Tara Caruso
Summary
Motivated job seeker with a drive for excellence, seeking a challenging and growth-oriented position at Lincoln Electric Co-op. Possessing a broad and diverse skillset, demonstrated expertise in customer service, employee management, scheduling, retail, data entry, inventory management, sales, and accounts receivable processes. Strong analytical capabilities and a keen eye for resolving discrepancies, known for optimizing cash flow. Valued team collaborator with a results-oriented approach, adaptable to changing business needs and proficient in financial software and communication.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
AR Specialist
Pintler Billing Services
02.2024 - Current
- Analyzed trends in payment patterns and customer behavior, identifying opportunities for process enhancements that would improve overall AR performance.
- Coordinated with external collections agencies when necessary, ensuring seamless handoff of delinquent accounts while protecting company interests at all times.
- Increased customer satisfaction levels by promptly addressing inquiries regarding billing issues or adjustments needed on their accounts.
- Analyzed, prepared, and issued chargeback notices for payment to prevent third-party collection agency involvement.
- Improved accounts receivable efficiency by streamlining payment processing and invoice management.
- Conducted periodic reviews of client credit limits, recommending adjustments based on payment history analysis and risk assessment factors.
- Processed tax exempt certificates, coupons, and vendor credit inquiries.
- Reviewed accounts on monthly basis to assess aging and pursue collection of funds.
- Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
- Contacted clients with past due accounts to formulate payment plans and discuss restructuring options.
- Researched and resolved customer claims related to shortages, discount violations, and returns.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between the AR team and other departments, promoting a unified approach to financial management within the organization.
Operations Manager
The Adored Beast apothecary
07.2023 - 02.2024
- Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
- Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
- Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Analyzed and reported on key performance metrics to senior management.
Customer Service Staff Member
Publix Super Markets Inc
02.2020 - 01.2023
- Managed high call volume while maintaining a professional demeanor, ensuring timely assistance for all customers.
- Trained new hires on company procedures and best practices for handling customer inquiries efficiently and effectively.
- Developed rapport with customers through friendly communication, building trust in the brand and promoting loyalty.
- Ensured strict adherence to organizational policies regarding privacy, security, and overall customer safety during all interactions.
- Resolved issues for improved customer relations, utilizing active listening and empathy during interactions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing effective solutions.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Fielded customer questions regarding available merchandise, sales, current prices, and upcoming company changes.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall service quality through shared knowledge and expertise.
- Facilitated seamless transactions by accurately processing payments, returns, exchanges, or other account adjustments using internal systems.
Shift Leader & Barista
Starbucks
03.2017 - 02.2020
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintained a clean and safe work environment while ensuring all employees adhered to safety guidelines and protocols.
- Completed cash and credit card transactions accurately using POS software.
- Oversaw daily cash handling procedures, maintaining accurate records and minimizing discrepancies.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with other shift leaders to maintain consistent standards across all shifts, promoting a cohesive workplace culture.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction through prompt and courteous service, addressing concerns immediately.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Enforced company policies and regulations with employees.
- Managed shift operations, supplied resources and monitored team performance to keep business profitable and running smoothly.
- Managed inventory and ordered supplies to keep location well stocked with necessary supplies.
- Provided ongoing training for new hires, fostering a positive team atmosphere that encouraged growth and development.
- Served as a reliable point-of-contact for upper management when needed, effectively communicating any issues or successes from daily operations.
- Resolved conflicts between team members in a professional manner, preserving strong working relationships in the process.
- Resolved conflicts between employees to maintain positive and productive work environments.
- Developed strong communication skills among staff members by encouraging open dialogue during shift meetings or one-on-one discussions.
Barista & Cashier
Sky Mountain Coffee
05.2015 - 02.2017
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace for optimal productivity and safety.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere by greeting customers with a friendly demeanor and promptly addressing their needs.
- Pleasantly interacted with customers during hectic periods to promote fun, positive environment.
- Contributed to a positive team environment through effective communication and collaboration with colleagues.
- Cleaned counters, machines, utensils, and seating areas daily.
- Managed time effectively to balance both front-of-house tasks and back-of-house responsibilities during busy periods.
- Controlled line and crowd with quick, efficient service.
- Handled customer complaints professionally, resolving issues promptly to ensure satisfaction and foster loyalty.
- Maintained regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Maintained and operated espresso machines, blenders, commercial coffee brewers, coffee pots, and other equipment.
- Listened carefully to customer requests and created personalized, delicious beverages, which improved sales.
- Operated espresso machines and commercial coffee brewers to create beverages.
- Made and served brand-specific café beverages with focus on speed, quality and consistency.
- Trained new employees, sharing knowledge and expertise of coffees, teas, and merchandise.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently preparing and serving high-quality beverages.
CNA
Traditional Living Home Health Care
03.2013 - 06.2013
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
Education
High School Diploma -
West Wilkes High School
Wilkesboro, NC05-2011
Skills
- Payment tracking
- Relationship building
- Strong client relations skills
- Client communication
- Customer account reconciliation
- Customer service
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Data entry
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Operations management
- Decision-making
- Staff training
- Staff management
- Inventory management
- MS office & Applications
- Strong work ethic
- Multitasking and organization
Timeline
AR Specialist
Pintler Billing Services
02.2024 - Current
Operations Manager
The Adored Beast apothecary
07.2023 - 02.2024
Customer Service Staff Member
Publix Super Markets Inc
02.2020 - 01.2023
Shift Leader & Barista
Starbucks
03.2017 - 02.2020
Barista & Cashier
Sky Mountain Coffee
05.2015 - 02.2017
CNA
Traditional Living Home Health Care
03.2013 - 06.2013
High School Diploma -
West Wilkes High School
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