La'Quandra Ford
Hardeeville,South Carolina
Summary
Offering strong foundation in financial principles and data analysis, coupled with readiness to learn and excel in field. Brings solid understanding of accounting software and financial reporting tools. Ready to use and develop skills in financial data analysis and ERP systems in Systems Accountant role.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure the Systems Accountant position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Payroll Specialist
Beaufort County Council
07.2023 - Current
- Assist employees with inquiries regarding their paychecks, deductions, and other related issues, providing clear and concise communication.
- Perform calculations in overtime, vacation, and sick hours to provide accurate data to payroll processing database.
- Manage payroll data entry and processing for approximately 1700 employees to comply with predetermined company guidelines.
- Prepare year-end reports for W-2s ensuring accuracy and timeliness in tax filing.
- Generate paper checks for employees and print stubs for associates who do not receive direct deposits to complete payroll distribution.
- Manage garnishments, levies, and support orders in accordance with legal requirements, reducing company liabilities.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations through meticulous record-keeping and accurate reporting.
- Conduct regular reconciliations of general ledger accounts related to payroll transactions for accurate financial reporting purposes.
- Void payments and reissue when needed
- Identify and correct payroll discrepancies, ensuring employees are paid accurately and fostering trust within workforce.
- Update employee files with new details such as changes in address or salary levels.
- Receive and date stamp vendor invoices, verify purchase orders, issues payments and voids if applicable. Deposit request forms for processing, creates and updates vendor information. Sets up recurring bill accounts. Handles allocation, processes sales tax, implements tests, and upgrades MUNIS for accounts payable transactions, and assists with processing of Treasury checks and electronic funds. May assist with other departmental/ accounting functions as needed.
- Collaborating with a new software company UKG to implement a better time keeping software for our company by testing pay calculations, running reports, and importing employee's information
Accounts Payable Specialist
Beaufort County Council
03.2022 - 07.2023
- Receive and date stamp vendor invoices.
- Handles allocation, processes sales tax, implements tests, and upgrades MUNIS for accounts payable transactions, and assists with processing of Treasury checks and electronic funds.
- Ensured timely payments for all invoices, maintaining strong relationships with vendors and suppliers.
- Facilitated dispute resolution between company departments and vendors regarding payment issues or discrepancies in invoicing.
- Updated vendor information regularly, ensuring accurate contact details and banking information for prompt payments.
- Collaborated with procurement team to resolve discrepancies between purchase orders and invoices received.
- Reconciled accounts, managed audits and updated financial records with remarkable accuracy.
- May assist with other departmental/ accounting functions as needed.
Fiscal Technician I
Beaufort County Council
07.2018 - 03.2022
- Assist in the processing of tax payments, redemptions, daily deposits, quality customer service, and resolving problems and issues related to tax payments
- Enhanced fiscal transparency with regular financial reporting to management, highlighting trends and areas for improvement.
- Improved financial accuracy by diligently reviewing and reconciling accounts, identifying discrepancies, and making necessary adjustments.
- Maintained precise records of all financial transactions, allowing for easy reference and analysis when needed.
- Reconciled and recorded receipts, incoming cash, and other fiscal transactions.
- Prepared bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts.
- Trained new tellers in processes and procedures for financial institution, answering questions and providing guidance.
- Properly processed deposits and payments for 25 -200 customers daily.
Accounting Assistant
Elite Resort Group
09.2017 - 07.2018
- Perform accounts payable functions for multiple property management expenses, manage vendor accounts generating weekly on demand checks, and manage payroll functions for employees
- Processed payments and documents such as invoices, journal vouchers, employee reimbursements, and statements.
- Managed high-volume invoice processing tasks while consistently meeting tight deadlines for vendor payments.
- Reduced errors in account reconciliation through meticulous attention to detail and thorough review of transactions.
- Input financial data and produced reports using Sage Software.
Customer Service Clerk
Publix
04.2013 - 09.2017
- Recognizing and resolving a variety of customer issues, maintaining the cash office including distribution of sales floor funds, daily interaction with customers including point of sale and merchandise location assistance.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to every customer by leveraging extensive knowledge of products and services and creating welcoming, positive experiences.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective communication and teamwork among colleagues.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Assisted in training new customer service clerks, sharing best practices and providing guidance as needed.
- Issued receipts and processed refunds, credits, or exchanges.
- Organized efficient service responses by directing visitors and callers to correct personnel.
- Balanced multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining composure under pressure during peak hours or challenging situations.
- Kept front check out area clean and organized for efficient service.
- Collaborated with team members to develop new strategies for handling complex customer situations.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, ensuring satisfactory resolutions.
- Coordinated smooth front office operations to effectively serve more than 800 clients each day.
- Collected and returned unpurchased or returned items to correct shelf locations and arranged displays to promote sales.
- Exhibited high energy and professionalism when dealing with clients and staff.
- Cross-trained and provided backup support for organizational leadership.
- Sought ways to improve processes and services provided.
Assistant Customer Service Manager
Harris Teeter
05.2011 - 10.2012
- Manage sales and customer contact area of store, training, scheduling and ensuring compliance with new employees, supervising cashiers and clerks including audits, maintaining accounting office, reconciling office safe, preparing bank deposits.
- Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity and commitment to friendly service.
- Assisted in training new hires on company policies, procedures, and software systems to ensure seamless integration into the team.
- Coordinated staff schedules to maintain optimal coverage during peak service hours.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing and resolving complaints and issues.
- Collaborated with fellow managers to identify areas of improvement for overall customer service operations.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Recognized and rewarded outstanding work performance to cultivate positive and collaborative customer service culture.
- Implemented new strategies for reducing wait times and improving first-call resolution rates, resulting in improved customer satisfaction scores.
- Established clear communication channels between team members, fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to efficient problem solving.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, ensuring a positive experience and cultivating repeat business.
- Assisted with pricing questions, inventory availability and changes to existing order and shipping information.
- Supervised employees and assessed performances to determine training needs and define accurate plans for decreasing process lags.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
Personal Banker
The Savannah Bank
07.2007 - 05.2011
- Responsible for ensuring adequate money ordered for branch, opening and closing accounts, dynamic presentation of financial deliverables in multiple categories, researching and resolving banking issues in a timely manner, ensuring employee work hours were properly credited, applying payments, conducting branch audits
- Assisted customers with setting up or closing accounts, completing loan applications, and signing up for new services.
- Utilized strong interpersonal communication skills during client interactions, resulting in increased trust and fostering long-lasting relationships.
- Maintained compliance with bank policies and regulations while executing various financial transactions for customers.
- Improved customer satisfaction by providing personalized banking solutions and exceptional service.
- Promoted financial products by maintaining excellent service offering knowledge.
- Boosted sales of bank products through effective cross-selling and up-selling techniques.
- Enhanced client retention with proactive follow-ups and timely resolution of account issues.
- Worked closely with management to strategize sales techniques to increase branch production and customer service.
- Answered customer questions and explained available services such as deposit accounts, bonds, and securities.
- Processed deposits, withdrawals and ACH transfers accurately.
- Balanced cash drawers and vault accounts on daily basis with zero discrepancies.
- Conducted regular audits of cash handling procedures, minimizing risk exposure for the branch.
- Adapted quickly to new banking regulations, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks.
- Trained new personal bankers, elevating team performance and service quality.
- Verified customer identity and reviewed documentation for accuracy.
- Interviewed customers to obtain information needed for opening new accounts or renting safe-deposit boxes.
- Maintained customer records and updated account information.
- Explained account terms and conditions to customers.
- Contacted customers as soon as issues arose to immediately find resolution before problem escalated.
- Activated new accounts and issued customer identification numbers.
- Reconciled customer accounts and balanced daily transactions.
Teller
First Citizens
12.2004 - 06.2007
- Balanced cash drawer daily and resolved discrepancies to provide accurate data regarding cash flow.
- Disbursed cash and checks accurately while maintaining security of cash drawers.
- Executing multiple facets of customer service including completing wire transfers and issuing cashier's checks.
- Responsible for performing account payables for branch manager and collecting reconciliation of accounts.
- Processed customer transactions promptly, minimizing wait times.
- Promoted a welcoming atmosphere in the branch by greeting customers warmly upon arrival and addressing them by name when possible.
- Assisted customers with account inquiries, resolving issues promptly and professionally.
- Answered customer inquiries regarding account balances, transaction history, services charges, and interest rates.
- Managed high-volume transactions efficiently while maintaining attention to detail, ensuring accurate processing for customers.
- Maintained cash drawer accuracy by conducting regular audits and implementing effective cash handling practices.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by demonstrating professionalism, courteousness, and a strong work ethic.
- Answered telephone inquiries on checking and savings accounts, loans, and lines of credit.
- Increased cross-selling opportunities by identifying customer needs and recommending appropriate banking products or services.
- Educated customers on use of banking website and mobile apps.
- Supported team members in achieving branch goals through collaboration, communication, and shared responsibilities.
- Reinforced customer trust by providing accurate account information and transaction confirmations.
- Facilitated introduction of new tellers by mentoring them on bank procedures and customer service excellence.
- Maintained friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Counted, verified and handled bank deposits and armored car transactions.
- Monitored and verified suspicious activity on customer accounts.
- Arranged monies received in cash boxes and coin dispensers according to denomination.
- Processed applications for new accounts.
- Performed account maintenance by closing out accounts and changing customer addresses.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management
University of South Carolina
Bluffton, South Carolina04-2010
Associate of Business Administration -
South University
Savannah, Georgia03-2008
Skills
- Sage Peachtree
- Proficient in Munis software
- Microsoft Office Products
- Exceptional Microsoft Excel skills
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Decision making
- Multi-line phone system
- General office equipment
- Data entry
- General accounting
- Bookkeeping practices
- Accounts payable
- Accounts receivable
- Payroll processing
- Meeting deadlines
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Finance and accounting support
- Telephone and email etiquette
- Exceptionally organized
- Journal entry preparation
- PTO accrual
- Deductions documentation
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Critical thinking
- Account balancing
- Investigating discrepancies
- Dependable and adaptable
- Records management
- Expense reimbursements
- Bank statement analysis
- Vacation and leave tracking
- Discrepancy reconciliation
- Bank reconciliation
- General ledger management
- ERP implementation
Timeline
Payroll Specialist
Beaufort County Council
07.2023 - Current
Accounts Payable Specialist
Beaufort County Council
03.2022 - 07.2023
Fiscal Technician I
Beaufort County Council
07.2018 - 03.2022
Accounting Assistant
Elite Resort Group
09.2017 - 07.2018
Customer Service Clerk
Publix
04.2013 - 09.2017
Assistant Customer Service Manager
Harris Teeter
05.2011 - 10.2012
Personal Banker
The Savannah Bank
07.2007 - 05.2011
Teller
First Citizens
12.2004 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Management
University of South Carolina
Associate of Business Administration -
South University
Similar Profiles
Florence GreenlandFlorence Greenland
Special Needs Assistant at Beaufort Delta Education CouncilSpecial Needs Assistant at Beaufort Delta Education Council
Marcia McMorrowMarcia McMorrow
Special Education Teacher Assistant at Beaufort County SchoolsSpecial Education Teacher Assistant at Beaufort County Schools
Franca SerratelliFranca Serratelli
Paraprofessional at Beaufort County School DistrictParaprofessional at Beaufort County School District