Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Katelynn Zurek

Westmoreland

Summary

With over 10 years of experience in a finance position, I first developed a strong foundation at First Source Federal Credit Union, excelling in credit analysis and customer service. I have a proven track record in meeting goals, new loan origination, and loss mitigation, as well as a knack for developing strong relationships with customers. I have been recognized for attention to detail and effective problem-solving, consistently achieving high approval rates while meeting all compliance requirements.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

F&I Assistant Manager

Steet Ponte Mazda
Yorkville
06.2021 - Current
  • Checked and reviewed the paperwork submitted by sales staff members prior to finalizing deals with banks or customers.
  • Assisted customers in selecting appropriate finance options based on their individual needs.
  • Reviewed dealer paperwork and bank contracts for accuracy, prior to submission for processing and funding.
  • Worked closely with banks to ensure quick funding. Worked closely with banks to get approval for customers without typical credit.
  • Analyzed credit reports from all three credit bureaus to determine eligibility for loan approval or denial. Let customers know the likelihood of approval, or what it would take to get to an approval.
  • Worked closely with the accounting department and GM in order to solve discrepancies between departments.
  • Advised/sold customers on extended warranties, maintenance plans, and gap insurance, as needed.
  • Processed documents and communicated with customers for e-signing.
  • Assisted with training new staff members on DMV regulations and procedures.
  • Reviewed documents to ensure accuracy and completeness of information, such as vehicle titles and registration applications.
  • Updated database with changes in vehicle owner information as required by law. (Verify).
  • Issued temporary tags for new auto sales.
  • Accepted payment from customers via cash, check or credit card transactions.
  • Verified accuracy of customer data entered into system, including name, address, date of birth and other information.
  • Assisted coworkers when needed during peak business hours.
  • Processed title applications for new vehicles or transfers of ownership.
  • Coordinated with all other departments to ensure a smooth flow of operations.
  • Resolved conflicts between team members or customers in an effective manner.
  • Provided leadership, insight, and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various programs.
  • Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day. Entrusted with the keys to the building and the main office.

Loan and Asset Recovery Specialist

First Source Federal Credit Union
New Hartford
08.2020 - 05.2021
  • Researched past-due accounts.
  • Communicated/attempted to communicate with members to determine the cause of delinquency.
  • Worked closely with members to determine payment plans by analyzing credit reports and verifying income. Listened to members "story" to see how a payment plan may fit/how we could defer payments due to hardship.
  • COVID relief options.
  • Processed deferments and forbearances.
  • Determined how to make loan modifications.
  • Analyzed accounts to make the decision of when to repossess vehicles, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, etc.
  • Analyzed accounts to determine when to send them to collection agencies, or when to send them to attorneys for legal action.
  • Conducted research into public records such as bankruptcy filings and liens as well as social media in order to locate assets that may need to be repossessed.
  • Evaluated contracts between creditors and debtors in order to identify areas where additional assets could be recovered.
  • Assisted with collection efforts by preparing demand letters, emails and initiating phone calls or text messages.
  • Negotiated settlements on behalf of the credit union in order to recover assets.
  • Managed dozens of accounts simultaneously.
  • Maintained detailed records of all actions taken during the asset recovery process.
  • Prepared detailed documentation for use in court proceedings related to asset recovery issues.
  • Initiated skip tracing to locate assets.
  • Collected payments over the phone, established repayment plans, and wrote new loans to refinance debt.
  • Decision-making as to where payment needs to be applied. Gave overrides for other departments to access accounts if deemed 'repo status' or 'collection status.'
  • Monitored and supervised members' accounts/transaction history to determine what the customer is paying and not paying, and determining when members frequent in order to seize assets.

Financial Services Representative II

First Source Federal Credit Union
New Hartford
11.2016 - 08.2020
  • MLO. (Currently inactive.)
  • Maintained current knowledge regarding new laws, regulations, policies, procedures, products, services. related to consumer lending operations.
  • Originated thousands of new loans.
  • Continuously exceeded quotas.
  • Won multiple awards for outstanding performance.
  • Attended the University of Lending, now known as LSCI.
  • Granted underwriting approval authority while originating loans, allowing me to assess and approve loan applications quickly.
  • Interacted with underwriters, appraisers, title companies during the processing of a loan application.
  • Spent over a year included in a small team of individuals to create and develop a new software for the entire credit union to use for generating new accounts and loans.
  • Participated in community events to promote bank's consumer lending services.
  • Provided customer service support throughout the entire process from application through closing.
  • Reviewed credit histories, income statements, and other financial information of loan applicants.
  • Approved or denied loan applications based on established guidelines.
  • Negotiated terms and conditions of loan contracts.
  • Verified accuracy of loan documents prior to approval.
  • Processed payments received from borrowers in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Responded promptly to customer inquiries regarding their accounts or other matters related to consumer lending operations.
  • Attended periodic training sessions related to consumer lending operations.
  • Opened/closed bank personal, trust and business accounts.

MSR/FSR

First Source Federal Credit Union
NEW HARTFORD
11.2015 - 11.2016
  • Processed deposits, withdrawals, transfers, loan payments and other transactions accurately and efficiently. Never had a discrepancy.
  • Balanced teller drawers regularly throughout the day according to established procedures.
  • Handled large sums of money with accuracy, while maintaining appropriate levels of confidentiality for members.
  • Maintained confidentiality of bank records, transactions and customer information.
  • Cross-sold bank products such as savings accounts, CDs, checking account products, credit cards, and loans to existing members.
  • Processed loan payments by verifying funds availability prior to disbursing funds.
  • Provided assistance to other tellers during peak business hours as needed.
  • Verified customer signatures on documents and ensured accuracy of all paperwork before submitting for approval.
  • Developed strong relationships with customers to ensure repeat business.
  • Worked collaboratively with other departments to provide comprehensive solutions for clients.
  • Held financial conversations with clients and prospects to determine needs and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Opened new personal and business accounts.
  • Closed on loans with members and dispersed funds.

Store Manager

Pizza Hut
New Hartford
05.2013 - 01.2016
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and company policies.
  • Recruited, trained and supervised new employees.
  • Conducted daily store operations, including opening and closing procedures and cash handling.
  • Established customer service standards and monitored staff compliance.
  • Resolved customer complaints in a timely manner.
  • Managed daily banking activities such as deposits and withdrawals.
  • Monitored inventory levels and placed orders to restock shelves.
  • Assisted other wait staff members in times of heavy customer traffic.
  • Checked back with customers throughout meal service to ensure satisfaction.
  • Prepared checks accurately and processed payments promptly.
  • Maintained a clean work station by restocking supplies, wiping down counters.
  • Developed positive relationships with regular customers through friendly conversation.
  • Answered questions about menu items, ingredients, and pricing.
  • Assisted in seating guests at tables or booths.
  • Greeted customers and provided menus.
  • Inspected equipment for cleanliness prior to use every shift.
  • Prepared food items consistently and in compliance with recipes, portioning, cooking and waste control guidelines.
  • Plated dishes according to restaurant presentation standards before delivering them to customers.
  • Followed health and safety standards to ensure safe working environment for employees and customers alike.

Assistant Store Manager

Tanning Bed
New Hartford
10.2012 - 07.2013
  • Trained new employees on store policies, procedures and customer service standards.
  • Oversaw daily cash handling procedures, reconciling discrepancies as necessary.
  • Coordinated with vendors to secure product availability.
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of the store, including customer service, inventory management and assisted in staff scheduling.
  • Outperformed sales targets.
  • Used POS systems.
  • Cleaned store throughout shift.
  • Open-close operations.
  • Demonstrated product features, benefits and use to potential buyers.

Education

High School Diploma -

New Hartford Senior High School
New Hartford, NY
06-2012

Some College (No Degree) -

MVCC
Utica, NY

Skills

  • Credit analysis
  • Financial documentation
  • Data entry
  • Customer service
  • Loan processing
  • Risk assessment
  • Problem solving
  • Loss mitigation
  • Previously held MLO
  • Relationship building
  • Loan approval & denial
  • Attention to detail
  • Leadership
  • Friendly, positive attitude

Timeline

F&I Assistant Manager

Steet Ponte Mazda
06.2021 - Current

Loan and Asset Recovery Specialist

First Source Federal Credit Union
08.2020 - 05.2021

Financial Services Representative II

First Source Federal Credit Union
11.2016 - 08.2020

MSR/FSR

First Source Federal Credit Union
11.2015 - 11.2016

Store Manager

Pizza Hut
05.2013 - 01.2016

Assistant Store Manager

Tanning Bed
10.2012 - 07.2013

High School Diploma -

New Hartford Senior High School

Some College (No Degree) -

MVCC