Developed strategic sales initiatives to pitch products and services.
- Communicated product expertise and department process improvements to meet organizational goals.
- Increased team productivity by implementing multiple strategic process improvements.
- Implemented process and procedural updates to uphold high standards of service and quality, as well as meet challenging sales objectives.
- Optimized team effectiveness by personally working with new hires regarding compliance, sales and service standards.
- Improved team member performance by devising and overseeing personalized strategies.
- Networked to build client base and promote products to new and existing clients.
- Wrote and recorded orders for merchandise or entered orders into computers.
- Communicated effectively with clientele to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Cross-sold additional products and services to purchasing customers.
- Built strong, professional relationships through identification of client needs, which increased overall sales and opportunities.
- Arranged and directed delivery and installation of products and equipment.
- Kept parts neatly stacked and ready for purchase to boost sales.
- Used POS systems to receive payment or obtain credit authorization.
- Resolved customer concerns and promptly answered inquiries to maintain satisfaction.
- Assisted customers during selection process and helped choose perfect products to meet individual needs.
- Generated sales by prospecting leads, cold calling and negotiating advantageous deals.
- Made recommendations to customers to promote brand effectiveness and product benefits.
- Contacted satisfied customers to offer additional services.
- Collaborated with other members of sales team to reach targets.
- Taught and trained new sales personnel on customer service and sales techniques.
Education
Sheridan High School
Sheridan, AR01-1991
Associate of Arts - Cosmetology
Metro Vo Tech
Cosmetology01-1991
Skills
- Damage Assessment
- Electrical Systems
- Cost Estimation
- Collision repair
- Repair Planning
- Insurance knowledge
- Parts Ordering
- Vehicle Inspection
- Accurate estimates
- Commitment to quality
- Concise time management
- Excellent work ethic
- Estimating costs
- Repair estimate experience
- Client Service
- Quality-focused
- Strong leadership skills
- Deadline-oriented
- Attentive to detail
- Detail Oriented
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Body Shop Estimator
Gwatney Collision Sherwood, AR
04.2024 - Current
Service Advisor
Landers Center
01.2015 - 01.2018
Bookkeeping Administrative Assistant
A II Z TAX & ACCOUNTING
11.2012 - Current
Parts Counter Person
Freedom Ford
01.2009 - 01.2012
Sheridan High School
Associate of Arts - Cosmetology
Metro Vo Tech
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