Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
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Helen Jane Paxton

Onida,SD

Summary

Motivational leader and organizational problem-solver with advanced skills in organization, adaptability, and customer service. Stepped into roles, quickly learned new skills, and enhanced longstanding policies to drive company success. Focused on using training, mentorship, and multitasking techniques to maximize performance.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Treasurer

Sully
Onida, SD
12.2012 - Current
  • Developed and maintained financial records for county investments.
  • Conducted regular audits of county funds to ensure compliance with state regulations.
  • Prepared monthly reports on the status of county finances to county commissioners.
  • Coordinated budgeting processes in accordance with local government guidelines.
  • Provided financial advice and guidance to department heads regarding fiscal matters.
  • Researched new investment opportunities in order to maximize returns on county assets.
  • Ensured accuracy of tax collection data by reconciling discrepancies between accounts receivable and payable ledgers.
  • Participated in meetings with representatives from other counties to discuss best practices related to treasury operations.
  • Created presentations outlining key findings from financial analyses conducted throughout the year.
  • Assisted in the development of policies and procedures related to treasury management activities.
  • Monitored banking services agreements for cost effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Served as liaison between the County Treasurer's Office and other governmental entities.
  • Processed payments on behalf of the County Treasurer's Office using established payment systems.
  • Reconciled accounts with statements and invoices on monthly basis, investigating, and resolving discrepancies to maintain records accuracy.
  • Created quarterly and annual budgets to support organizational needs and expenses.
  • Developed annual budget and compared actual expenses against projected budget.
  • Oversaw month-end closing process, prepared financial statements and managed advanced reconciliations.
  • Managed accounting, payroll, and financial reporting activities.
  • Maintained general ledger and chart of accounts, performed complex accounting functions such as journal entry preparation, account analysis, balance sheet reconciliation and preparation of quarterly financial statements.
  • Improved billing and month-end reporting processes.
  • Controlled revenue collection systems to maintain information quality and integrity.
  • Compiled, prepared, and filed federal and state tax returns in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Implemented multiple software conversions, desktop setup, and staff training.

Treasurer

SD 4H Rodeo Finals
Ft Pierre, SD
01.2019 - 12.2021
  • Monitored and maintained financial records, including budgets, investments, and expenditures.
  • Prepared monthly bank reconciliations and general ledger entries.
  • Assisted with the preparation of annual budget reports and forecasts.
  • Maintained compliance with all applicable federal, state, local regulations regarding finance operations.
  • Presented financial information at board meetings as needed.
  • Performed complex accounting functions such as tax filing, cash management.
  • Ensured timely payment of vendors and creditors through regular follow-ups.
  • Developed systems for tracking income sources and expenses incurred by the organization.
  • Managed collection and distribution of incoming postal mail and emails.
  • Handled updates across multiple social media platforms.
  • Ordered, coordinated, and sent acknowledgments for board members and award recipients.
  • Managed rodeo and office supply inventory and allocation.
  • Coordinated with multiple service providers to ensure seamless operations during Finals Rodeo, including contestant program creators, ambulance service, and facility cleaners.
  • Handled contestant check-ins and managed entry fee payments for over 500 participants.
  • Organized contestant dance, refreshment sponsorship, chaperones, DJ, and facility.
  • Designed and distributed contestant back numbers.
  • Negotiated insurance terms to protect rodeo participants and assets.
  • Secured sponsorships, selected awards, and created contestant bags for over 500 rodeo participants.
  • Maintained relationships with National Sponsorships, including Cinch, Resistol, American Hat Company, Avera, CHS, and Touchstone Energy.
  • Developed and organized a sponsorship tracking system.
  • Coordinated event logistics for successful SD 4H Rodeo Finals awards presentation.
  • Negotiated bids for a photographer and a saddle vendor.
  • Developed and disseminated precise arena schematics for use in the finals rodeo.
  • Managed office operations throughout the entire week of rodeo preparation and finals.
  • Ensured accurate payment distribution to stock contractors, timers, and judges.

Apartment Manager

East Haven Apartments
Onida, SD
01.2010 - 12.2020
  • Developed and enforced policy to ensure tenant satisfaction.
  • Maintained accurate records of rent payments, leases, and other documents related to tenants.
  • Resolved tenant complaints in a timely manner while maintaining positive relationships with tenants.
  • Assisted with marketing efforts by preparing advertisements for vacant units.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors for the repair and maintenance of apartments.
  • Coordinated apartment turnover process between tenants and cleaning staff.
  • Organized move-in and move-out procedures for new or departing tenants.
  • Provided administrative support to the property management team when necessary.
  • Collected rent payments from residents in accordance with lease agreements.
  • Advised residents on local services available in their area such as transportation routes or nearby stores.
  • Prepared monthly reports detailing occupancy rates, outstanding balances due from tenants.
  • Assisted with the preparation of annual budgets for each building within the complex.
  • Attracted quality tenants and screened with standard checks to verify suitability for available apartments.
  • Managed day-to-day activities involving tenants, subcontractors and property management.
  • Answered calls and responded to inquiries from various parties using strong active listening and open-ended questioning skills to resolve problems.
  • Supervised production of annual rent, operating expense, and real estate tax adjustments.
  • Met with clients to negotiate management and service contracts.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Accounting and Business Management

National American University - Rapid City
Aline, OK
05-2017

Skills

  • Financial Oversight
  • Policy Implementation
  • Documentation And Reporting
  • Customer Service
  • Process Improvement
  • Idea Development and Brainstorming
  • Task Prioritization
  • Program Development

Affiliations

  • Announced and timed several youth rodeos in South Dakota
  • Actively involved in rodeo for over 10 years
  • Created and successfully implemented a NBHA series in Sully County for 3 years
  • Held numerous positions in several local and state non-profit organizations
  • Selected to serve as an Executive Board Member for 3 years with SD Association of County Officials
  • Completed extensive yearly training to become a Certified Elected Official since 2012

Timeline

Treasurer

SD 4H Rodeo Finals
01.2019 - 12.2021

Treasurer

Sully
12.2012 - Current

Apartment Manager

East Haven Apartments
01.2010 - 12.2020

Associate of Applied Science - Accounting and Business Management

National American University - Rapid City
Helen Jane Paxton