Karen Adams
Pasadena,CA
Summary
Dynamic customer service and payroll professional with a proven track record of enhancing customer interactions and driving sales growth. Recognized for reliability and adaptability in addressing evolving customer needs and market conditions. Strong communication and collaboration skills foster team success, consistently contributing to organizational goals. Committed to delivering exceptional service while navigating challenges in fast-paced environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Seasonal Sales Associate
See’s Candies
South Pasadena, CA
11.2025 - 12.2025
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing shopping experience and fostering customer loyalty.
- Minimized wait times for customers during peak hours with teamwork],maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Engaged in store maintenance by stocking shelves, displays, counters and case cleanliness, as assigned.
- Embodied flexibility to pivot between responsibilities, as assigned.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Increased customer loyalty with personalized shopping experiences and attentive service.
Senior HRS Payroll Specialist
Paychex, Inc.
Pasadena And Glendale CA
08.2003 - 08.2017
- Managed customer payroll relationships with 400+ clients monthly, ensuring long-term relationships and continuous revenue for company.
- Processed payroll for diverse client accounts, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Assisted clients with clear, respectful communication, and confidentiality concerning all payroll matters, client questions, and concerns.
- Developed and cultivated collaborative relationships with team members in multiple states, and corporate partners to provide higher levels of client service.
- Reviewed, analyzed and explained complex tax questions and multi-state payrolls processes to ensure client comprehension and satisfaction.
- Managed garnishments, levies, and support orders in accordance with legal requirements, reducing company liabilities.
- Demonstrated professionalism when speaking with federal and state tax agencies to ascertain beneficial client resolutions.
- Facilitated cross-departmental collaboration to address payroll-related issues, fostering team-oriented approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
- Facilitated smooth onboarding of new hires by efficiently entering relevant data into the payroll system.
Education
No Degree - CPP & SHRM certification coursework
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA01-2026
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
Pasadena, CABachelor of Music - Music
Mount St. Mary’s College
Los Angeles, CASkills
- Word
- Excel
- Paychex Payroll Systems
- Outlook
- Google Doc
- Gmail
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
Seasonal Sales Associate
See’s Candies
11.2025 - 12.2025
Senior HRS Payroll Specialist
Paychex, Inc.
08.2003 - 08.2017
No Degree - CPP & SHRM certification coursework
University of La Verne
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Music - Music
Mount St. Mary’s College
Service Organization Affiliations
PEO International, Chapter FB-JL, California, Chapter AV, Oregon
Recognition Awards
Paychex, Inc., 2013, Corporate ‘Star’ for Exemplary Customer Service, Individual & Team Professionalism, 2016, Top Performer for Sales Referrals Exceeding $70K