Darlalea Lester
Ocean Springs,MS
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Dynamic and attentive personal banker specializes in retail banking, customer service and account management. Driven to help clients make responsible and financially beneficial decisions. Knowledgeable of branch operations and financial products to best support company and customers. Organized financial professional aiming to fulfill Personal Banker role within dynamic team. Driven to bring value through extended knowledge of financial products, services and branch operations. Welcoming New Accounts Representative excited to transition to reputable company. Skilled at marketing bank products, handling account maintenance and evaluating new customer information. Hardworking and organized with exceptional time management abilities.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Personal Banker II
Cadence Bank
Ocean Springs, MS
08.2023 - Current
- Reconciled customer accounts and balanced daily transactions.
- Optimized portfolio growth by identifying potential investment opportunities for high-net-worth clients based on market trends analys.
- Promoted financial products by maintaining excellent service offering knowledge.
- Provided customers with additional information regarding account services.
- Contacted customers as soon as issues arose to immediately find resolution before problem escalated.
- Explained account terms and conditions to customers.
- Responded to customer inquiries regarding new accounts and account services.
- Monitored accuracy of customer information in system.
- Managed deposits, withdrawals and wire transfers to process smooth banking transactions for clients.
- Assisted in the development of marketing strategies to increase awareness of bank products and services within the local community.
- Leveraged advanced knowledge of banking products/services to deliver custom presentations that effectively addressed unique client needs.
- Followed up with customers to gather feedback and provide additional assistance.
- Verified customer identity and reviewed documentation for accuracy.
- Contributed to a positive work environment, fostering teamwork among colleagues to enhance productivity levels.
- Greeted customers and delivered information about new account processes.
Personal Banker II
Cadence Bank
Biloxi, MS
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided support during audits, gathering necessary documentation and demonstrating compliance with internal controls.
- Streamlined teller operations for improved productivity, implementing organized cash drawer management procedures.
- Calculated fees due, interest and change for customer transactions.
- Verified amount of cash in cash drawer against day's receipts, quickly identifying errors.
- Assisted customers with banking needs and inquiries.
- Interviewed customers to obtain information needed for opening new accounts or renting safe-deposit boxes.
- Contacted customers as soon as issues arose to immediately find resolution before problem escalated.
- Verified customer identity and reviewed documentation for accuracy.
- Cross-sold bank products and services to meet customer needs and provide options.
- Maintained compliance with bank policies and regulations while executing various financial transactions for customers.
- Monitored accuracy of customer information in system.
- Presented new and additional products and services to existing customers.
- Collected customer information and completed new account forms.
Head Teller
Cadence Bank
Biloxi, MS
02.2004 - 09.2022
- Streamlined teller operations for improved productivity, implementing organized cash drawer management procedures.
- Provided support during audits, gathering necessary documentation and demonstrating compliance with internal controls.
- Calculated fees due, interest and change for customer transactions.
- Verified amount of cash in cash drawer against day's receipts, quickly identifying errors.
- Strengthened client relationships through exceptional service and proactive identification of financial needs.
- Assisted customers with banking needs and inquiries.
- Ensured a secure working environment by adhering to strict security protocols and conducting regular audits.
- Balanced cash drawers consistently at end-of-day without discrepancies, ensuring accuracy in all transactions processed throughout the day.
- Recognized and prevented fraudulent activities and suspicious transactions.
- Performed account maintenance by closing out accounts and changing customer addresses.
- Answered inquiries regarding checking and savings accounts and other related products.
- Processed wide variety of retail banking transactions for personal and commercial customers.
- Managed daily bank operations by processing customer transactions and providing exceptional customer service.
- Served as a trusted resource for colleagues on complex transactions or challenging customer situations.
- Introduced customers to other bank team members to help meet financial needs.
- Received loan and utility payments, sending funds to correct destinations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate transaction services.
- Executed wire transfers, stop payments and account transfers.
- Reduced errors in transactions with vigilant attention to detail and adherence to banking regulations.
- Trained new hires on customer service policies and procedures.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
- Did training for two different bank mergers. Trained people for Merchants Bank in Alabama and for Cadence Bank when Bancorpsouth merged with Cadence Bank.
- Was a new teller trainer for about 18 years and trained numerous new tellers during that time.
Teller
Cadence Bank
Biloxi, MS
02.2001 - 02.2004
- Followed up on customer complaints and provided solutions to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Identified sales opportunities and referred customers to branch partners in financial services.
- Disbursed cash and checks accurately while maintaining security of cash drawers.
- Maintained accurate records of customer transactions in line with bank procedures.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Arranged monies received in cash boxes and coin dispensers according to denomination.
- Streamlined teller operations by maintaining organized workspaces and adhering to policies and procedures.
- Balanced cash drawers daily, identifying discrepancies and taking corrective actions as needed.
- Calculated fees due, interest and change for customer transactions.
Loan Operations Clerk
Cadence Bank
04.1998 - 02.2001
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Did paid off loan paperwork. Cancelled deeds of trust
- Gave pays offs to car dealerships for vehicles.
- Worked with loan officers to clear deeds of trust or UCC paperwork.
- Filed payoff paperwork.
- Added payments on loans when the other person was off.
Teller
Cadence Bank
Gulfport, MS
10.1992 - 04.1998
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate transaction processing.
- Performed account maintenance by closing out accounts and changing customer addresses.
- Managed high-volume transactions efficiently while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring accurate processing for customers.
- Collaborated effectively with other departments as needed to resolve outstanding issues or complete complex tasks for customers.
- Answered telephone inquiries on checking and savings accounts, loans, and lines of credit.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Received mortgage, loan or public utility bill payments, verifying payment dates and amounts due.
- Assisted customers with account inquiries, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
Education
High School Diploma -
Hancock North Central
Perkinston, MS05.1985
Skills
- Verbal Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Customer Satisfaction
- Relationship Building
- Account Maintenance
- Account Management
- Fraud prevention
- Financial product knowledge
- Professional Appearance
- Sales Growth
- Banking Policies and Procedures
- Customer Service
- Records Maintenance
- Positive Attitude
- Client Relationship Management
- Documentation
Timeline
Personal Banker II
Cadence Bank
08.2023 - Current
Personal Banker II
Cadence Bank
09.2022 - 08.2023
Head Teller
Cadence Bank
02.2004 - 09.2022
Teller
Cadence Bank
02.2001 - 02.2004
Loan Operations Clerk
Cadence Bank
04.1998 - 02.2001
Teller
Cadence Bank
10.1992 - 04.1998
High School Diploma -
Hancock North Central