Karen Dawson
Metairie,LA
Summary
Knowledgeable and dedicated customer service professional with extensive experience in multiple industries. Solid team player with outgoing, positive demeanor and proven skills in establishing rapport with clients. Motivated to maintain customer satisfaction and contribute to company success. Specialize in quality, speed and process optimization. Articulate, energetic and results-oriented with exemplary passion for developing relationships, cultivating partnerships and growing businesses.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Account Representative
St. Denis J. Villere & Company
New Orleans, LA
09.1995 - 03.2008
- Worked independently with minimal supervision.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Exceptional computer skills
- Recorded accurate and efficient records in customer database.
- Built and cultivated long-term quality relationships with over 300 clients by addressing needs and providing superior customer service.
- Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.
- Tracked portfolios of 300+ accounts.
- Coordinated with brokers for timely execution of stock and/or bond trades.
- Produced regular portfolio reports for review by asset manager.
Accounts Clerk
Gulf States Engineering
New Orleans, LA
02.1992 - 09.1995
- Applied proper codes to invoices, files and receipts to keep records organized and easily searchable.
- Investigated daily variances and corrected errors to resolve discrepancies.
- Applied mathematical abilities to calculate and check figures in accounting systems.
- Reconciled account information and reported figures in general ledger by comparing to bank account statement each month.
- Entered figures using 10-key calculator to compute data quickly.
- Reported financial data and updated financial records in ledgers and journals.
- Assessed data and information to verify entry, calculation and billing code accuracy.
- Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements and statements.
- Prepared itemized statements, bills or invoices and recorded amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
- Maintained clean and organized files by keeping accounts payable records up-to-date.
- Reviewed figures, postings and documents for correct entry, completeness and accuracy.
- Directed clients to appropriate accountants and answered phone calls for excellent customer service.
- Monitored status of accounts receivable and payable to facilitate prompt processing.
- Communicated with suppliers to reconcile invoice payments.
- Checked general ledger entries to increase accuracy, prevent significant errors and identify adjustments.
Switchboard Operator
Le Pavillon Hotel
New Orleans, LA
12.1990 - 05.1991
- Directed incoming calls to internal personnel and departments, routing to best-qualified department.
- Connected callers with appropriate professional, department or business.
- Trained and mentored new PBX operations employees.
- Supported customers by managing 200+ calls per day efficiently while maintaining professionalism and upbeat tone.
- Documented messages and forwarded to correct individual.
- Responded to customer inquiries with patience and positivity to establish excellent first impression.
- Operated switchboard and routed incoming calls to appropriate departments.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emergency call procedures.
Treasury Clerk
Oak Tree Savings Bank
New Orleans, LA
05.1990 - 11.1990
- Investigated daily variances and corrected errors to resolve discrepancies.
- Maintained accurate and complete documentation to facilitate accounting and filing functions.
- Reviewed figures, postings and documents for correct entry, completeness and accuracy.
Education
High School Diploma -
St. Bernard High School
St. Bernard, Louisiana 08.1989 - 05.1990
Skills
Department collaboration
Document management
Data tracking
Account management
Guest seating arrangements
Cash Handling
Till counting
Point of sale operation
Written Communication
Multitasking Abilities
Cultural Awareness
Problem-Solving
Microsoft Office Software Proficiency
Timeline
Account Representative
St. Denis J. Villere & Company
09.1995 - 03.2008
Accounts Clerk
Gulf States Engineering
02.1992 - 09.1995
Switchboard Operator
Le Pavillon Hotel
12.1990 - 05.1991
Treasury Clerk
Oak Tree Savings Bank
05.1990 - 11.1990
High School Diploma -
St. Bernard High School
08.1989 - 05.1990