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
Eureka, MT
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
Eureka, MT
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
Bluffton, SC
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
Richmond, VA
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
Wilkesboro, NC
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
Wilkesboro, NC
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