Elizabeth Contreras
Oxnard,CA
Summary
Analytical, organized, and detail-oriented professional with over 30 years of experience driving operational excellence and member satisfaction. Recognized for strong leadership and the ability to foster collaborative, high-performing teams while seamlessly adapting to evolving business needs. Skilled in financial analysis, risk management, and cultivating lasting member relationships. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Consistently supports organizational success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Accountant-1
Community West Bank
12.2023 - 09.2024
- Prepared journal entries and conducted accrual-based accounting to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Executed monthly and year-end general ledger reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain compliance and data integrity.
- Gathered financial data to facilitate the timely closing of monthly books.
- Verified accuracy and data entry of employee and corporate credit card expense reports, adhering to approval limits.
- Supported processing of prepaid and fixed assets to aid in monthly balancing activities.
- Assisted in the preparation of 1099 MISC reporting to meet regulatory requirements.
- Posted incoming mail
Account Services Manager
Ventura County Credit Union
02.2015 - 08.2022
- Led exceptional member service by promptly addressing inquiries, efficiently resolving issues, and consistently ensuring a high level of member satisfaction.
- Managed daily financial transactions with accuracy and provided timely reporting spreadsheets to upper management.
- Managed back-office operations, ensuring the efficient processing of ACH and wire transfers and returns in compliance with Reg E and NACHA rules and regulations, as well as draft clearings, mail handling, and timely payment postings to drive operational excellence.
- Conducted performance evaluations and held regular one-on-one meetings to provide updates, exchange feedback, and support employee development.
- Administered IRA products through Ascensus, including periodic payment distributions, annual tax reporting review, and transmissions.
- Executed monthly and year-end general ledger reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain compliance and data integrity.
- Streamlined departmental budgeting through cost-saving initiatives, resulting in measurable improvements in operational efficiency.
- Managed legal account-related requests, ensuring full compliance with subpoenas and levies while maintaining accurate and detailed records.
- Managed Dormancy and Escheatment audits to ensure reporting is in accordance with State Rules and Regulations.
- Executed regulatory audit fieldwork with a focus on accurate documentation and regulatory compliance.
- Oversee the reimbursement/replacement of lost or stolen cashier's checks when stop payments are placed.
- Oversee branch cash ordering and posting of journal vouchers, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Acted as an information source for branch personnel with product and service-related questions.
- Managed the risk of the department's product through Enterprise Risk Management Software.
Operations Work Center Assistant Manager
Ventura County Credit Union
11.2004 - 01.2015
- Optimized workflow processes by evaluating operational efficiency and implementing improvements, increasing departmental productivity.
- Assisted in leading back-office operations, including transaction processing, workflow optimization, and staff mentoring.
- Conducted employee performance evaluations, identifying development opportunities and supporting professional growth.
- Oversee branch cash ordering and posting of journal vouchers, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Executed monthly and year-end general ledger reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies to maintain compliance and data integrity.
- Processed orders for Federal Savings Bonds and ensured accurate recordkeeping.
- Managed Dormant and Escheatment processing in compliance with state regulations.
- Reviewed deceased member accounts to ensure accurate closure and settlement.
- Oversee IRA products through Ascensus, including periodic payment distributions, annual tax reporting review, and transmissions.
Education
High School Diploma - General Education
HUENEME HIGH SCHOOL
Skills
- Financial Management
- Statement reconciliation
- General ledger posting
- Support for audit processes
- Regulatory oversight
- Attention to detail
- Software Proficiency
- Symitar/ Episys
- MS office suite
- Microsoft Excel
- Prologue/ Navigator
- Cash Management
- Cash Handling
Languages
English
Work Preference
Served as a key stakeholder in streamlining ACH exception reporting and balancing processes, significantly improving accuracy and reducing manual intervention.
Successfully led the end-to-end automation of the Levy process, transforming a manual workflow into an integrated system that automates fund holds, generates member notification letters, and disburses checks directly to levy agencies.
Personal Information
Availability: Open to Hybrid, Open to On-Site
Timeline
Accountant-1
Community West Bank
12.2023 - 09.2024
Account Services Manager
Ventura County Credit Union
02.2015 - 08.2022
Operations Work Center Assistant Manager
Ventura County Credit Union
11.2004 - 01.2015
High School Diploma - General Education
HUENEME HIGH SCHOOL
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