Judy Vandergriff
Elk Grove Village,IL
Summary
Proven leader in financial operations, notably at Smithfield, where I helped to implement software integrations accounts payable processes. Expert in ERP systems and advanced Excel, I excel in fostering team collaboration and driving results through innovative problem-solving and effective communication. My approach blends meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to developing strong customer and team relationships.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Cash Application Supervisor
Smithfield
Lisle, IL
04.2020 - Current
- Implemented new software systems to automate cash application processes, resulting in reduced manual errors.
- Optimized the cash application process by identifying and implementing best practices, resulting in increased accuracy and efficiency.
- Assisted in month-end financial close processes, contributing to accurate reporting and analysis of company finances.
- Managed a team of cash application specialists for improved accuracy and productivity in daily tasks.
- Developed training materials and conducted sessions to continually improve team skills and performance.
- Reviewed monthly account reconciliations, identifying discrepancies for swift correction and maintaining financial integrity.
- Led cross-functional projects aimed at improving cash application processes or systems, fostering collaboration between departments while achieving targeted goals.
- Monitored daily bank transactions for accuracy and completeness, addressing any discrepancies swiftly to maintain financial records'' accuracy.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and advancement within the team.
- Collaborated with various departments to ensure timely resolution of customer disputes, improving customer relations.
Accounts Payable Supervisor
Smithfield
Lisle, IL
08.2018 - 04.2020
- Processed all vendor invoices promptly in accordance with company policy.
- Troubleshot and resolved escalated issues pertaining to vendor disputes, payment discrepancies or delays in a timely manner, maintaining positive relationships with suppliers.
- Maintained accurate records of all financial transactions within the accounts payable department.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in improved communication and negotiation on payment terms.
- Researched all invoices that were past due.
- Reduced payment errors by closely monitoring and reconciling vendor statements.
- Interacted with corporate vendors, upper management and peers.
- Participated in software implementation projects designed to automate manual tasks within the Accounts Payable department.
- Improved invoice processing efficiency by implementing an electronic approval system.
- Developed and delivered training sessions to new team members on department procedures, ensuring a seamless transition into their roles.
- Streamlined accounts payable processes for increased accuracy and timeliness of payments.
- Coordinated with auditors during annual audits, providing necessary information to ensure a timely completion of the audit process.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired new accounts payable employees.
- Trained and supported new hires to educate on process flow and interdepartmental procedures.
- Mentored junior staff members to improve their understanding of accounting principles and practices.
- Reached out to vendors and customers to verify information and follow up on client issues.
Accounts Payable Coordinator
Smithfield
Lisle, IL
09.2011 - 08.2018
- Managed vendor relationships, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and resolving disputes.
- Coordinated with other departments as needed for approval or clarification on invoiced items, promoting effective cross-functional collaboration throughout the organization.
- Processed check disbursements and reconciled related ledger.
- Assisted with month-end closing tasks, ensuring timely completion of financial statements.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality when handling sensitive financial data, ensuring the utmost discretion and professionalism in all dealings with internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintained strong working relationships with suppliers, fostering a positive rapport that facilitated smooth communication channels during negotiations or issue resolution efforts.
- Reduced late payment fees through timely and accurate invoice management.
- Facilitated timely payments by monitoring accounts payable aging reports and prioritizing high-risk items.
- Supported audit processes, gathering necessary documentation to ensure compliance with company policies and regulations.
- Increased efficiency of accounts payable team by providing guidance, training, and support to staff members.
- Reduced manual data entry errors through implementation of automated invoice processing software.
Cash Application Specialist
SPX Corporation
Des Plaines, IL
09.2009 - 01.2011
- Promoted a positive work environment by collaborating with colleagues and sharing knowledge on best practices in cash application processes.
- Maintained thorough documentation of all cash applications, ensuring a clear audit trail for financial review purposes.
- Increased accuracy of invoice matching through regular system updates and data validation procedures.
- Sorted payments into batches by segmenting each payment by business unit and scanning into database.
- Optimized the use of ERP systems for more efficient cash application management.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and timely cash application processing.
- Applied cash and wires to corresponding customer accounts based on remittance details provided by customers.
- Used data entry skills to accurately document and input statements.
- Handled account payments and provided information regarding outstanding balances.
- Utilized various software programs to process customer payments.
- Maintained accurate records of customer payments.
Accounts Payable Coordinator
SPX Corporation
Des Plaines, IL
08.2007 - 09.2009
- Managed vendor relationships, ensuring prompt responses to inquiries and resolving disputes.
- Completed month-end closings with journal entries and reconciling accounts.
- Reduced late payment fees through timely and accurate invoice management.
Accounting Manager
Industrial Tool Products
Wood Dale, IL
09.2000 - 09.2007
- Managed journal entries, collection efforts, reconciliations, and payroll processing.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll for company employees.
- Managed successful audits by collaborating effectively with internal and external auditors.
- Coordinated efforts between the accounting team and other departments to ensure accuracy in interdepartmental transactions recording and proper cost allocation.
- Created and maintained financial databases for data entry, tracking and reporting.
- Facilitated staff development through regular training sessions on new accounting standards, software upgrades, or company-specific policies changes.
Education
Associate of Arts - Journalism
Triton College
River Grove, IL08.1991
Skills
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Team Leadership Qualities
- Deadline Oriented Approach
- Advanced Excel knowledge
- ERP System Experience SAP, AS 400
- Dispute Resolution Techniques
- Payment Processing Proficiency
- Conflict Management Strategies
- Accounting Principles Familiarity
- Cash handling expertise
- Willing to Learn
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Customer Service
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Planning and coordination
- Relationship Building
- Customer relationship development
- Self Motivation
- Accounting management
- Human resources knowledge
- Word Processing
Timeline
Cash Application Supervisor
Smithfield
04.2020 - Current
Accounts Payable Supervisor
Smithfield
08.2018 - 04.2020
Accounts Payable Coordinator
Smithfield
09.2011 - 08.2018
Cash Application Specialist
SPX Corporation
09.2009 - 01.2011
Accounts Payable Coordinator
SPX Corporation
08.2007 - 09.2009
Accounting Manager
Industrial Tool Products
09.2000 - 09.2007
Associate of Arts - Journalism
Triton College